QUAD, the legendary British audio brand, has unveiled the QUAD 3, a stunning integrated amplifier that marries timeless design with cutting-edge technology. Tailored for both analogue purists and digital enthusiasts, the QUAD 3 sets a new benchmark for style, versatility, and performance in the high-end audio market. With its sleek aesthetic, future-proof connectivity, and exceptional sound quality, the QUAD 3 is poised to captivate audiophiles seeking a compact yet powerful solution for modern music systems.
Timeless Design with a Modern Twist
Drawing inspiration from the iconic QUAD 22 pre-amplifier, the QUAD 3 boasts a sophisticated aesthetic that echoes the refined look of the QUAD 33 and 303. Its compact form factor, accented by classic orange-lit details, blends vintage charm with contemporary elegance, making it a perfect fit for modern living spaces. The signature orange LCD strip, reminiscent of the QUAD 33, provides intuitive feedback on settings, sources, and parameters, with customizable backlight brightness for personalized ambiance. A tactile row of digital encoders offers precise control over volume, source selection, balance, bass, and QUAD’s renowned ‘Tilt’ control, allowing users to fine-tune the audio spectrum without artificial coloration.
Unrivaled Connectivity for Every Listener
The QUAD 3 is a versatile hub designed to meet the demands of today’s audiophile. Its comprehensive connectivity options ensure seamless integration with both analogue and digital sources:
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Digital Inputs: A USB-B input supports hi-res audio up to 768kHz PCM and DSD512, transforming PCs or Macs into high-end audio sources. Coaxial and optical S/PDIF inputs handle up to 192kHz, while an HDMI ARC input simplifies TV audio integration with remote-controlled volume and power.
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Wireless Streaming: Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD codec delivers 24-bit hi-res audio from smart devices, offering wireless convenience without compromising quality.
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Analogue Excellence: Two line-level RCA inputs and a high-definition MM phono stage with precise RIAA equalization cater to vinyl enthusiasts, delivering low-noise performance superior to standard phono stages in its class.
Advanced Audio Engineering
At the core of the QUAD 3 lies an ESS9038Q2M DAC chipset, paired with a Class A post-DAC filter circuit for precise, detailed sound reproduction. The amplifier supports full MQA decoding, ensuring studio-quality playback with file-specific compensation. Five user-selectable digital filters and upsampling to 352.8kHz or 384kHz allow for tailored sound profiles, optimizing performance across various sources.
The Class AB amplification stage, powered by a 235VA toroidal transformer and a 30,000uF reservoir, delivers 65W per channel into 8 ohms and 100W into 4 ohms. This robust setup ensures dynamic headroom and low distortion, driving even demanding loudspeakers with authority. A dedicated current-feedback headphone amplifier mirrors the main amp’s precision, offering distortion-free listening for headphone users.
Signature QUAD Features
The QUAD 3 retains the brand’s hallmark ‘Tilt’ control, which adjusts bass and treble together on a 700Hz axis in 1dB steps, allowing users to warm or cool the sound to suit recordings or room acoustics. A separate bass control offers ±3dB adjustment for added depth or clarity. The included full-function remote provides effortless control over volume, sources, tone adjustments, and menu navigation, enhancing user convenience.
A Compact Powerhouse
Despite its modest size, the QUAD 3 is a sonic powerhouse, blending QUAD’s 80-year legacy of audio excellence with modern innovation. Its specifications highlight its prowess:
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Power Output: 65W per channel (8 ohms), 100W (4 ohms)
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DAC: ESS9038Q2M, supporting up to 768kHz PCM and DSD512
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THD: <0.003% (power amp, 1kHz @ 30W/8 ohms), <0.001% (DAC, 1kHz @ 0dBFS)
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Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >110dB (power amp, A-weighted), >116dB (DAC, A-weighted)
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Inputs: USB-B, coaxial, optical, HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, 2x RCA, MM phono
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Outputs: Preamp, stereo speaker, headphone, 12V trigger
A Statement in Audio Excellence
The QUAD 3 is more than an amplifier—it’s a celebration of QUAD’s heritage and a forward-looking solution for today’s music lovers. Whether you’re spinning vinyl, streaming hi-res files, or enjoying TV audio, the QUAD 3 delivers unmatched performance and versatility. Its blend of classic aesthetics, advanced technology, and meticulous engineering makes it a standout choice for audiophiles seeking a high-value, high-performance integrated amplifier.
