Dada Electronics Australia® is the Asia-Pacific distributor for
Dada Electronics Europe of Belgium,
also represented in
the Netherlands
and North America.
We have over ten years' experience in vintage hi-fi repair,
with hundreds of satisfied customers in
Australia,
New Zealand,
Japan,
Indonesia,
Malaysia,
Singapore,
and elsewhere in our region, as far away as Vladivostock.
We have over 30 years' experience as happy Quad users;
20 years of performing classical music at the highest level;
and a lifetime interest in hi-fi and electronics,
including stints in the music and recording industries.
We specialize in restoring and improving the musical performance of hi-fi equipment.
Dada Electronics Australia is now expanding into repairs of
other hifi brands,
valve guitar amplifiers,
and certain Tektronix test equipment.
Vintage Hi-Fi
Brands
Quad repair in Australasia is only officially supported via the warranty agent during the 12-month warranty period.
We specialize in Quad equipment of all vintages back to Quad's own beginnings in 1936,
in accordance with Quad's own policy in the UK.
We started down this road merely to fix our own several generations of Quads, being unable to find repairers.
We are also experienced in a number of other well-known brands.
We also specialize in valve FM tuners.
We offer Dada Electronics Europe's standard, fixed-price servicing for many of the solid-state Quad hi-fi units.
These services include everything required to renovate and renew vintage hi-fi units
and make them ready for another decade of pleasure.
We have for many years also offered fixed-price servicing
for Quad valve amplifiers, preamplifiers, and tuners,
for several other vintage brands shown below,
and for almost any valve AM or FM tuner,
subject to availability of service information.
Services
Our fixed-price services have been designed, after many years of experience, to cover about 90%
of the faults that normally arise over time, such as
increased noise levels or distortion,
noisy controls,
poor channel separation,
woolly bass,
etc.
Any repairs still required after completing the service are charged at T&M rates by prior agreeement.
Service prices do not include transistors, valves/vacuum tubes, lamps, or other components required to correct remaining faults.
Servicing typically includes:
Replacement of electrolytic capacitors, which dry out over a period of decades, and lose function.
Testing and condition report on all valves.
Upgrade of any op-amps to modern standards.
Upgrade of audio IC switching chips if present.
Replacement of other critical components, including in some cases all power supply components.
Addition of RCA input sockets and replacement of speaker posts on early Quad 405 amplifiers.
Realignment of class A or B power amplifiers where necessary.
Laboratory testing to ensure factory specification is met.
A two-hour listening test to 'burn-in' new components and assure final quality.
We will also recommend sources for valves and cables as required. We do not supply these ourselves in most cases.
Preamplifiers
Quad 33s often require replacement of panel lamps, not included in the service but available for a small fee.
We can adjust your 33, 34, 44, or 66pre to match your phono cartridge exactly if required, for no extra charge.
Power amplifiers
We can adjust the sensitivity of 405s, 606s, 707s, and 909s at no extra charge.
Many users find these too sensitive: a 2x or 3x gain reduction makes them more usable.
The selected Berndt Ludwig 405 modifications we perform are sufficient to more or less transform a 405-1 into a 405-2.
Service of other-brand valve and solid state amplifiers is subject to availability of service material and a $90 inspection fee.
Tuners
We specialize in RF and IF alignment and MPX calibration of valve and solid-state AM and FM tuners by
Quad,
Leak,
Radford,
Sugden,
Dynaco,
H.H. Scott,
Fisher,
McIntosh,
and other fine manufacturers.
We can evaluate the alignment and calibration of your tuner using our B&K, Sound Technology, and Tektronix test equipment without even removing the cover.
Quad FM
The correct name for this is 'the FM tuner', although it is often known as the FM1.
This is part of the Quad II/22 setup, needing to be powered by the 22 control unit or a separate 330VDC supply.
When well-aligned, it is a very serious audiophile contender among valve tuners.
There are four or five circuit variations, depending on serial number, including valve changes.
The original factory 'bird-cage' decoder is now of historical interest only,
and should generally be replaced with a modern unit.
However we have stumbled on a way of substantially improving the sound of this original MPX,
at the expense of somewhat reduced channel separation.
Quad AM
The correct name for this is 'the AM tuner', although it is often known as the AM1.
Like the FM tuner above, it is part of the Quad II/22 setup with the same power requirements.
It is an audiophile-grade AM tuner with several bands and switchable bandwidths.
There are two versions, the rare early version with the 'half-moon' controls, and the more common later version.
European models had LW, MW, and SW bands; export models had MW, SW1, and SW2 bands.
Quad FM2
This is essentially an 'FM tuner' in an AM3 case to match the 33 preamp,
with an independent mains supply,
and with somewhat better stereo performance than the 'FM tuner' due to minor circuit tweaks,
and an internal stereo decoder.
Not to be confused with the later solid-state FM3 which superceded the FM2: see below.
Although the FM3 is a most competent performer, many audiophiles and collectors prefer the FM2, especially with a modern stereo decoder.
We can replace the FM2 decoder with a much better-performing modern unit.
Quad AM3
This is essentially an 'AM tuner' in an FM2-sized case with an independent power supply.
Like its predecessor, it is an audiophile-grade AM tuner with LW, MW, and SW bands and switchable bandwidths.
This was Quad's last valve tuner and also their last AM tuner.
Only 2000 were made and they are now much sought-after, changing hands for four-figure prices (AUD).
Quad FM3
This is the solid-state replacement for the FM2 above,
fitting into the same case as the 33 preamp and looking almost identical to the FM2 from the front,
except that the indicator lights are in the reverse positions.
There are three distinct versions: serial nos. 1-5884, 5885-9999, and 10,000 upwards.
To our ears the early FM3 before serial number 5885 sounds better than the later one, although it is more of a servicing headache:
the MC1305P decoder chip used early in the production run has seven adjustments to the two required by the MC1310P used subsequently.
Quad FM4
The FM4 tuner matches the 34 and 44 preamps and is a superb piece of work,
with 7-preset station memory,
and a laid-back sound to die for.
We can now supply and fit a new CPU made by Quad for this tuner,
which not only allows for 14 pre-set stations
but also eliminates the battery.
Quad FM66
The FM66 and subsequent FM77 and FM99 Quad tuners are substantially similar to the FM4,
but with a revised RF section
and remote control.
H.H. Scott
H.H. Scott made some of the finest FM tuners and MPX units of the valve era,
including the 310, 314, 330, and 350 series, and the 335 MPX unit.
We have serviced all these models and can correct the de-emphasis to 50μS for Australia/New Zealand broadcast conditions.
Leak Troughline
These are among the most sought-after of all British valve tuners,
with exceptionally stable tuning due to three separate design elements;
two stages of limiting;
and quite remarkable sound.
The original factory stereo decoder was unfortunately a piece of junk,
and we take great pleasure in replacing it with a modern unit.
Leak Stereofetic:
These are not among the most sought-after of all British tuners,
for reasons which escape us.
They have superb technical specifications, and audio performance quite similar to the Troughline series.
McIntosh
McIntosh made fine valve tuners,
notably the MR66 and MR67 series,
which we have serviced,
including the MR66's outboard MA-6 MPX decoder.
Other brands
We have also serviced tuners by Dynaco, Harmon-Kardon, Luxman, Pioneer, Radford, Sansui, Sony ES, etc.,
and in general can service and align almost any valve-based tuner, subject to availability of service information.
The stereo MPX unit we supply is based on the LM4500 IC used in the Quad FM4 and many other quality tuners.
Quad FM3s often require replacement of panel lamps, not included in the service but available for a small fee.
CD players
Not much goes wrong with CD players except for the need for the occasional clean,
but we do offer the services mentioned below for these special cases.
For sale
We don't do much trading in complete units, but things occasionally come our way for sale.
Please contact us for further details.
Condition report
Sometimes you just want to know whether something is working, and how well, to help you decide whether to service, sell, etc.
We offer a condition report service:
an evaluation and written report on the current performance of any pre-amplifier, amplifier, active crossover, or tuner, for your information.
We perform a visual examination, graduated power-up, and measure as follows:
Preamplifiers
THD, IMD, bandwidth, RIAA accuracy, output level, all inputs and all outputs.
Power amplifiers
THD, IMD, bandwidth, stability, total power (up to 200W only).
This service can be done while you wait and costs $A30 per functional unit,
i.e. $A60 for integrated amplifiers (preamp+amp)
or $A90 for receivers (preamp+tuner+amp).
Site visits
For large installations such as recording studios we can also do a site visit,
to check all your channels of all your gear.
Of the services listed, only the standard THD, noise, bandwidth, and power tests are portable.
Price on application, including travel time in both directions.
Products
Service kits
Do-it-yourself service kits for most of the solid-state Quad units are available at the
Dada Electronics Europe Webshop.
$ASK us about kits for Quad/Leak/Radford valve units and tuners: see Contacts below.
In addition, we supply further do-it-yourself service kits as follows:
Each kit consists of
a set of PSU capacitors,
other electrolytic capacitors,
and other capacitors, resistors and diodes as required.
Complete instructions are provided,
and support via email is available during business hours to a reasonable extent.
You will need
forceps or pliers,
screwdrivers etc.,
a temperature-controlled soldering iron,
leaded solder,
desoldering wick or a desoldering pump,
a multimeter,
and reasonable proficiency in soldering and desoldering.
Prior experience in electronics is preferable if not essential.
Spare parts
A large range of spare parts is available at the Dada Electronics Europe Webshop.
In addition, the following spare parts are available for immediate purchase here from local stock.
Our
power amplifier kits and
capacitor sets use Kemet BHC PSU capacitors with 28,000 hour rated lifetimes.
Replacement PCB boards for Quad 303 and 405 by Dada Engineering
are available at the Dada Electronics Europe Webshop.
These are manufactured to the highest standards and follow the latest issued Quad designs.
The 303 boards provide options for sensitivity adjustment and for fully complementary output transistor stages.
Unit
PCB complement
303
2 x amplifier boards, 1 x PSU board
405
2 x amplifier boards
Prices shown are per single board.
These prices fluctuate with the AUD/EU exchange rate.
We provide a fitting service for Dada Engineering PCBs at $A25 per board including full testing,
or a full inspection, test, and alignment service at $A60 after you've fitted your boards but before first power-up.
iPad/iPhone/iPod repairs
We can replace screens and batteries in any model iPad, iPhone, or iPod.
Same day service.
We do not require your unlock code.
Test when you collect.
Booking and 50% deposit required.
Too many models to list here, please ask.
Guitar amplifiers
We can undertake repair and renovation of any valve-based
Fender,
Gibson,
Gretsch,
or Eminar
guitar amplifier at T&M.
We may be able to service other brands, subject to availability of service information.
We do not service solid-state guitar amplifiers.
We can also supply and fit the TBX-1 and Active Mid-boost controls for Fender Stratocasters,
and perform electrical repairs inside electric guitars.
Test equipment
Tektronix repair
After various entertaining incidents in our laboratory,
we can now undertake repair of
Tektronix TM500 mainframes and a number of plugin units.
Repairs are charged at T&M.
Please ask us about other Tektronix equipment not listed here,
but note that we do not service oscilloscopes of any kind, although we can service
certain 7000-series plugin units as shown below.
Sound Technology alignment and upgrade
We can also perform alignments and Brian Beezley's modifications for
Sound Technology ST-1000A units.
Our workbench
Our highly equipped workbench consists of
Tektronix™,
Sound Technology™,
EMC™,
and B&K™
test equipment for
function and signal generation;
THD and IMD distortion analysis and measurement;
noise-floor and bandwidth measurement;
spectrum analysis;
AM and FM tuner alignment;
valve testing;
transistor curve tracing;
and power supply simulation and testing.
We can handle both 240VAC and 110VAC equipment.
Procedure
You can purchase kits, parts, and Dada Engineering PCBs online here via our PayPal™ shopping cart.
For servicing:
Decide what you want.
Ring or contact us as below to discuss if necessary.
Send your item(s) to us, well packed, with a covering letter detailing any known faults, and providing a return address, phone number, and email address for PayPal billing.
We will confirm arrival and progress of the work, and raise any issues with you as necessary.
We will complete the service and then bill you via PayPal.
When you pay we will re-pack your item(s), reusing your own packing, and send them back to you.
We will enter the Australia Post tracking number on your payment at PayPal: they will send you an email confirming shipping and providing this number.
Happy listening!
Contact
For any of the services mentioned on this page please CONTACT US:
Dada Electronics Australia
286 Canterbury Rd
St Kilda West 3182
Victoria, Australia
+61 3 9534 8575 10am-6pm AEST Monday to Friday ONLY.
12 month warranty on all new parts and labour, valves excluded.
Payment is due on invoice, which we will render via PayPal when service is complete, or in some cases to fund parts.
Please allow 1-2 weeks for delivery of online purchases to allow for items out of stock.
Purchaser pays freight both ways for services and warranty claims.
Current T&M rate is $A60/hour.
We charge a fee for preparing quotations or 'lifting the lid' on equipment not listed here.
We reserve the right to charge an inspection fee for frivolous warranty claims.
Repairer's lien applies after 30 days under the Sale of Goods Act 1959, State of Victoria.
Goods unclaimed and unpaid for may be sold at public auction to recover costs, with credit balance if any refunded to owner.
Storage charges may apply from two weeks after invoice at our discretion.
Except as expressly provided by the laws of the State of Victoria and the Commonwealth of Australia
Dada Electronics Australia accepts NO LIABILITY whether consequential or otherwise arising out of its work.
Electronic equipment contains dangerous voltages, and owners and users are expected to exercise all due and necessary care and caution and use their own judgment when operating these devices.
Items placed with Dada Electronics Australia for repair or review are
covered for insurance purposes by a house contents policy only,
and no other liability against loss is expressed or implied.
Prices shown do not include GST, which is charged at 10% to Australian customers.
