Why does it sound so good to me?

**johnsonad** · April 27th, 2012, 08:45 PM

I posted a few days ago that I finished recapping a Quad 303 amp and installing the Net Audio PS and rectifier boards. I used the original specified values and adjusted the bias. My system has an odd ball rare Pioneer C-Z1 preamp to the 303 and Altec Model 19's.

My question for those who know more than I do is why does the 303 match so well to the 19's? To my ears even with new caps the clarity and control is surprising. This little amp has very good imaging, amazing clarity and a sense of realism that's almost scary. The bass is well controlled and the highs are clear and defined. Does the impedance load offered by the Quad work better with some speakers? I'm stunned but happy and it's hard to get away from the system at the moment.

Previous amps I've used with these 19's include: Pass Aleph 30, McIntosh MC75's, Bottlehead 300B/2A3 Paramounts, Heathkit UA-2's and Pioneer M-Z1's.

Regards,

Aaron

**Panomaniac** · April 28th, 2012, 09:11 AM

Beats me. I only remember hearing the stock 303 on the Quad panels, and it was no winner. OK, but not great. Kinda muddy, opaque, dull - compared to better amps. Maybe your upgrades have transformed it.

**Altec Best** · April 28th, 2012, 12:54 PM

That's an easy one ! The signal ends with a pair of 19's

**cradeldorf** · April 28th, 2012, 02:45 PM

Originally Posted by Altec Best

That's an easy one ! The signal ends with a pair of 19's

That was gonna be my argument.

**Panomaniac** · April 28th, 2012, 06:33 PM

Yeah, that's gonna help with just about any amp.

**johnsonad** · April 28th, 2012, 06:51 PM

To be fair, no every amp drives these speakers well as you know. SET didn't cut it for me, no bass. PP KT88's were a little too much. PP EL84's were nice but not quite there and the Aleph 30 did a good job but didn't move me. So far this ugly little Quad is doing a great job, I just don't understand why??......