Classic Elegance, Modern Tastes
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.
Uncompromised Connectivity for the Modern Audiophile
The QUAD 3 is packed with future-proof connectivity, making it a versatile hub for all the requirements of a contemporary music system.
Digital Versatility
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.
Wireless Freedom
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: USB Connectivity
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. With plug-and-play functionality, the QUAD 3 effortlessly transforms your computer into a high-end digital audio source, delivering pristine sound quality and unlocking the full potential of high-resolution music files. Whether you’re using streaming platforms, local files, or advanced playback software, the QUAD 3 ensures every detail is captured and reproduced with breathtaking clarity.
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.
Upsampling
Upsampling can be applied to the audio from both SPDIF and USB audio sources. The digital audio is upsampled to either 352.8kHz or 384kHz.
MQA Master Quality Unlocked:
The QUAD 3 functions as a full MQA decoder, faithfully recreating the original studio sound with file-specific compensation.
For further flexibility, five user-selectable digital filters give the option to fine-tune the sound to suit different sources, ensuring optimal playback regardless of the format or streaming service.
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!
Dedicated Headphone Amplifier
For headphone aficionados, the QUAD 3 includes a separate current-feedback headphone amp circuit that mirrors the precision of the main amplifier. Expect flawless transient reproduction and distortion-free listening.
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: Full‑Function Remote Control
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. Whether you’re across the room or in the comfort of your listening chair, the QUAD 3’s remote gives you complete command over your listening experience, making it as convenient as it is high-performing.
SPECIFICATION
| Model | QUAD 3 |
| General description: | 2 x 65W (8 ohm), 2 x 100W (4 ohm) Class AB power amp section ES9038Q2M 32-bit DAC |
| 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 2 x Analogue (Aux), 1 x Phono (MM) inputs |
| Inputs | 1 x SPDIF (Coax), 1 x SPDIF (Optical), 1 x PC USB 1 x HDMI ARC, 1 x Bluetooth (aptX/aptX HD), 1 x 12V Trigger |
| Outputs | 1 x Pre Amplifier,1 x Stereo Speaker,1 x Headphone, 1 x 12V Trigger |
| Sampling Frequency | Optical/Coaxial: 44.1kHz -> 192kHz PC USB: 44.1kHz -> 768kHz (PCM) / DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512 |
| Preamplifier Section: | |
| Gain (max.) | +0dB (Line) +47dB (Phono MM) |
| Input Sensitivity | 800mVrms (Line, Volume = 0dB) 3.6mV (Phono MM, Volume = 0dB) |
| Input Impedance | 10K (Line) 47K / 100pF (Phono MM) |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | <0.001% (1kHz @ 2V, Volume = 0dB) |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz (+/-0.1dB) |
| Output voltage | 2.3V max. (Volume = 0dB) |
| Output impedance | 120 ohm |
| Signal-to-Noise ratio | > 110dB ( A-weighted) > 78dB (Phono MM, A-weighted) |
| DAC | |
| D to A Converter | ES9038Q2M |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | < 0.001% (1kHz @ 0dBFS) |
| Output level (0dBFS, 1kHz) | 2.05Vrm |
| Max. Sampling Frequency | Optical/Coaxial: 192kHz PC USB: PCM768kHz, DSD512 |
| Signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) | > 116dB (A-weighted) |
| Power Amplifier Section | |
| Gain | +29dB |
| Rated Power Output | 2 x 65W (8 ohm, THD<1%) 2 x100W (4 ohm, THD<1%) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz (+/-0.3dB) |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | <0.003% (1kHz @ 30W/8ohm) |
| Input Sensitivity | 800mVrms |
| Signal-to-Noise ratio (S/N) | > 110dB (A-weighted) |
| Max. Output Current | 10A |
