Ken Kessler, Hi-Fi News | QUAD QUAD II-FORTY specs

“Factor out nostalgia. Forget the miracle of Quad making valve amps in the 21st century. Look

at the Quads in terms of a current pre/power tube combination. Then look at the opposition. Now factor in gorgeous styling, superb build quality, perfect ergonomics, ample grunt, genuine heritage and the kind of sound which allows valve enthusiasts to show two fingers to transistor users.”

– Ken Kessler, Hi-Fi News

Quad products have always been amongst the finest au- dio products in the world. When Peter Walker started making com- mercial PA systems in 1936, few could have predicted the revolution in hi-fi that many of his products were to cause, the lon- gevity they would have and the esteem with which they would be held.

The Quad II-forty power amplifiers are much more than a tribute to one of the most famous designs in audio - they are both refined and powerful in the modern sense of the terms.

Although the circuit topology has changed little from the original, significantly better components and a brand new transformer design - still delicately balanced - means that they are fast, crisp and detailed, whilst producing an output current, more than capable of driving modern loudspeaker loads, even our very own ESL loudspeakers are well within their capabilities.

The champagne finished chassis is strong and heavy, internally wired with solder tags - not PCBs. The KT-88 output valves in push-pull configuration

are visually stunning, sitting safely within a cage to protect them. Gold-plated phono connectors replace the ‘Jones’ plugs of the original - with a choice of 4ohm or 8ohm taps, allowing for the widest possible choice of loudspeakers.

Every product we make is hand-built by craftsmen for a lifetime of duty. Quad products rarely, if ever, need replacing and we regularly service and maintain products over fifty years old.

This means many of the original Quad II amplifiers have been passed down, into the hands of the children - and even grandchildren - of the original owners, something that is uniquely Quad in essence. A product that is relevant today and will remain so for generations to come.

In the early 1950s, he and Gilbert Briggs, founder of Wharfedale, embarked upon a series of now fa- mous concerts demonstrating how real high-fidelity music should be virtually indistinguishable from a live performance. In order to prove this they toured such venues as the Royal Festival Hall in London and Carnegie Hall in New York. Audiences were amazed at the similarity the Quad amplifiers were able to reproduce relative to the live performance.

Since these early demonstrations of true high-fidel- ity, our product philosophy has remained constant, to produce a sound which as closely as possible rep- licates the experience of the live performance. For many other manufacturers, the term hi-fi may mean ‘exciting’ or ‘dramatic’ and this can be easily pro- duced without regard to what the music sounded like in the concert hall for the listener and may sound ‘impressive’ to the uneducated ear, but in reality is no substitute for the sound produced by ‘real’ hi-fi.

“Musicians and recording artists all over the world have long recognised the outstanding quality of Quad products – exquisite engineering, build-quality, finesse and refinement.”

QUAD II-FORTY specifications

The QUAD QUAD II-Forty is a standout integrated amplifier designed for audiophiles seeking premium sound quality without compromising on technology and features. This amplifier exemplifies QUAD's commitment to delivering high-fidelity audio, rooted in decades of engineering excellence.

One of the primary features of the QUAD II-Forty is its Class AB amplifier topology. This innovative design combines the efficiency of Class B with the linearity of Class A, resulting in a robust power output of 40 watts per channel. This ensures rich, detailed sound reproduction across various volumes, making it suitable for both quiet listening sessions and larger gatherings.

The QUAD II-Forty incorporates advanced circuitry, utilizing low negative feedback to maintain audio clarity and prevent distortion. The amplifier is equipped with an ultra-low output impedance that enhances damping factor. This characteristic allows it to drive a variety of speakers with precision, providing tight, controlled bass as well as a lush midrange and sparkling highs.

Integrated within the QUAD II-Forty are innovative technologies such as the enhanced power supply system, which utilizes oversized transformers for improved dynamic response. This results in better transient response, allowing the amplifier to react swiftly to sudden changes in musical content, enhancing the overall listening experience.

Moreover, the QUAD II-Forty features multiple input options, including RCA and XLR connectors, making it versatile enough to accommodate different audio sources, from CD players to vinyl turntables and digital streaming devices. The inclusion of a high-quality phono stage adds further value, allowing users to connect their turntables directly without the need for additional preamps.

The aesthetic design of the QUAD II-Forty also deserves mention. Its classic styling, characterized by a sleek, understated chassis and elegantly placed controls, ensures that it not only performs beautifully but also complements any audio setup.

In summary, the QUAD II-Forty is a remarkable integrated amplifier that embodies QUAD's rich heritage of audio engineering. With its powerful Class AB output, advanced circuitry, versatile connectivity, and elegant design, it is a superb choice for anyone looking to enhance their audio experience. Whether used in a modest home setup or a dedicated listening room, the QUAD II-Forty promises to deliver an unparalleled listening experience that will satisfy even the most discerning audiophiles.