The PQ $100k system

By Michael Jones

September 2009

It’s difficult to see and hear expensive hi-fi equipment. And no wonder – the costs of a hi-fi specialist shop to stock upmarket hi-fi verges on the prohibitive.

So whenever some expensive equipment is out on show it brings out the interested audiophiles.

So it was in July at The Top Hi-Fi Shop, Christchurch. Paul Quilter, the head of PQ Imports, was in Christchurch with a hi-fi system valued in excess of $100,000. As well as the more mainstream hi-fi brands of Cambridge Audio and Paradigm, Paul also passionately represents Wadia, VTL and Proac.

PQ system

The $100k PQ Imports system: the edge of the ProAc D38 speakers, VTL 6.5 preamp and
185 mono power amps, Wadia 781i Cd player.

It was the last three brands that made up the $100k system found in one of The Top Hi-Fi Shop’s demo rooms:

Wadia WA781i CD player
VTL 6.5 preamplifier
VTL 185 mono power amplifiers
ProAc D38 loudspeakers

On demo for the day, the system drew a number of audio enthusiasts to the Top Hi-Fi Shop to have a listen. Reactions were – as always – mixed, with many loving the sound.

Have your say!

Tell us what you think about this article. Email your comments.

Talk about this article on the AudioEnz Forums.