I have been collecting audio equipment since 1960 and this is the worst and most dangerous item I have ever bought. The first time I switched it on there was a click and a fuse had blown. The second time exactly the same thing happened. I complained to Drop but have not yet received a reply other than a standard acknowledgement. I had to buy fuses from Amazon so I could try it again. This proved to be a bad idea. When I switched it on there was nothing then all the valves lit up exceptionally brightly and there was an explosion from underneath the amp and the room filled with clouds of acrid grey smoke and I mean filled. I pulled out the mains cable ; blew the smoke out of the window with a fan and decided that was it.
I reported this to Drop again and got a reply saying that my case had passed to someone who could give technical support . Since then I have heard nothing.
Roger2Those who have read this sad story might be interested in the latest developments:
after some considerable time I was instructed to send the unit back for a refund. There were no replacements available. Meanwhile I contacted Quad who declined to touch it even if I paid. There was no Quad guarantee with it.
As I was packing it I found an invoice from a Chinese firm (definitely not Quad) The invoice described it as a headphone amplifier and valued it for customers at $50.
i have raised this with Drop and will report
when they respond to my suspicion that this is a poor copy of a Quad amplifier.
Roger2It's fairly normal that some of these more expensive electronics have cheap invoices in/on their box. They prevent huge customs payments which is a very pro-consumer practice. Not saying your suspicion is wrong but that might explain the odd invoice.
Anyway, how did your case end up?
Jelly63I got my money back. They couldn’t source a replacement. I think they had a questionable supplier who sent 110 volt instead of 240 volt. They never admitted this,
Roger
Roger2Thanks for your fast response...
I have also ordered the VA-One+\ERA-1 combo; but have not been able to get my hand on it yet. I’m from Canada and it was delivered to a US address this spring. I’m patiently waiting for a chance to get it ASAP once the borders are opened.
I will certainly keep you posted on my Quad/Drop experience...
My best regards!
scottluyeah, yeah. "it is made in China, cause we can't build anything ourselves, but let's at least pretend and make it 110V only, never mind that $50 Chinese crap works with both 110 and 220 volts"
Sergi0I heard this a few Times about Drop and even about Amazon. Thats why i don't buy anything here and at Amazon, not something that expensive. I spend a few Bucks more and get my Stuff at my local Hifi Dealer here in Germany. There are a few Stores here that are absolutely trustworthy and do this for 30-40 Years, they sell even online.
Bought just a Nighthawk Liquid Wood and a few days ago i orderd a Amp/DAC Combo from SPL and its Made in Germany.
Roger2I’m glad you were able to at least get a refund. My Lafigaro 339 did the same thing. Unfortunately mine was over thirty days old and Drop refused to offer anything. No refund or even a discounted replacement. Just a response saying it was past it’s thirty day return window. So now it’s a very expensive paperweight.