Quad 3 Integrated Amplifier

Quad 3 Integrated Amplifier

Inspired by the legendary QUAD 22 pre-amplifier, the QUAD 3 brings a refined, modern design that aligns with the latest iterations of the QUAD 33 and 303. With its sleek, compact profile and subtle vintage character, it fits seamlessly into contemporary living spaces while honouring QUAD’s long-standing legacy of audio excellence.

Much like the acclaimed QUAD 33, the QUAD 3’s design pays homage to its roots. The distinctive orange-lit LCD strip mirrors that of its sibling, offering intuitive visual feedback for source selection, settings, and other functions. Users can customise the backlight brightness—or switch it off entirely—to suit their environment. The iconic orange accents recall the aesthetics of classic QUAD components, while a precision-engineered row of tactile digital encoders provides smooth control over volume, input selection, balance, bass, and the signature QUAD 'Tilt' tone control. This feature subtly adjusts the overall tonal balance without introducing artificial coloration.

Technologically advanced and future-ready, the QUAD 3 serves as a versatile centerpiece for modern audio systems.

Digital Versatility

• USB Audio Input: Delivers ultra-high-resolution audio up to 768kHz PCM and DSD512, making it ideal for audiophiles using PC or Mac as a digital source.
• Coaxial and Optical S/PDIF Inputs: Support resolutions up to 192kHz, perfect for CD transports, network streamers, and other digital playback devices.
• HDMI ARC Input: Connects seamlessly with your TV, enabling volume and power control through your TV remote for effortless integration.
• Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD: Offers high-quality 24-bit wireless streaming from mobile devices, with minimal loss in fidelity.

Phono Perfection

Vinyl lovers will appreciate the built-in moving magnet (MM) phono stage, engineered for low-noise performance and accurate RIAA equalisation. It provides a clear, dynamic sound that rivals standalone phono preamps in its class.

Analogue Purity

Two RCA line-level inputs allow integration with traditional analogue sources, ensuring flexibility across multiple formats and playback systems.

High-Resolution Audio Playback

For digital music enthusiasts who stream from computers, the dedicated USB-B input offers plug-and-play access to PCM up to 768kHz and native DSD up to 512. This makes the QUAD 3 a powerful digital hub, extracting exceptional clarity and resolution from local libraries, streaming platforms, or playback software.

At its core is the advanced ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip, paired with a Class A post-DAC filter stage for unmatched digital-to-analogue conversion. Upsampling is available for both USB and S/PDIF sources, reaching up to 352.8kHz or 384kHz for enhanced detail and smoothness.

The QUAD 3 is also a full MQA decoder, enabling precise rendering of studio-quality audio files, and includes five selectable digital filters to tailor the sound to different sources and listening preferences.

Power with Precision

Despite its compact size, the QUAD 3 delivers robust performance. Its Class AB amplification section is powered by a custom-designed 235VA toroidal transformer and supported by a 30,000µF reservoir capacitor bank. Rated at 65W per channel into 8 ohms (100W into 4 ohms), the amplifier drives demanding speakers with ease, authority, and control—true to QUAD tradition.

Exceptional Headphone Listening

For headphone enthusiasts, the QUAD 3 includes a dedicated current-feedback headphone amplifier, designed to mirror the main output stage. It ensures accurate transient reproduction, low distortion, and immersive, fatigue-free listening.

Iconic Controls, Refined

Design cues from the QUAD 22 are evident in the front fascia, including a neatly aligned row of rotary encoders. These provide precise control of volume, input, bass, balance, and the ‘Tilt’ function—QUAD’s signature tonal adjustment. Unlike typical tone controls, the Tilt circuit adjusts the frequency spectrum about a central 700Hz axis, gently boosting or cutting high and low frequencies in tandem. This allows users to tailor the system's character—making the sound warmer or cooler—without affecting midrange clarity.

Effortless Control

A comprehensive remote control enhances usability. It provides intuitive access to all major functions, including volume, input selection, bass, Tilt control, and system settings. Whether you’re seated across the room or fine-tuning from your listening chair, the QUAD 3 ensures convenient, responsive operation.

Conclusion

The QUAD 3 is more than an integrated amplifier—it’s a fusion of classic design and cutting-edge performance. Whether you’re listening through loudspeakers or headphones, from vinyl or high-resolution digital sources, it offers outstanding versatility, precision, and musicality in a beautifully compact form. It’s a modern classic that stays true to QUAD’s celebrated sonic philosophy.

Quad 3 Integrated Amplifier Specification:

• Class AB Power Amplifier (65W/100W)
• ES9038Q2M 32-bit DAC
• Ultra-low THD & High SNR
• Flat Frequency Response
• High-Res Audio Support (768kHz PCM / DSD512)
• Dedicated MM Phono Stage
• Current-Feedback Headphone Amp
• Input Sensitivity & Gain Matching
• Variety of High-Quality Inputs
• Output Options (Preamp, Headphone, etc.)
• MQA Decoding
• Bluetooth (aptX/aptX HD)
• Bass & Tilt Controls
• USB Firmware Upgrade
• HDMI ARC, 12V Trigger