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Trace Elliot Quatra valve head????

#41
tombowlus said:
The Valve input on the VA400 is also a noteworthy distinction. I actually like the aesthetics of the Valve series a bit better, but if I could keep only a Hexa or a VA400, I'd go with the VA400. The tone from the Valve Input is just that much more clear, articulate, and open, plus the volume from the VA400 is downright scary!

Tom.
Click to expand...
All of this is applicable to the Quatra, so I don't think it's a derail...

So, Tom; I'm looking at the Quatra/Hexa service manual; and it says the pre is a GP12. Then, it lists the heads that contain this pre: AH200, AH300, AH500, and VA400.

I also see a lot of solid state in the pre schematic. Then, the 12AX7's seem to show up on the power amp schematic. It almost seems like a fairly complex solid state tone shaping system sitting in front of an all tube amp. Strange.

Anyway, is that a misprint then - that the VA400 is not configured this way?
 
#43
bucephylus said:
Anyway, is that a misprint then - that the VA400 is not configured this way?
Click to expand...

The VA400 has the GP12 pre, but it ALSO has a 'Valve Preamp' input, which is, I believe, a separate, very simple signal path (one 12AX7, I think), preamp. Using the Valve Preamp input bypasses the GP12 pre.

Tom.
 
#46
Found an old stack of Bass Player mags recently, and the Quatra Valve head is advertised prominently in many of them. And, a full review of the head, it's features and construction, is in the Fall 1990 issue, wit Will Lee on the cover. The review, written by David Hicks, says the preamp, exCEPT the graphic eq, is tube as well. The graphic eq is solid state, integrated circuits. Manufacturer's response says the preamp design is an updated version of the Mark V heads, which turned into "Series 6" heads, the main improvement being a graphic slider centered at 30hz. Glad I found this thread, cuz I'd been lookin at this head as a relatively light (35lbs) all tube power design. Wit what I read in the review, and here, I'd LOVE to score one. If anyone here knows where one is at, please, by all means, get in touch wit me. The thing just looks awesome, and some of my fave tones from back in the day created on them. Thanks, guys. Very informative.
 
#47
Nameless--any chance you could send a PDF of that article my way? I doubt I'll be able to find it anywhere, and I'd like to know the capability of the QuatraValve.

Question for those in the know:
If the midboost, graphic eq, and noise reduction are all bypassed, is the signal path all-tube?

I will say that with all those disengaged, it sounds more "organic" and not modern at all. Personally, I like the sound with the mid-boost on for pop tunes and slapping/popping, and with all switches disengaged for a tube/rock sound.
 
#48
FINALLY got meself a nice QUATRA :) ... now the quest for the right cab begins!! geez...

i'm leaning towards a sealed 410 for that sweet all tube pick player punch but there aren't a lot to choose from, especially downunder (btw: quatra=hens teeth here). would love a berg NV610 or even SVT410HE but they aren't cheap.

so far i'm looking at a used GK410RBS (400w) or the new Hartke AK410 (500w paper cones) or HX410 (1000w hybrid cones). i plan to run the quatra pretty hard (as a tube head ought) Any experience with these cabs or other suggestions?

also, any particular tube recommendations are welcome :)
 
#50
damn the reeves does look awesome! no chance getting one here though haha. hey i don't see trace heads using ampeg cabs - are they voiced a certain way that doesn't agree with the 'trace sound'?

re tubes: i can't figure out which way the pairs match up to either side of the OPT - are they grouped in diagonals or parallel to the housing? and has anyone tried pulling 2 out of a quatra or hexa for lower output (say, studio work)?

thanks for your advices - vhard to find any info elsewhere on the interweb... so cheers!
 
#51
sp3cialk said:
hey i don't see trace heads using ampeg cabs - are they voiced a certain way that doesn't agree with the 'trace sound'?
Click to expand...

You know, I haven't really tried my Trace heads with any Ampeg cabs, but this doesn't necessarily mean that they would not sound good together.

If you are dead set on a sealed 4x10, your options may be fairly limited. That HyDrive410 should be pretty good, though.
 
#52
For those discussing the existence of quatra power amps, yes they do exist. Think they just excluded the main preamp, though the wee single 'test' valve preamp is still there. I know someone said they'd seen one but just in case anyone was interested ...
 

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#56
Yes it does sound nice (at least to my untrained ear - I've never owned anything else comparable). It was made in 92 according to a sticker on one of the capacitors if that helps anyone fit it in a Trace anthology. I've used it with the TVT9 preamp into a 2103h for years, occasionally with a behringer compressor for something different. I'm actually looking to sell the lot cos I don't play much anymore and could probably get by with a combo. Any idea what prices I should be looking for?
 

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