QUAD 99 CDP and Wright 3.5's output question

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.

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

Just out of curosity I opened the Quad cdp to get a feel of the internals and quality of components. The cdp is very laid out with a huge toroidal transformer, good sheilding and good use of quality components.
What struck me was the variable vol control. It is made up of 4 relays which switch on/off resistive network to attain attenuation followed by a buffer. The total # of steps is 32.

very good implementation of the vol control.

Thanks guys for your posts.Although i don't like the aesthetics of this unit it does seem to offer some incredible quality and value.If i didn't have to look at this thing everyday i would probably be leaning more towards this unit from your help and comments.Maybe the pictures i have seen of the unit aren't doing it justice.
Ok i have to try and find a better one cause this unit would solve alot of troubles and make life simpler.

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