Daddy Dee Posted March 13, 2004 Share Posted March 13, 2004 A few weeks ago I'd read a thread on center channel and some forum member mentioned using the Dynaco QD-2. Those things are still being sold as NOS at $30 each and available on Ebay. I have been listening to it this evening (with Khorn L&R and Heresy center) and think it sounds amazing. I'm hearing more stereo seperation and larger soundstage than before. Don't know what is in the circuit, but the sound is killer. A couple of things about this that I find interesting. It processes sound at speaker level having the L and R channel feed out of the amp directly into the unit. This allows one to drive L + C + R with the convenience of only a two channel amp. The whole thing is passive, but it does allow one to control the volume on the center channel. Also, it does have outputs for L and R rear surrounds. I haven't set it up as HT with rears, but I've read some reviews on Audioreview.com of folks that find it impressive in that regard. It is not prologic and won't decode dolby or dts. So, it wouldn't provide the sound of bullets whizzing past one's ears. However, as a quick and dirty setup to add center channel... man, does it ever sound good. Thanks to whoever the forum member was who mentioned this in an earlier thread. Also, further evidence that David Hafler was among the smartest on the planet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdm56 Posted March 14, 2004 Share Posted March 14, 2004 DaddyDee, I've got my QD-2 in the family room HT rig right now. I have to say I think it was MUCH better in the music room. In fact, I agree with you - it sounds great with music! Not so great with video, though. I really miss the steering of DPL-II. Instead, you get a big diffuse sound that seems to come from everywhere...and nowhere. My only real beef with it for music was just the fact you have little control over the relative levels of mains to center and mains to rear. In that regard I think a similar device that worked at line-level (Chase Technology had one), thereby allowing separate amps for all channels might be even better. But I don't think it had the audiophile credentials of the Dynaco unit. Like you said, the sound is killer! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daddy Dee Posted March 14, 2004 Author Share Posted March 14, 2004 JDM, It would be interesting to compare the circuit with the line level device you were speaking of. A week or two ago I had the chance to listen to another forum member's Khorns with a pair of Heresy's as center. It sounded quite good. What he had was the line level "magic box" of PWK's design, and posted in Dope from Hope. He ran the system with three monoblocks. As he explained it to me, PWK's original use of center channel was to run the center off the L and R 4 ohm taps having connected the common on the amplifier. This causes the center to be derived from the "differences" between the L and R channels. As I understand it, the circuit in the magic box derives the center from what signal the L and R have in common. Now, I must also offer this disclaimer. My understanding of technology is at kindergarten level or below. And it is also entirely possible that I didn't understand or hear correctly what the gentleman was telling me. In addition to that, my wife would confirm that I never listen, unless it is something I want to hear. Here's a theoretical: Let's say there is a man in the woods and there is no woman there to hear him. He says something. Is it still wrong? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jt1stcav Posted March 14, 2004 Share Posted March 14, 2004 LOL...Daddy, that's rich! I have a QD-2 buried in my closet somewhere that I haven't used in over 15 years. Maybe I should reevaluate the possibilities of this Hafler-designed unit and try it out with my current system (although I'd need a Heresy center...maybe I could borrow one of my brother's KG 3.2s for the experiment. Wonder how it'd work out with an 8 WPC 300B SET stereo amp). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOSValves Posted March 14, 2004 Share Posted March 14, 2004 I bought one new last year and I'm guilty of severe procrastination I have yet to try it but it sure looks great ! Incredible for build quality $50 Craig Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daddy Dee Posted March 14, 2004 Author Share Posted March 14, 2004 ---------------- On 3/14/2004 9:00:46 AM jt1stcav wrote: LOL...Daddy, that's rich! I have a QD-2 buried in my closet somewhere that I haven't used in over 15 years. Maybe I should reevaluate the possibilities of this Hafler-designed unit and try it out with my current system (although I'd need a Heresy center...maybe I could borrow one of my brother's KG 3.2s for the experiment. Wonder how it'd work out with an 8 WPC 300B SET stereo amp). ---------------- You've got a regular antique there. Yep, Last night I was driving it with a Scott 222-D with plenty of power, but I was wondering how it would do with 2A3's. I would imagine that it would do fine with the 300B. Craig, when you have a chance to look under the hood, I'd sure be interested to hear your take on the circuit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jt1stcav Posted March 14, 2004 Share Posted March 14, 2004 Man, now I have to spend more money (that I don't have) on a single Heresy so I can try out the Dynaco. Bet it would sound good, though...Dammit, and I'll spend an entire day dredging through my bedroom closet looking for the damn thing, too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny dB Posted March 14, 2004 Share Posted March 14, 2004 Maybe I should go this route instead of the SACD route. For $40 bucks shipped I'll definately try it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOSValves Posted March 14, 2004 Share Posted March 14, 2004 It was $40 shipped brand new wasn't it ? Just wait till you have it in your hands and you say $40 no way its built really nice on the outside. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny dB Posted March 14, 2004 Share Posted March 14, 2004 "It was $40 shipped brand new wasn't it ?" It sure is! You can either buy it off ebay from Dynacosales or directly from the Dyanco website; same price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOSValves Posted March 14, 2004 Share Posted March 14, 2004 I did hook it up breifly just to be sure it worked but at the time I had my Hersey speakers on top of my Lascalas and no center channel at all I think I'll give it a whirl someday .......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
analogman Posted March 14, 2004 Share Posted March 14, 2004 Gentlemen, I have a unit as follows;Dynaco QD-I Series II-L,distrubuted by the Pancor Corp.Is this the same unit you are discussing?If it is and anyone is interested,J&R Music World WAS selling them as a close-out item for $20. Analogman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daddy Dee Posted March 14, 2004 Author Share Posted March 14, 2004 Probably the same. The owners guide mentions both and the functions/controls seem to be the same. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jt1stcav Posted March 14, 2004 Share Posted March 14, 2004 If I recall correctly, the QD-1 is exactly the same as the QD-2. The only difference is in the cabinet...the QD-2 has a mirror-like finish and beefier knobs; the QD-1 is much plainer in appearence. If there are electrical or functional differences, I just don't remember anymore (haven't used the QD-2 in over 15 years, and my kid brother had the QD-1). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
analogman Posted March 14, 2004 Share Posted March 14, 2004 Thank you, I checked the "Dynaco" website and saw the QD-II.Looks the same except for better cosmetics.Mine is a very heavy unit for its size but the control knobs are very cheap plastic.I am glad this thread popped up as mine has been sitting in the closet as well.I was hesitant to hook it up to my tube rig for fear of impedance issues.If someone would comment on this issue it would be greatly appreciated. Thank You, Analogman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
analogman Posted March 14, 2004 Share Posted March 14, 2004 Gentlemen, If one were to use this unit should you use taps that reflect the speakers used.The sheet that comes with the unit is very vague and simply states it presents a constant load,no specs.,at least with mine. Thanks again, Analogman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOSValves Posted March 14, 2004 Share Posted March 14, 2004 I think but I'm not absolutely sure you use the 9 Ohm taps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
analogman Posted March 14, 2004 Share Posted March 14, 2004 Thanks for your help,Craig! Craig (Analogman) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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