Quad 3 Integrated Amplifier

In 2024, QUAD paid tribute to its distinguished heritage by unveiling a thoroughly modernised version of one of its most iconic products: the 33/303 pre/power amplifier – a two-box design that revolutionised home audio in the 1960s. Since the reissue's debut, demand has been remarkable, capturing the imagination of discerning audiophiles both in the UK and internationally. Once again, this timeless combination has found itself in the limelight, achieving best-seller status among music enthusiasts who appreciate both history and high-fidelity performance.

Introducing the QUAD 3

Following on from that success, QUAD now introduces an all-new integrated amplifier styled in a similarly classic vein: the QUAD 3.

Unlike the 33/303 project – which focused on modernising a classic design while preserving its essence – the QUAD 3 is a completely fresh creation. However, it retains unmistakable design hallmarks of its forebears. With industrial design by David McNeill – lauded for his acclaimed update of the 33/303 – the QUAD 3 takes visual cues from the 1967 33 and the 1959 22 preamps. These influences are cleverly reimagined with premium craftsmanship expected in 2025, from the flush-mounted rotary dials to the updated two-tone finish and subtle orange accents. These nods to heritage led QUAD to name the new integrated amplifier simply ‘3’ – a logical continuation of its legacy.

New Circuitry, Classic Intuition

While it may echo the past in form, the QUAD 3 is cutting-edge in function. In contrast to the analogue-only reissued 33, the QUAD 3 integrates digital capabilities, thanks to an internal DAC. It boasts a comprehensive range of inputs – including HDMI, USB, and Bluetooth – along with a built-in phono stage and headphone amplifier. Despite its wealth of features, it remains compact, with a chassis just 30cm wide, making it perfectly suited for the modern living space without compromising on performance or aesthetics.

Innovative Control with Analogue Integrity

One of the QUAD 3’s most intriguing features is its blending of traditional control design with modern functionality. The row of flush-mounted rotary controls, reminiscent of 1960s QUAD models, are now digital encoders managing functions like input selection and tone adjustments.

The standout feature is the ‘tilt’ control, first introduced by QUAD’s founder Peter Walker in 1982. Unlike conventional tone controls, tilt adjusts treble and bass together in 1dB steps around a 650Hz pivot point, allowing subtle sound shaping. These tone controls operate entirely in the analogue domain, eschewing digital signal processing, which preserves audio purity. A larger volume dial, with LED indicators, complements these refined adjustments, while an orange-backlit LCD display subtly references the vintage 33 preamp.

A Central Hub

Designed as the central hub of a high-end audio setup, the QUAD 3 caters to an extensive range of sources. For digital input, a USB Type B connection supports the highest-resolution audio, alongside coaxial and optical S/PDIF options. HDMI ARC (HDMI 2.1/eARC compliant) allows seamless connection with televisions, enabling control via the TV remote and delivering audio quality that far surpasses typical soundbars.

Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD ensures excellent wireless performance. Analogue sources are also well-supported, with two line-level RCA inputs and a dedicated turntable input. The phono stage, based on a low-noise FET design, provides superb clarity for vinyl playback.

A separate headphone amplifier, integrated beneath the chassis, delivers high-quality audio via a 6.35mm output – ensuring headphones receive the same attention to fidelity as speakers.

State-of-the-Art Digital and Amplification Technology

At the heart of the QUAD 3’s digital performance lies the ES9038Q2M DAC from the renowned 32-bit Sabre family. Enhanced with ESS Technology’s HyperStream II and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, this setup ensures low noise and exceptional dynamic range. Proprietary clocking and power systems elevate its capabilities further, along with a Class A post-DAC filter for refined audio reproduction.

Hi-res playback is fully supported up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512, and it includes MQA decoding and Roon Tested certification. Users can upsample to 352.8kHz or 384kHz, and select from five DAC filter profiles. Meanwhile, QUAD’s bespoke Class AB output stage features a CFB topology, powered by a 235VA toroidal transformer. This configuration ensures excellent linearity and stability, delivering 65W per channel into 8 ohms (and 100W into 4 ohms). Precision analogue circuitry and discrete low-noise power supplies for each section guarantee the QUAD 3 not only looks the part, but sounds exquisite too – a true union of classic inspiration and modern British engineering.

Specifications