Quad QII-Classic
Quad’s QII-Classic is a distinctive KT66 valve monoblock, pairing 15W of class-A push-pull power with a famously spare two-stage circuit. Stereophile highlights its engineering-led blend of low-distortion triode-like operation and tetrode efficiency, while modern safety and connection updates preserve its enduring, heritage-rich appeal.
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Kinda Soggy
Sound Quality
50/100
Build Quality
63/100
Value for Money
85/100
Pros
Class-A push-pull circuit is engineered to combine low distortion with appreciably greater efficiency than pure triode operation.
Faithful revival of the original Quad II design, enhanced with a protective valve cage, IEC power inlet and modern gold-plated speaker terminals.
Cons
Its 15W output makes loudspeaker matching important; supplied evidence does not establish performance with low-sensitivity or difficult impedance loads.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 50/100
The available review material does not provide substantive listening impressions of the QII-Classic's clarity, tonal character, dynamic behaviour, or spatial presentation. Stereophile describes the circuit as combining low-distortion Class-A triode operation with some of the efficiency of Class-B tetrode operation, but does not translate this into an audible verdict.
Transparency Resolution
50/100
Stereophile identifies the Quad II circuit's aim of low distortion, but offers no direct comments on perceived clarity, fine-detail retrieval, noise floor, or grain. The review evidence says little about how transparent or revealing the amplifier sounds with music.
Tonal Balance Musicality
50/100
There are no supplied listening observations concerning tonal balance, timbre, warmth, neutrality, or long-session enjoyment. The valve complement and circuit topology alone do not establish a particular sonic character.
Dynamics
50/100
The QII-Classic is specified at 15W RMS, and Stereophile notes its efficiency-conscious tetrode operation. However, no reviewer comments are provided on transient impact, bass grip, headroom, or performance with demanding loudspeaker loads.
Soundstage Imaging
50/100
The supplied review extract does not discuss stage width, depth, image focus, or image stability. There is therefore no direct listener evidence about the amplifier's spatial presentation.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
63/100
The QII-Classic is a dedicated valve monoblock using KT66 output valves, EF86 input valves, and a GZ34 rectifier, with a stated 15W output into 8 ohms. Its specified noise performance is better than -90dB and the published damping factor is 11.75, though the supplied review gives no hands-on assessment of chassis finish, connectors, reliability, or internal execution.
Value for Money
85/100
The listed price is 3995, placing the QII-Classic in a premium specialist valve-monoblock segment. None of the supplied review material compares it with peers or offers a view on whether its performance and ownership proposition justify that asking price.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
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Specifications
- Model
- QII-Classic
- Input Sensitivity
- 775mV RMS
- Power Output
- 15W RMS
- Output Impedence
- 8 Ohms
- THD @ 700Hz
- 0.8% @ 12W
- Residual Hum and Noise
- Better than -90dB
- Frequency Response
- 10H - 20kHz (± 0.2dB)
- Damping Factor
- 11.75 @ 700Hz (referred to 8 Ohms)
- Valves
- 2 x EF86 2 x KT66 1 x GZ34
- Dimensions (W x H x D)
- 335 x 121 x 171mm
- Weight
- 8.3kg
Manufacturer's Description — Quad
Power Amplifier
This is a faithful reproduction of the original mono amplifier – the new QUAD II Classic offers audiophiles the chance to recreate the spirit and atmosphere produced by one of the most famous amplifiers in audio history. Peter's circuit, notably the design of the output transformer has become of legendary status – analysed by the finest minds in the industry.
The QUAD II classic has been recreated accurately with output valves and input valves the equivalent of those used in the original. The output valves produce around 15W per channel operating in Class A, which allow a gloriously sweet and refined sound with appropriately matched contemporary loudspeakers. The QII Mono is available and supplied in matched pairs.
Verified Dealers
Online Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Quad QII-Classic
- Holt Hill — online and in-store — Andover, Massachusetts, United States (website)
- Acoustic Technologies — online and in-store — Montréal, Québec, Canada (website)
- Acton Gate Audio — online and in-store — Cymru, United Kingdom (website)
- Alen Audio — in-store — Extramurs, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain (website)
- Alma Music & Audio — online and in-store — San Diego, California, United States (website)
- Alpha Audio Pte — online and in-store — Singapore, Singapore (website)
- Analogue Seduction — online and in-store — Whittlesey, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Area Hifi — online and in-store — L'Eixample, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain (website)
- Aris Audio — in-store — Salt Lake City, Utah, United States (website)
- Art & Voice — online (website)
and 102 more verified dealers