Quad 34 Problem
 

I've just plugged in a Quad 34 preamp that's been unused for a few
years. When I turn the volume control up there's a series of loud high
pitched clicks through the speakers, a bit like LP static discharge
maybe. It was fine last time it was used.

Does this sound like an expensive problem, or would I be better off
punting it on ebay, and buying another (about £80 it seems)?

Thanks, Rob

Quad 34 Problem
 

"Rob" wrote in message
...
I've just plugged in a Quad 34 preamp that's been unused for a few
years. When I turn the volume control up there's a series of loud high
pitched clicks through the speakers, a bit like LP static discharge
maybe. It was fine last time it was used.

Does this sound like an expensive problem, or would I be better off
punting it on ebay, and buying another (about £80 it seems)?

Thanks, Rob



I think you need to go into a bit more detail - it clicks but does it
play music? Are the clicks as you move the volume control or after you
have moved it and taken your hand off?

Ultimately Quad kit is well made and relatively simple. If you can find
the handbook it probably contains the circuit diagram so should be
fairly easy for someone competent in electronics to repair. Or you can
send it to Quad in Huntingdon where they have a superb service
department.



--
Woody

harrogate three at ntlworld dot com

Quad 34 Problem
 

"Rob" wrote in message
...
I've just plugged in a Quad 34 preamp that's been unused for a few years.
When I turn the volume control up there's a series of loud high pitched
clicks through the speakers, a bit like LP static discharge maybe. It was
fine last time it was used.

Does this sound like an expensive problem, or would I be better off
punting it on ebay, and buying another (about £80 it seems)?


Sounds to me like poor contact between the volume control wiper and the
track caused by surface tarnishing whilst the amp was out of use. Using it
should cure the problem.

David.

Quad 34 Problem
 

Woody wrote:
"Rob" wrote in message
...
I've just plugged in a Quad 34 preamp that's been unused for a few
years. When I turn the volume control up there's a series of loud high
pitched clicks through the speakers, a bit like LP static discharge
maybe. It was fine last time it was used.

Does this sound like an expensive problem, or would I be better off
punting it on ebay, and buying another (about £80 it seems)?

Thanks, Rob



I think you need to go into a bit more detail - it clicks but does it
play music? Are the clicks as you move the volume control or after you
have moved it and taken your hand off?

Yep - clicks as music played, as if a connection is loose, loud crackle,
and continue once hand removed. Slight occasional rustling noise when
volume set to zero. It's been on about 10 hours with no
improvement/deterioration. To add insult only one channel is working,
with both working when the mono button is pressed.

Ultimately Quad kit is well made and relatively simple. If you can find
the handbook it probably contains the circuit diagram so should be
fairly easy for someone competent in electronics to repair. Or you can
send it to Quad in Huntingdon where they have a superb service
department.

Yes - I gather, and if it was rare/loved I'd have it serviced. But as it
is it's not of any particular significance, and is quite old (sn 3942),
although it all looks new inside/out, apart from the volume knob. I
might get £30 on ebay making repair possibly uneconomic.

Quad 34 Problem
 

"Rob" wrote in message
...
I've just plugged in a Quad 34 preamp that's been unused for a few years.
When I turn the volume control up there's a series of loud high pitched
clicks through the speakers, a bit like LP static discharge maybe. It was
fine last time it was used.

Does this sound like an expensive problem, or would I be better off
punting it on ebay, and buying another (about £80 it seems)?

Thanks, Rob

It is the volume control that needs replacing. It's a very common problem
in most audio circuits of that age and the design of the control doesn't
help. No need to bin the preamp, just find another volume control.
Maplin will sell something suitable for around £2-3. I would solder it in
or
get a friend who can - you will save a fortune.

Quad 34 Problem
 

"Rob" wrote in message
...
I've just plugged in a Quad 34 preamp that's been unused for a few years.
When I turn the volume control up there's a series of loud high pitched
clicks through the speakers, a bit like LP static discharge maybe. It was
fine last time it was used.

Does this sound like an expensive problem, or would I be better off
punting it on ebay, and buying another (about £80 it seems)?

Thanks, Rob

See if you can spray some contact cleaner in and then twiddle the control
for a while with the unit off. Leave it to dry out and try it again.
Go for something like Servisol.

Quad 34 Problem
 

"h.tees" wrote in message
...

"Rob" wrote in message
...
I've just plugged in a Quad 34 preamp that's been unused for a few
years. When I turn the volume control up there's a series of loud
high pitched clicks through the speakers, a bit like LP static
discharge maybe. It was fine last time it was used.

Does this sound like an expensive problem, or would I be better off
punting it on ebay, and buying another (about £80 it seems)?

Thanks, Rob

It is the volume control that needs replacing. It's a very common
problem
in most audio circuits of that age and the design of the control
doesn't
help. No need to bin the preamp, just find another volume control.
Maplin will sell something suitable for around £2-3. I would solder
it in or
get a friend who can - you will save a fortune.




I don't think that may necessarily be the case. Quad were quite good
with their circuit design, and if the volume pot interfaced to a high
impedence load then it may not be the pot as such circuits were not
prone to that type of noise.

I suspect the problem here is dried out and/or leaky electrolytic
capacitors. Clicks whilst playing are typical of capacitors that are
leaking and affecting d.c. bias conditions.

I would agree that crackles whilst playing are also typical of a volume
pot that has gone noisy, but it should not do it at minimum volume where
the pot wiper is effectively earthed.

The loss of one channel that plays when the mono button is pressed says
one pre-amp is not working. I had a Q33 which had plug-in circuit
boards: it is just possible that this unit may be of the same
construction and that the boards have become dislodged. It might be an
idea to get the lid off and see if this is the case - if it has plug-in
boards even remove them, clean the contacts if necessary and put them
back. It might just cure everything.

Otherwise I stay with the cap theory.


--
Woody

harrogate three at ntlworld dot com

Quad 34 Problem
 

h.tees wrote:
"Rob" wrote in message
...
I've just plugged in a Quad 34 preamp that's been unused for a few years.
When I turn the volume control up there's a series of loud high pitched
clicks through the speakers, a bit like LP static discharge maybe. It was
fine last time it was used.

Does this sound like an expensive problem, or would I be better off
punting it on ebay, and buying another (about £80 it seems)?

Thanks, Rob

It is the volume control that needs replacing. It's a very common problem
in most audio circuits of that age and the design of the control doesn't
help. No need to bin the preamp, just find another volume control.
Maplin will sell something suitable for around £2-3. I would solder it in
or
get a friend who can - you will save a fortune.



OK, thanks. Thing is, it looks to be quite a unique part - Alps, with a
nice feel and little indented bumps as it turns. However, I'd be pretty
certain that they're available somewhere. I don't think I'd do it
myself, and there might be a 'good money after bad' type situation
building up ...

Rob

Quad 34 Problem
 

Woody wrote:
"h.tees" wrote in message
...
"Rob" wrote in message
...
I've just plugged in a Quad 34 preamp that's been unused for a few
years. When I turn the volume control up there's a series of loud
high pitched clicks through the speakers, a bit like LP static
discharge maybe. It was fine last time it was used.

Does this sound like an expensive problem, or would I be better off
punting it on ebay, and buying another (about £80 it seems)?

Thanks, Rob
It is the volume control that needs replacing. It's a very common
problem
in most audio circuits of that age and the design of the control
doesn't
help. No need to bin the preamp, just find another volume control.
Maplin will sell something suitable for around £2-3. I would solder
it in or
get a friend who can - you will save a fortune.




I don't think that may necessarily be the case. Quad were quite good
with their circuit design, and if the volume pot interfaced to a high
impedence load then it may not be the pot as such circuits were not
prone to that type of noise.

I suspect the problem here is dried out and/or leaky electrolytic
capacitors. Clicks whilst playing are typical of capacitors that are
leaking and affecting d.c. bias conditions.

I would agree that crackles whilst playing are also typical of a volume
pot that has gone noisy, but it should not do it at minimum volume where
the pot wiper is effectively earthed.

The loss of one channel that plays when the mono button is pressed says
one pre-amp is not working. I had a Q33 which had plug-in circuit
boards: it is just possible that this unit may be of the same
construction and that the boards have become dislodged. It might be an
idea to get the lid off and see if this is the case - if it has plug-in
boards even remove them, clean the contacts if necessary and put them
back. It might just cure everything.

Otherwise I stay with the cap theory.



Thanks. Wouldn't surprise me given the age, and the fact it worked
before. Only one channel is working in stereo, with sound coming out of
both speakers in one side mono when the mono button is pressed; and,
there are no plugin boards except the phono - it happens on all inputs.
FWIW I took the top off and everything looks brand new and shiny - no
bulging/leaking caps for example.

Rob

Quad 34 Problem
 

In article , Rob
wrote:
Woody wrote:
"Rob" wrote in message
...
I've just plugged in a Quad 34 preamp that's been unused for a few
years. When I turn the volume control up there's a series of loud
high pitched clicks through the speakers, a bit like LP static
discharge maybe. It was fine last time it was used.

Does this sound like an expensive problem, or would I be better off
punting it on ebay, and buying another (about £80 it seems)?

Thanks, Rob



I think you need to go into a bit more detail - it clicks but does it
play music? Are the clicks as you move the volume control or after you
have moved it and taken your hand off?

Yep - clicks as music played, as if a connection is loose, loud crackle,
and continue once hand removed.

If the 'clicks' only occur *when* music is playing and you adjust the
volume control, then it does seem like a volume control problem. However if
you get clicks when you rotate the control without any music or input at
all, it may be a dc offset problem, not the volume control.

Slight occasional rustling noise when volume set to zero. It's been on
about 10 hours with no improvement/deterioration. To add insult only one
channel is working, with both working when the mono button is pressed.



Yes - I gather, and if it was rare/loved I'd have it serviced. But as it
is it's not of any particular significance, and is quite old (sn 3942),
although it all looks new inside/out, apart from the volume knob. I
might get £30 on ebay making repair possibly uneconomic.

Jings! I'd probably pay 30 quid for it! :-)

Slainte,

Jim

--
Change 'noise' to 'jcgl' if you wish to email me.
Electronics http://www.st-and.ac.uk/~www_pa/Scot...o/electron.htm
Armstrong Audio http://www.audiomisc.co.uk/Armstrong/armstrong.html
Audio Misc http://www.audiomisc.co.uk/index.html

Quad 34 Problem
 

In article , h.tees
wrote:

It is the volume control that needs replacing. It's a very common
problem in most audio circuits of that age and the design of the control
doesn't help. No need to bin the preamp, just find another volume
control. Maplin will sell something suitable for around £2-3.

Erm... IIRC the Quad 34 uses a special version of the Alps 40mm detent
stepped pot/attenuator. I doubt you will find one from Maplin for 2-3 quid!
( If so, it is about time I sent them an order for a dozen. :-) )

Slainte,

Jim

--
Change 'noise' to 'jcgl' if you wish to email me.
Electronics http://www.st-and.ac.uk/~www_pa/Scot...o/electron.htm
Armstrong Audio http://www.audiomisc.co.uk/Armstrong/armstrong.html
Audio Misc http://www.audiomisc.co.uk/index.html

Quad 34 Problem
 

In article , Woody
wrote:
"h.tees" wrote in message


I don't think that may necessarily be the case. Quad were quite good
with their circuit design, and if the volume pot interfaced to a high
impedence load then it may not be the pot as such circuits were not
prone to that type of noise.

Unless the unit has been badly mistreated I also have doubts that the pot
is to blame as they are quite high quality stepped attenuators. More likely
a poor connection or dud cap elsewhere.

I suspect the problem here is dried out and/or leaky electrolytic
capacitors. Clicks whilst playing are typical of capacitors that are
leaking and affecting d.c. bias conditions.

I also suspect something like that.

I would agree that crackles whilst playing are also typical of a volume
pot that has gone noisy, but it should not do it at minimum volume where
the pot wiper is effectively earthed.

The loss of one channel that plays when the mono button is pressed says
one pre-amp is not working. I had a Q33 which had plug-in circuit
boards: it is just possible that this unit may be of the same
construction and that the boards have become dislodged. It might be an
idea to get the lid off and see if this is the case - if it has plug-in
boards even remove them, clean the contacts if necessary and put them
back. It might just cure everything.

I'd also recommend that.

I am trying to recall if early 34s had their ICs in holders. If so,
something like that is a candidate.

Slainte,

Jim

--
Change 'noise' to 'jcgl' if you wish to email me.
Electronics http://www.st-and.ac.uk/~www_pa/Scot...o/electron.htm
Armstrong Audio http://www.audiomisc.co.uk/Armstrong/armstrong.html
Audio Misc http://www.audiomisc.co.uk/index.html

Quad 34 Problem
 

In article , Rob
wrote:


OK, thanks. Thing is, it looks to be quite a unique part - Alps, with a
nice feel and little indented bumps as it turns. However, I'd be pretty
certain that they're available somewhere. I don't think I'd do it
myself, and there might be a 'good money after bad' type situation
building up ...

If you find a current UK supplier for small quantities of the Alps 40mm
stepped attenuator series, please let me know! I have a few I obtained
about 10 years ago, but have not been able to find a seller since!

In this case, the simplest best would be to buy a replacement pot from Quad
*if* it turns out to be the pot that is at fault - which I do doubt at
present.

Slainte,

Jim

--
Change 'noise' to 'jcgl' if you wish to email me.
Electronics http://www.st-and.ac.uk/~www_pa/Scot...o/electron.htm
Armstrong Audio http://www.audiomisc.co.uk/Armstrong/armstrong.html
Audio Misc http://www.audiomisc.co.uk/index.html

Quad 34 Problem
 

In article ,
h.tees wrote:
It is the volume control that needs replacing. It's a very common
problem in most audio circuits of that age and the design of the control
doesn't help. No need to bin the preamp, just find another volume
control. Maplin will sell something suitable for around £2-3. I would
solder it in or get a friend who can - you will save a fortune.

I'd be very surprised if Maplin sell a suitable replacement.

--
* I like you. You remind me of when I was young and stupid

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

Quad 34 Problem
 

In article ,
Jim Lesurf wrote:
Unless the unit has been badly mistreated I also have doubts that the
pot is to blame as they are quite high quality stepped attenuators. More
likely a poor connection or dud cap elsewhere.

Is it a stepped attenuator or just a normal pot with mechanical indents? I
suspect the latter.

--
*Just remember...if the world didn't suck, we'd all fall off*

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

Quad 34 Problem
 

In article , Dave Plowman (News)
wrote:
In article , Jim Lesurf
wrote:
Unless the unit has been badly mistreated I also have doubts that the
pot is to blame as they are quite high quality stepped attenuators.
More likely a poor connection or dud cap elsewhere.

Is it a stepped attenuator or just a normal pot with mechanical indents?
I suspect the latter.

IIRC the 40mm series of this type is a stepped attenuator. Metal landings
with resistive elements between them, and the wiper moves across them. This
was how Alps were able to sell versions laser trimmed to a given balance
and attenuation spec. Hence why they were also very costly even in
low-commercial-production quantities... and why they vanished from the UK
as an single item purchase. Cost too much to make import/sale worth the
effort when most people would buy something cheaper.

The volume controls I chose for the ancient Armstrong 700 was a stepped
attenuator from Alps of the kind I have in mind. With a laser trim to quite
close tolerances. Cost a fortune at the time! But I felt it was worth it
just to have the balance stay put as you wound the volume up and down over
the range. Has also proved its worth since when I do measurements as I can
accurately adjust and reset levels.

They also did a 4-gang version at one time so you could control i/p and o/p
level together! This turned up on a few amps from people like Pioneer, etc,
IIRC, but was very expensive even without special trimming, so only on
'flagship' designs.

Above said, for all I know they changed the design later on after learning
how to get the same accuracy from a continuous track!

The smaller Alps pots are a continuous track with a detent collar to mimic
the behaviour, but not the precision of the results. Much cheaper to make,
and so lower cost. Hence turned up on far more kit, and other mass
production makers did similar, cheap, pretend attenuators using a collar.

Alps probably would also do 40mm continuous with collar if wanted, so
the 34 control *may* be that, but I think it is a discrete attenuator. If
all that was wanted was a stepped action then the smaller pots with collar
will give that at lower cost. The 40mm size costs cash, but gives space for
the landings and elements, etc.

However I've not cut open one of the controls from an old 34, so I may be
being over-generous to PJW, Mike Albinson, etc. But I suspect not. :-)

That said, if the faulty 34 that started this thread was sent to me, and
I found that the control *was* to blame I could cut it open and report
what I found. But I'm not going to buy one from Quad just for that! ;-

Slainte,

Jim

--
Change 'noise' to 'jcgl' if you wish to email me.
Electronics http://www.st-and.ac.uk/~www_pa/Scot...o/electron.htm
Armstrong Audio http://www.audiomisc.co.uk/Armstrong/armstrong.html
Audio Misc http://www.audiomisc.co.uk/index.html

Quad 34 Problem
 

Rob wrote:
h.tees wrote:
"Rob" wrote in message
...
I've just plugged in a Quad 34 preamp that's been unused for a few
years. When I turn the volume control up there's a series of loud
high pitched clicks through the speakers, a bit like LP static
discharge maybe. It was fine last time it was used.

Does this sound like an expensive problem, or would I be better off
punting it on ebay, and buying another (about £80 it seems)?

Thanks, Rob

It is the volume control that needs replacing. It's a very common
problem
in most audio circuits of that age and the design of the control doesn't
help. No need to bin the preamp, just find another volume control.
Maplin will sell something suitable for around £2-3. I would solder
it in or
get a friend who can - you will save a fortune.



OK, thanks. Thing is, it looks to be quite a unique part - Alps, with a
nice feel and little indented bumps as it turns. However, I'd be pretty
certain that they're available somewhere. I don't think I'd do it
myself, and there might be a 'good money after bad' type situation
building up ...

Rob

There seems to be a lot of guessing going on. Why don't you just send it to
Quad Service Dept. and get it fixed properly. It won't cost an arm & a leg
- standard service charge is UKP48.00 and for that you get a FULL service.
Defective parts over the value of UKP1.00, Freight & VAT are charged in
addition. They guarantee labour & parts fitted for one full year.
Furthermore they always use new packing material for the return journey if
you haven't got the original packaging. So you end up with a properly
functioning unit AND the correct packaging for that unit. Prices may have
changed slightly since earlier this year, but you can always phone to
confirm beforehand.

Quad 34 Problem
 

"Jim Lesurf"


Erm... IIRC the Quad 34 uses a special version of the Alps 40mm detent
stepped pot/attenuator. I doubt you will find one from Maplin for 2-3
quid!
( If so, it is about time I sent them an order for a dozen. :-) )



** The Quad 34 does not use a stepped attenuator.

http://www.geocities.com/quad_esl63/...atic/pre34.jpg

The Volume control ( RV1a and RV1b ) is wired in the inverting feedback loop
around ICs 9 and 10.

The gain characteristic of this arrangement is quite unlike that of a simple
attenuator as it effectively converts a linear curve pot to log.

So I strongly suspect RV1 is a dual gang, continuous track, *linear* pot of
about 10 kohms.

Gives a lost cost volume control with predictable log curve and good
tracking.

PW would not be able to resist it.




...... Phil

Quad 34 Problem
 

Mike Coatham wrote:
Rob wrote:
h.tees wrote:
"Rob" wrote in message
...
I've just plugged in a Quad 34 preamp that's been unused for a few
years. When I turn the volume control up there's a series of loud
high pitched clicks through the speakers, a bit like LP static
discharge maybe. It was fine last time it was used.

Does this sound like an expensive problem, or would I be better off
punting it on ebay, and buying another (about £80 it seems)?

Thanks, Rob

It is the volume control that needs replacing. It's a very common
problem
in most audio circuits of that age and the design of the control doesn't
help. No need to bin the preamp, just find another volume control.
Maplin will sell something suitable for around £2-3. I would solder
it in or
get a friend who can - you will save a fortune.



OK, thanks. Thing is, it looks to be quite a unique part - Alps, with
a nice feel and little indented bumps as it turns. However, I'd be
pretty certain that they're available somewhere. I don't think I'd do
it myself, and there might be a 'good money after bad' type situation
building up ...

Rob

There seems to be a lot of guessing going on. Why don't you just send it
to Quad Service Dept. and get it fixed properly. It won't cost an arm &
a leg - standard service charge is UKP48.00 and for that you get a FULL
service. Defective parts over the value of UKP1.00, Freight & VAT are
charged in addition. They guarantee labour & parts fitted for one full
year.
Furthermore they always use new packing material for the return journey
if you haven't got the original packaging. So you end up with a properly
functioning unit AND the correct packaging for that unit. Prices may
have changed slightly since earlier this year, but you can always phone
to confirm beforehand.

Thanks Mike - I've just had a confirmation from Quad that that is,
indeed, the deal.

Seems amazing value - labour fixed at £48 plus VAT whatever needs doing,
plus parts. Last time I took something in for repair to a local place it
cost £50 just for them to look at it.

I'll report back.

Rob

Quad 34 Problem
 

"Rob"

Thanks Mike - I've just had a confirmation from Quad that that is, indeed,
the deal.

Seems amazing value - labour fixed at £48 plus VAT whatever needs doing,
plus parts. Last time I took something in for repair to a local place it
cost £50 just for them to look at it.


** Return to factory service is NOTHING like what your local repair tech
has to do in order to fix something.

For one, the factory generally has the needed PCBs, on hand, aplenty.

For another, they will not bother attempting the time consuming, highly
skilled job of diagnosing exactly which components are faulty - but rather
will have low skilled " monkeys " swap PCBs about until it goes again.

Or doesn't.

As a result, you pay a low or fixed labour cost but a get very steep parts
( mostly unnecessary) bill instead.

Eminently repairable gear is often declared to be uneconomic or impossible
to fix by this primitive method.

Once the stock of PCBs for old models dries up - they are ****ed and so are
you.




...... Phil

Quad 34 Problem
 

In article ,
Rob wrote:
Seems amazing value - labour fixed at £48 plus VAT whatever needs doing,
plus parts. Last time I took something in for repair to a local place it
cost £50 just for them to look at it.

Not really - if you are dealing with the same products all the time you
will have all the required test rigs, spares and expertise to hand. Plus
you can site your factory in a cheaper area than the local high street.

Not knocking Quad of course - so few others offer anything like such good
service.

I remember taking a pair of ELS 57 for repair - you could pre-book a same
day while you wait service. Some 30 years ago. The 'golden ears' who
assessed the speaker's condition was a large lady wearing a turban. She
played various types of music through them from a Brenel 1/4" tape machine
running at 15ips. And after giving her verdict recommended a local pub
while she saw to the repairs.

--
*Hang in there, retirement is only thirty years away! *

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

Quad 34 Problem
 

Phil Allison wrote:
"Rob"
Thanks Mike - I've just had a confirmation from Quad that that is, indeed,
the deal.

Seems amazing value - labour fixed at £48 plus VAT whatever needs doing,
plus parts. Last time I took something in for repair to a local place it
cost £50 just for them to look at it.


Sorry, for clarity. Seems amazing value to me based on my experience of
getting stuff fixed, not anyone else.


** Return to factory service is NOTHING like what your local repair tech
has to do in order to fix something.

For one, the factory generally has the needed PCBs, on hand, aplenty.

For another, they will not bother attempting the time consuming, highly
skilled job of diagnosing exactly which components are faulty - but rather
will have low skilled " monkeys " swap PCBs about until it goes again.


I'll be disappointed when they do that Phil. I have no experience of
dealing direct with Quad or any manufacturer. The issue is - they'd be
pretty stupid to try it on. They ask for no money up front - they give a
quote. I can say yes or no.

There are only two PCBs a '34 that I can see, and one of those is the
phono daughter board.

Yours is an interesting theory. I'll report back to the NG. If it's much
over 120UKP Jim can have it for 30UKP :-)

Rob

Quad 34 Problem
 

Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
In article ,
Rob wrote:
Seems amazing value - labour fixed at £48 plus VAT whatever needs doing,
plus parts. Last time I took something in for repair to a local place it
cost £50 just for them to look at it.

Not really - if you are dealing with the same products all the time you
will have all the required test rigs, spares and expertise to hand. Plus
you can site your factory in a cheaper area than the local high street.

Not knocking Quad of course - so few others offer anything like such good
service.


I think Sugden might. I bought one of their amps, must have been 30
years old, with a very recent service/repair receipt for 50-odd UKP.

I remember taking a pair of ELS 57 for repair - you could pre-book a same
day while you wait service. Some 30 years ago. The 'golden ears' who
assessed the speaker's condition was a large lady wearing a turban. She
played various types of music through them from a Brenel 1/4" tape machine
running at 15ips. And after giving her verdict recommended a local pub
while she saw to the repairs.


Nice one!

I respond to that. I just don't think I can get the same level of
care/service from my experience of local repair people. When my 50UKP
deposit amp was fixed, he simply bypassed the on/off switch (I think - I
don't know exactly what he did) so it was on all the time and charged me
70UKP. The amp failed again a couple of weeks later, and at that point I
gave up.

I'd happily pay a local artisan if I could find one and I thought they
could do a decent job.

Rob

Quad 34 Problem
 

I think Sugden might. I bought one of their amps, must have been 30
years old, with a very recent service/repair receipt for 50-odd UKP.

I remember taking a pair of ELS 57 for repair - you could pre-book a same
day while you wait service. Some 30 years ago. The 'golden ears' who
assessed the speaker's condition was a large lady wearing a turban. She
played various types of music through them from a Brenel 1/4" tape machine
running at 15ips. And after giving her verdict recommended a local pub
while she saw to the repairs.


Nice one!

I respond to that. I just don't think I can get the same level of
care/service from my experience of local repair people. When my 50UKP
deposit amp was fixed, he simply bypassed the on/off switch (I think - I
don't know exactly what he did) so it was on all the time and charged me
70UKP. The amp failed again a couple of weeks later, and at that point I
gave up.

I'd happily pay a local artisan if I could find one and I thought they
could do a decent job.

Rob

Trouble is theres no money in it at all these days...

If you -pay- yourself that is;!...
--
Tony Sayer...

Quad 34 Problem
 

Rob wrote:
Phil Allison wrote:
"Rob"
Thanks Mike - I've just had a confirmation from Quad that that is,
indeed, the deal.

Seems amazing value - labour fixed at £48 plus VAT whatever needs
doing, plus parts. Last time I took something in for repair to a
local place it cost £50 just for them to look at it.


Sorry, for clarity. Seems amazing value to me based on my experience of
getting stuff fixed, not anyone else.


** Return to factory service is NOTHING like what your local repair
tech has to do in order to fix something.

For one, the factory generally has the needed PCBs, on hand, aplenty.

For another, they will not bother attempting the time consuming,
highly skilled job of diagnosing exactly which components are faulty
- but rather will have low skilled " monkeys " swap PCBs about until
it goes again.


I'll be disappointed when they do that Phil. I have no experience of
dealing direct with Quad or any manufacturer. The issue is - they'd be
pretty stupid to try it on. They ask for no money up front - they give a
quote. I can say yes or no.
Phil of course is so far off the mark it is laughable. Quad service dept
isn't staffed by low skilled "monkeys" - I have met most of them and they
are technicians - in fact quite a few came up through the ranks and one or
two in particular were part of the production team when the 34 was being
built. Fortunately they don't repair toasters - they leave that to the
unqualified, unskilled repairers in Sydney.

There are only two PCBs a '34 that I can see, and one of those is the
phono daughter board.

Yours is an interesting theory. I'll report back to the NG. If it's much
over 120UKP Jim can have it for 30UKP :-)

Rob

Quad 34 Problem
 

"Mike Coatham"
Rob wrote:
Phil Allison wrote:

Seems amazing value - labour fixed at £48 plus VAT whatever needs
doing, plus parts. Last time I took something in for repair to a local
place it cost £50 just for them to look at it.


Sorry, for clarity. Seems amazing value to me based on my experience of
getting stuff fixed, not anyone else.


** Return to factory service is NOTHING like what your local repair
tech has to do in order to fix something.

For one, the factory generally has the needed PCBs, on hand, aplenty.

For another, they will not bother attempting the time consuming, highly
skilled job of diagnosing exactly which components are faulty - but
rather will have low skilled " monkeys " swap PCBs about until it goes
again.


I'll be disappointed when they do that Phil. I have no experience of
dealing direct with Quad or any manufacturer. The issue is - they'd be
pretty stupid to try it on. They ask for no money up front - they give a
quote. I can say yes or no.

Phil of course is so far off the mark it is laughable.


** What I posted is precisely correct.


Quad service dept isn't staffed by low skilled "monkeys"


** My post does not even mention Quad.

Try learning to read sometime - you arrogant pile of kiwi ****.



...... Phil

Quad 34 Problem
 

Phil Allison wrote:
"Mike Coatham"
Rob wrote:
Phil Allison wrote:
Seems amazing value - labour fixed at £48 plus VAT whatever needs
doing, plus parts. Last time I took something in for repair to a local
place it cost £50 just for them to look at it.
Sorry, for clarity. Seems amazing value to me based on my experience of
getting stuff fixed, not anyone else.

** Return to factory service is NOTHING like what your local repair
tech has to do in order to fix something.

For one, the factory generally has the needed PCBs, on hand, aplenty.

For another, they will not bother attempting the time consuming, highly
skilled job of diagnosing exactly which components are faulty - but
rather will have low skilled " monkeys " swap PCBs about until it goes
again.

I'll be disappointed when they do that Phil. I have no experience of
dealing direct with Quad or any manufacturer. The issue is - they'd be
pretty stupid to try it on. They ask for no money up front - they give a
quote. I can say yes or no.
Phil of course is so far off the mark it is laughable.


** What I posted is precisely correct.


Quad service dept isn't staffed by low skilled "monkeys"


** My post does not even mention Quad.

See below....

Try learning to read sometime - you arrogant pile of kiwi ****.

Phil, you should heed your own advice ...........the subject is "Quad 34
problem". Rob's reply specifically mentioned the (Quad) labour costs. Your
response was directly below that.
Just to re-iterate - we are discussing repairs to a Quad 34.

Lastly Phil, maybe you should read this:
http://www.siliconchip.com.au/cms/A_110635/article.html

This article raises some interesting issues - if you don't hold the
requisite qualifications - isn't any repair work you do illegal?

As a general comment to Rob and others reading this, I can confirm that
despite Phil's comments to the contrary, the Quad service staff DO diagnose
to component level, they DO use factory jigs to sit the boards on to assist
in fault finding if required, and they also DO use computer based testing
on completion to ensure all factory specs are met. I have seen it myself.

Quad 34 Problem
 

"Mike Coatham"

** Bloody sheep shagger.


Phil Allison wrote:
"Mike Coatham"
Rob wrote:
Phil Allison wrote:
Seems amazing value - labour fixed at £48 plus VAT whatever needs
doing, plus parts. Last time I took something in for repair to a
local place it cost £50 just for them to look at it.
Sorry, for clarity. Seems amazing value to me based on my experience of
getting stuff fixed, not anyone else.

** Return to factory service is NOTHING like what your local repair
tech has to do in order to fix something.

For one, the factory generally has the needed PCBs, on hand, aplenty.

For another, they will not bother attempting the time consuming,
highly skilled job of diagnosing exactly which components are
aulty - but rather will have low skilled " monkeys " swap PCBs about
until it goes again.

I'll be disappointed when they do that Phil. I have no experience of
dealing direct with Quad or any manufacturer. The issue is - they'd be
pretty stupid to try it on. They ask for no money up front - they give
a quote. I can say yes or no.

Phil of course is so far off the mark it is laughable.


** What I posted is precisely correct.


Quad service dept isn't staffed by low skilled "monkeys"


** My post does not even mention Quad.

Try learning to read sometime - you arrogant pile of kiwi ****.

Phil, you should heed your own advice


** My post does not even mention Quad.

Read the first line.


Just to re-iterate - we are discussing repairs to a Quad 34.


** Then the context changed to why return to factory servcie is so different
to local service workshops.

Try learning to read sometime - ****head.



........ Phil

Quad 34 Problem
 

"Mike Coatham"

** Bewa ****wit New Zealander alert !!!!!


Lastly Phil, maybe you should read this:
http://www.siliconchip.com.au/cms/A_110635/article.html

This article raises some interesting issues - if you don't hold the
requisite qualifications - isn't any repair work you do illegal?


** That article has nothing do with servicing electronic appliances.

It is all about "electrical" repair work on installed wiring - which is the
province of licensed electricians only in Aussie.

YOU really do have a MASSIVE literacy problem - don't you Mike ????

Plus being a pig ignorant turd.



As a general comment to Rob and others reading this, I can confirm that
despite Phil's comments to the contrary, the Quad service staff DO
diagnose to component level,


** My post never mentioned Quad.

Your reading comprehension is that of a demented 7 year old.



...... Phil

Quad 34 Problem
 

Phil Allison wrote:
"Mike Coatham"

** Bewa ****wit New Zealander alert !!!!!


Lastly Phil, maybe you should read this:
http://www.siliconchip.com.au/cms/A_110635/article.html

This article raises some interesting issues - if you don't hold the
requisite qualifications - isn't any repair work you do illegal?


** That article has nothing do with servicing electronic appliances.

It is all about "electrical" repair work on installed wiring - which is the
province of licensed electricians only in Aussie.

Read para.2 - AGAIN. Whilst the general tenor of the article relates to
'electrical' repair work, it also mentions plug-in appliances. So it isn't
ALL about electrical work is it? Lack of comprehension skills noted.

YOU really do have a MASSIVE literacy problem - don't you Mike ????

Nope - but you apparently do.
Which part of para. 2 of the article which says..
" Unlike most other states, in Queensland you cannot even repair plug-in
appliances (such as jug elements, etc)"...... do you not understand?
The article doesn't specifically rule out NSW does it, nor does it rule it
in, it says " Unlike most other states" - so what's the story in your neck
of the woods. In NSW, are unqualified people like yourself allowed to
repair plug-in appliances???? Is that plain enough for you?? A simple yes
or no would do.


Plus being a pig ignorant turd.



As a general comment to Rob and others reading this, I can confirm that
despite Phil's comments to the contrary, the Quad service staff DO
diagnose to component level,


** My post never mentioned Quad.

Your reading comprehension is that of a demented 7 year old.

Dunno - I've never met one.

You are very clever at snipping out comments which don't suit your argument
aren't you.

Quad 34 Problem
 

"Mike Coatham"

** Bewa ****wit New Zealander alert !!!!!



Lastly Phil, maybe you should read this:
http://www.siliconchip.com.au/cms/A_110635/article.html

This article raises some interesting issues - if you don't hold the
requisite qualifications - isn't any repair work you do illegal?


** That article has nothing do with servicing electronic appliances.

It is all about "electrical" repair work on installed wiring - which is
the province of licensed electricians only in Aussie.

Read para.2 - AGAIN. Whilst the general tenor of the article relates to
'electrical' repair work, it also mentions plug-in appliances.

** In passing only - plus says nothing of value.

The author ( Ross Tester) is well known to me, I have met him and spoken
with him several times.

He is a 100% dope - a know nothing, complete idiot.

You and he would be like twins.




YOU really do have a MASSIVE literacy problem - don't you Mike ????


Which part of para. 2 of the article which says..
" Unlike most other states, in Queensland you cannot even repair plug-in
appliances (such as jug elements, etc)"...... do you not understand?


** The comment is quite wrong - and I am not in Queensland.


The article doesn't specifically rule out NSW does it


** The Silicon Chip article simply has nothing to say about plug in
appliance repairs.

You illiterate bloody kiwi arsehole.


In NSW, are unqualified people like yourself allowed to repair plug-in
appliances????


** No licence requirement exists, except in Qld.

Even there, the needed licence is available merely for the asking - long
as one is not doing on site appliance repairs.

BTW: I am an extremely well qualified and long experienced audio tech.

What sort of ****wit soldering iron jockey are you ???



** My post never mentioned Quad.

Your reading comprehension is that of a demented 7 year old.

Dunno - I've never met one.


** You misread even that simple remark.

You illiterate bloody kiwi arsehole .



....... Phil

Quad 34 Problem
 

In article ,
Mike Coatham wrote:
" Unlike most other states, in Queensland you cannot even repair plug-in
appliances (such as jug elements, etc)"...... do you not understand?
The article doesn't specifically rule out NSW does it, nor does it rule
it in, it says " Unlike most other states" - so what's the story in
your neck of the woods. In NSW, are unqualified people like yourself
allowed to repair plug-in appliances???? Is that plain enough for
you?? A simple yes or no would do.

Sounds like essential legislation if all the inhabitants are as clueless
as Phil.

--
*Just give me chocolate and nobody gets hurt

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

Quad 34 Problem
 

"Dave Plowman (MORON )"


Sounds like essential legislation if all the inhabitants are as clueless
as Phil.


** ROTFLMFAO !!

Wot a bloody hoot -

from a congenital mental retard whos every utterance is pile of absolute
********.




...... Phil

Quad 34 Problem
 

In article , Phil Allison
scribeth thus

"Mike Coatham"
Rob wrote:
Phil Allison wrote:

Seems amazing value - labour fixed at £48 plus VAT whatever needs
doing, plus parts. Last time I took something in for repair to a local
place it cost £50 just for them to look at it.


Sorry, for clarity. Seems amazing value to me based on my experience of
getting stuff fixed, not anyone else.


** Return to factory service is NOTHING like what your local repair
tech has to do in order to fix something.

For one, the factory generally has the needed PCBs, on hand, aplenty.

For another, they will not bother attempting the time consuming, highly
skilled job of diagnosing exactly which components are faulty - but
rather will have low skilled " monkeys " swap PCBs about until it goes
again.


I'll be disappointed when they do that Phil. I have no experience of
dealing direct with Quad or any manufacturer. The issue is - they'd be
pretty stupid to try it on. They ask for no money up front - they give a
quote. I can say yes or no.

Phil of course is so far off the mark it is laughable.


** What I posted is precisely correct.


Quad service dept isn't staffed by low skilled "monkeys"


** My post does not even mention Quad.

Try learning to read sometime - you arrogant pile of kiwi ****.


Ah!, So its not just the **** POMMIE BARSTEWARDS ***** that attract the
Aussie ire then;?...

..... Phil









--
Tony Sayer

Quad 34 Problem
 

"tony sayer the lying pig "


Ah!, So its not just the **** POMMIE BARSTEWARDS ***** that attract the
Aussie ire then;?...


** Definition:

Kiwi = someone so congenitally stupid he failed to make it as a pommy
****** and went and hid like a coward in NZ.

Baaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh........




..... Phil

Quad 34 Problem
 

In article , Rob
wrote:


Yours is an interesting theory. I'll report back to the NG. If it's much
over 120UKP Jim can have it for 30UKP :-)

I suspect Quad will be able to repair it for you OK. But if not, please
contact me as, yes, I'd be happy to buy it for 30 quid. :-)

Slainte,

Jim

--
Change 'noise' to 'jcgl' if you wish to email me.
Electronics http://www.st-and.ac.uk/~www_pa/Scot...o/electron.htm
Armstrong Audio http://www.audiomisc.co.uk/Armstrong/armstrong.html
Audio Misc http://www.audiomisc.co.uk/index.html