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QUAD 99 CDP and Wright 3.5's output question

I am purchasing a pair of Wright 3.5's, and was wondering if anyone has experience with this combo, or if anyone could tell me if they think this combination will work properly driving a pair of 103 db efficiency horn speakers?Trying to figure out what to do, or to just stick with my modified Music Hall CD25 for now ,and buy the passive Luminous Audio Axim instead, until i can afford a better player.Really think the Music Hall sounds nice and any help in this area would be greatly appreciated.I have just heard some good things about the Quad 99CDP and i also could use the DVD hook up but may forego that if the other combo would be better.
seekburk
jdombrow
371 posts
 
When I had the passive preamp, I was running an AH! Njoe Tjoeb 4000 CD player that has provisions for adjusting the output voltage as high as 5.0 volts, which worked well with the passive pre. The normal setting for this player is 2.5 volts, and that was barely enough to drive the amps. But my speakers are only about 91-92 dB efficient. As I said, with your speakers, you may have better luck, but I think an active preamp will provide better dynamics. I'm using a Bottlehead Foreplay that has been heavily tweaked, and it is a fantastic preamp.
reubent
7,048 posts
 
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
seekburk OP
126 posts
 
Thanks Guys !! I appreciate the help.
nakolawala
42 posts
 
I am using the Quad 99 cdp with a Tektron 45 SET amp driving my Oris 150 horns at 105 db efficiency. The Quad cdp works great with the SET amp and it has better dynamics and drive than my previous set up which was an cdp and Tube preamp.
Hence I got rid of my preamp and no loss in preformance.
reubent
7,048 posts
 
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
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