Quad 3 Integrated Amplifier

About The Quad 3 Integrated Amplifier

Inspired by the iconic Quad products from yesteryear, the Quad 3 takes on a fresh, sophisticated aesthetic that resonates with the latest Quad 33 and 303 iterations. With its sleek, compact form factor and a touch of vintage charm, the Quad 3 complements modern living spaces and technology while staying true to Quad’s rich heritage in audio design and performance.

Akin to its critically acclaimed sibling, the new Quad 33 – the Quad 3’s industrial design is a subtle nod to the past. It features the same signature orange-lit LCD strip as the Quad 33, for intuitive function feedback with settings, parameters, options and source selections all visually represented. Users can customise the backlight brightness—or turn it off entirely—to suit their environment or preference. Classic orange accents echo the aesthetics of the legendary Quad 33. At the same time, the tactile row of digital encoders provides precise control over volume, source selection, balance, bass, and the renowned Quad ‘Tilt’ control, allowing for fine-tuning of the audio spectrum without adding artificial colouration.

The Quad 3 is packed with future-proof connectivity, making it a versatile hub for all the requirements of a contemporary music system.

USB Audio Input: Supports hi-res audio up to 768kHz/DSD512, ensuring flawless connection for PC & Mac.

Coaxial and Optical S/PDIF Inputs: Handle hi-res audio up to 192kHz, ideal for CD players, streamers, and digital sources.

HDMI ARC Input: Brings TV sound directly to your audio system with the convenience of using your TV’s remote to control volume and power.

Bluetooth 5.1: Enables seamless streaming from smart devices. With support for the aptX HD codec, enjoy 24-bit hi-res audio over Bluetooth without compromise.

Phono Perfection: Vinyl enthusiasts will delight in the high-definition MM phono stage, offering low-noise performance and precise RIAA equalisation. This built-in preamp provides superior sound quality compared to standard phono stages in this price range.

Analogue Purity: Two line-level RCA inputs ensure seamless integration with analogue sources.

High-Resolution Audio from Your PC: For those who prefer to stream high-resolution audio directly from their computer, the Quad 3 features a dedicated USB-B input that supports hi-res playback up to 768kHz PCM and DSD512 formats. This makes it an ideal solution for audiophiles who rely on their PC or laptop as a primary source for digital music.

Advanced Digital Architecture for Exceptional Sound: At the heart of the Quad 3’s digital brain lies a state-of-the-art ESS9038Q2M DAC chipset, expertly implemented to deliver precise and detailed sound. Paired with a Class A post-DAC filter circuit, this configuration extracts the maximum sonic potential from digital sources.

Power and Precision at Your Fingertips: Despite its modest footprint, the Quad 3 is a compact powerhouse. The Class AB Amplification stage is equipped with a custom engineered power supply. A robust 235VA toroidal transformer feeds the amplifier, supported by a 30,000uF reservoir to ensure dynamic headroom and low distortion. Rated at 65W per channel (8 Ohms) and peaking at 100W (4 Ohms), the Quad 3 effortlessly drives demanding loudspeakers with control and authority- in proper Quad form!

Signature Quad Touches: The Quad 22 influences can be seen in the subtle accents of the facia, and neat row of digital encoders. These tactile rotary controllers provide volume control, source selection, bass control, Quad ‘tilt’ control and balance adjustment. The bass adjust allows +/-3dB adjustment of the low-end frequencies, adding richness and depth or removing rumble according to your components, system or room. But the ‘Tilt’ control differs by adjusting both ends of the frequency spectrum together, either attenuating the bass and lifting the treble or lifting the bass and attenuating the treble in 1dB steps. ‘Tilting’ the audible frequency range on a 700Hz axis, thereby adjusting the overall sound balance to make it either 'warmer' or 'cooler' to suit the recording and/or the room acoustics.

Convenience at Your Fingertips: The Quad 3 doesn’t just offer superior audio performance — it also delivers a seamless user experience with its full-function remote control. Designed with intuitive navigation in mind, the remote allows users to effortlessly adjust volume, switch between sources, fine-tune bass and treble, engage the renowned ‘Tilt’ control, and navigate through the extensive menu options with ease.

A Benchmark for Style, Value, and Performance: The Quad 3 is more than an amplifier — it’s a statement. With its blend of classic aesthetics, exceptional audio performance, and future-proof connectivity, it redefines what an integrated amplifier can offer. Whether you're a vinyl purist, digital devotee, AV advocate, the Quad 3 is built to accommodate and designed to impress.

Our Review

The Quad 3 Integrated Amplifier is a seriously stylish choice that blends retro charm with modern muscle in a compact, beautifully engineered package. Nodding to the delicious Quad 33 and 303 pairing, it sports that signature orange-lit LCD strip and tactile digital encoders that make it a joy to use - especially with the clever ‘Tilt’ control for fine-tuning your sound. But don’t be fooled by its good looks; under the hood it’s a powerhouse, with a high-end DAC, Class AB amplification, and enough digital and analogue inputs (including HDMI ARC and hi-res USB) to handle just about any setup you throw at it. Whether you're streaming via aptX HD Bluetooth, spinning vinyl, or playing high-res audio from your PC, the Quad 3 delivers clean, punchy sound with classic Quad finesse. It's a seriously capable all-rounder that looks the part and performs even better.

Main Features & Specifications

• Design: Vintage Styled Remote Controlled Integrated Amplifier
• 2 x 65 Watts into 8 Ohms, 2 x 100 Watts into 4 Ohms
• Class AB Power Amp Section
• ES9038Q2M 32-bit DAC
• MQA Full Decoder (PC USB, Coax/Optical)
• Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX/aptX HD) Streaming
• Dedicated High Performance Low Noise MM Phono Stage
• Dedicated Current-Feedback Headphone Amplifier
• Built-in Bass and Tilt Adjustment
• USB Firmware Upgrade
• Inputs
  • 1 x USB Type B (32-bit/768kHz PCM; DSD512)
  • 1 x HDMI ARC (HDMI 2.1/eARC compliant)
  • 2 x S/PDIF (1 x Optical; 1 x Coaxial)
  • 3 x Stereo RCA Analogue (2 x Line-Level; 1 x MM Phono)
  • 1 x USB Type A for firmware updates
  • 1 x 12V Trigger
  • Bluetooth 5.1
• Outputs
  • Gold-Plated Speaker Binding Posts
  • 1 x 6.35 mm Headphone Out
  • 1 x stereo RCA Preamp Out
  • 1 x 12V Trigger
• Analogue User Adjustments: Tilt and Bass Tone Controls (defeatable); Stereo Balance Control
• Digital User Adjustment: Optional Upsampling to 352.8/384kHz, Five Digital Filter settings
• Power Amplifier Type: Class AB with Complementary Feedback Design
• Power Output: 2 x 65W (8Ω, THD<1%); 2 x 100W (4Ω, THD<1%)
• Power Amplifier Distortion (THD): <0.003% (1kHz @ 30W/8Ω)
• Maximum Current Delivery: 2 x 10A
• Included Accessories: Power Cable, Remote Control, 2 x AAA Batteries, User Manual
• Removable Power Cable: Upgrade to a Premium Power Cable for better performance
• Finish: Lancaster Grey with Orange Highlights
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 300 x 101 x 332mm
• Weight: 8 kg
• Manufacturer's Warranty: 2 Years

Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.