QUAD 34

Pre owned. In good condition. Shows some signs of wear. Supplied with installed MM phono module and user-installable MC module (as shown in the photos). Original packaging not included.

The Quad Model 34 is a preamplifier designed by the British manufacturer Quad for audiophiles seeking precise control over vinyl playback, including older or lower-quality recordings. Its solid-state architecture integrates a moving-magnet (MM) phono preamplifier and includes a moving-coil (MC) module that can be easily installed by the user with minimal effort, without requiring technical intervention.

The Model 34 is designed to work optimally with Quad power amplifiers, such as the 405, although its nominal output of 500 mV may be insufficient to fully drive many American or Japanese amplifiers. All phono inputs are RCA connectors, while all other connections use DIN sockets. Adaptors are provided for Tape inputs and one high-level input, but additional sources may require extra adaptors, which are readily available from Quad, Creek, or B&O dealers.

The Aux input can function either as an input or an output by adjusting internal jumpers and using a four-conductor adaptor cable, but it cannot operate simultaneously in both modes. This allows connection of a secondary recorder for playback or recording while avoiding connections that could produce destructive feedback.

The Model 34 offers precise and immediate tone control. Three pushbuttons select high-frequency filtering: two provide 6 dB/octave attenuation at 10 kHz and 7 kHz, respectively, while the third increases the roll-off slope, effectively reducing noise and distortion. The bass and tilt controls operate in 2 dB steps: the Bass Lift acts like a Baxandall control with a turnover frequency that rises as the boost increases, while the Bass Step introduces a shelving cut across the entire low-frequency range, varying the cutoff frequency between 100, 170, and 200 Hz without affecting the lowest frequencies.

The Tilt control, unique to Quad preamplifiers, rotates the frequency response around an 800 Hz axis, allowing the overall sound balance to shift from warm to cool without affecting apparent volume or timbre. Each step changes the 100 Hz level by 1 dB in the opposite direction of the 10 kHz level, producing an overall 2 dB adjustment between bass and treble. This enables effective correction of recordings with evident tonal imbalances while maintaining integrity at frequency extremes.

Overall, the Quad Model 34 excels at correcting many common and pronounced recording flaws, offering detailed and reliable control over playback. The “lack of subtlety” in the controls is not a limitation, as it allows effective correction of obvious issues. Its precise and immediate adjustments make it an ideal preamplifier for critical listening and for optimizing high-end analog systems.

Technical specifications:

• Type: stereo solid-state preamplifier

• Inputs: Phono (MM or optional MC included); Tuner; Auxiliary; Tape Loop

• Filters: selection of 3 HF filter curves

• Tone controls: Tilt; Bass boost and Bass cut

• Additional functions: Mono/Stereo switch; one switched AC outlet

• Maximum output level: 500 mV

• Dimensions: 318 x 267 x 70 mm (W x D x H, including knobs and rear connectors)

• Weight: 3.2 kg