advice on Mesa Quad Preamp

[Sanchez]

Hi

I have come across a Quad Preamp that is for sale and am considering buying but don't really know anything about it apart form what I have read on here and Harmonycentral.

I know a few of you have them. I was hoping you guys can post some sound files.

I'm looking for that early Petrucci kind of Mark2C+ lead and rythem tone and want to know if this pre can nail it.

Also what Power amp would be the best match.

Thanks

Sanchez

 

[Boogie4Life]

Hi Sanchez,
I used to have a Quad pre and ran it thru a Strategy 400 power amp.It was definitely pretty monsterous! As far as nailing Petrucci tones with it I can tell you he used a quad on Images and Words. I dont know what power amp he used it with and if he used it on the whole album or not,but its on there for sure. He toured with the Triaxis on that tour so I dont know if he ever used a quad on the road however. :wink:

 

[4nkam]

Go for it man! My two fave heavy players are Hetfield and Petrucci. Believe me when I say that the Quad TOTALLY DELIVERS the heavy tones as well as the smooth liquid lead tones

MJ

 

[Sanchez]

Cool, Thanks guys.

I believe the guy is wanting a little too much for it. Also, it was originally a US 120Volt modle that he bought from the US and brought back to Australia then had it internally converted to run 240Volts. Any idea what it would take to convert it? Would it have been a complete transformer change?

Any idea on what model power amp is a good match?

Sanchez

 

[Satchie]

Hello, when I was buying Quad preamp, my goal was to get the sound of early Dream Theater records. With Quad you will definetely get those tones you are craving. About power amp, buy Mesa 50/50, 2:fifty (I have this and it works great together), or maybe even 2:90 or 3:95-it depends how much power you need.

Any idea what it would take to convert it? Would it have been a complete transformer change?

Just change the output transformer, some people are making them, try to find someone. Transformers are generally cheap.

 

[Friedmett]

I'm the happy owner of a Quad preamp too.

It has alot of different sounds. Gain structure is: MK2C to MkIII.

Soundwise it's really incredible. Use a Strategy 400 or a simulclass 90. 295 or395. Just use a clean poweramp that only gives the sound of the Boogie.
I'm using an old Dean Markley I-20 at the moment which does the job and does not muddy the sound.

It can do Metallica to the sound of the recordings. Fluid leadsounds. Heavy, Rock you name it it's there.
Some people even say it's more natural sounding than a Triaxis. It's that good.

I'm very happy with mine and as far a s bying a MKC+ it's not that important since the Quad does the job.