QUAD 99 CDP and Wright 3.5's output question

Craig,

I replied directly to your e-mail, but for the benefit of others, the Quad 99 CDP is a great player. The added benefit of a very good remote variable volume control and digital inputs is just "icing on the cake".

I have used the Quad 99 CDP with a pair of 3.5 watt/ch. BottleHead Paramours and with a pair of Channel Islands Audio VMB-1s. My speakers are the easy to drive, Reference 3A MM DeCapos, which are 92db sens.

I have used my Quad 99 CDP as the centerpiece of my audio system. I've attached a DVD player to one of its digital inputs, and it works quite nicely. You could also connect any other digital source that outputs PCM and use the Quad's 24/192khz DACs.

The Quad makes a great centerpiece for an all digital 2-channel stereo/HT system. No pre-amp needed (or desired in my case!).

Enjoy,

TIC

Craig,

The max output of the Quad 99 CDP is 2.4VRMS. Generally, anything 2VRMS or greater will drive an amp to full output power. However, I'm no expert, so take this with a grain of salt.

Enjoy,

TIC
Tom In Cincinnati

Nakolawala,

I had a similar experience with the Quad 99 CDP. I took it to a friend's house to audition it in his very high resolution system. The sytem sounded better with the Quad CD direct to amp than it did using his $4000+ tube pre-amp. I wasn't specifically listening for dynamics, but I don't remember missing dynamics without the pre-amp. However, the Quad was noticably more transparent using its built-in volume control than it was when the $4000 pre-amp was in the chain.

For a CD only, or PCM digital only system, I can't image another sub $1500 front end that can touch the Quad. This is especially true if it allows you to eliminate (or sell)an expensive pre-amp.

Enjoy,

TIC

Craig,

You are correct, it is not particularly attractive and it certainly does not look like most high-end jewlery. It reminds me of my old Arcam Alpha 9 CD player which was also British, sounded pretty good and looked a bit cheap for the money spent.

Enjoy,

TIC