QUAD 3

Integrated Amplifier

The QUAD 3 brings a stunning blend of timeless QUAD design and cutting-edge technology, delivering an integrated amplifier solution that caters to both traditional analogue enthusiasts and modern digital audiophiles alike.

Inspired by the iconic QUAD 22 pre-amplifier, 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.

• General description: 2x 65 W (8 Ω), 2x 100 W (4 Ω), Class AB power amp section, ES9038Q2M 32-bit DAC
• Inputs: 1x SPDIF (Coax), 1x SPDIF (Optical), 1x PC USB, 1x HDMI ARC, 1x Bluetooth (aptX/aptX HD), 1x 12 V Trigger
• Outputs: 1x Pre Amplifier, 1x Stereo Speaker, 1x Headphone, 1x 12 V Trigger
• Sampling Frequency: Optical/Coaxial: 44.1 kHz -> 192 kHz; PC USB: 44.1 kHz -> 768 kHz (PCM) / DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512
• Standby Power Consumption: < 0.5 W
• Power Requirements (depending on region): 220-240 V ~ 50/60 Hz, 100-120 V ~ 50/60 Hz
• Standard Accessories: Power Cord, Remote Control, User Manual, 2x AAA batteries

Design philosophy and core technology:

• 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
• 2x Analogue (Aux), 1x Phono (MM) inputs

Preamplifier Section:

• Gain (max.): +0 dB (Line), +47 dB (Phono MM)
• Input Sensitivity: 800 mVrms (Line, Volume = 0 dB), 3.6m V (Phono MM, Volume = 0 dB)
• Input Impedance: 10 kΩ (Line), 47 kΩ / 100 pF (Phono MM)
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): < 0.001% (1 kHz @ 2 V, Volume = 0 dB)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (±0.1 dB)
• Output voltage: 2.3 V max. (Volume = 0 dB)
• Output impedance: 120 Ω
• Signal-to-Noise ratio: > 110 dB (A-weighted), > 78 dB (Phono MM, A-weighted)

DAC:

• D to A Converter: ES9038Q2M
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): < 0.001% (1 kHz @ 0 dBFS)
• Output level (0 dBFS, 1 kHz): 2.05 Vrm
• Max. Sampling Frequency: Optical/Coaxial: 192 kHz; PC USB: PCM 768 kHz, DSD512
• Signal-to-Noise ratio (S/N): > 116 dB (A-weighted)

Power Amplifier Section:

• Gain: +29 dB
• Rated Power Output: 2x 65 W (8 Ω, THD < 1%), 2x 100 W (4 Ω, THD < 1%)
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (±0.3 dB)
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): < 0.003% (1 kHz @ 30 W / 8 Ω)
• Input Sensitivity: 800 mVrms
• Signal-to-Noise ratio (S/N): > 110 dB (A-weighted)
• Max. Output Current: 10 A

Headphone Amplifier:

• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): < 0.01% (1 kHz, 50 mW)
• Output Impedance: 2.35 Ω
• Load impedance: 20 - 600 Ω