At the heart of the Quad 3 amplifier’s digital brain is the state-of-the-art ESS9038Q2M DAC chipset, expertly implemented to deliver precise and detailed sound. Combined with a Class A post-DAC filter, this configuration extracts the maximum sonic potential from digital sources. A robust 235VA toroidal transformer powers the amplifier, supported by a 30,000µF reservoir for dynamic headroom and low distortion. With a rated power of 65W per channel (8 ohms) and a peak power of 100W (4 ohms), the QUAD 3 effortlessly drives demanding loudspeakers with control and authority – in true Quad form!
Like 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 LCD strip as the Quad 33 for intuitive feedback on functions, with settings, options, and source selection all presented visually. Users can adjust the brightness of the backlight – or turn it off completely – to suit their environment or preference. Classic orange accents reflect the iconic Quad aesthetic, while a tactile row of digital encoders provides precise control over volume, source selection, balance, bass, and the famous Quad ‘Tilt’ control, allowing fine-tuning of the sound spectrum without adding artificial coloration.
USB Audio Input: Supports high-resolution audio up to 768 kHz/DSD512, providing a seamless connection for PCs and Macs. Coaxial and Optical S/PDIF Inputs: Supports high-resolution audio up to 192 kHz, ideal for CD players, streaming devices, and digital sources. Two RCA line-level inputs provide seamless integration with analog sources. HDMI ARC Input: Sends TV audio directly to your audio system, and allows convenient volume and power control using your TV remote. Bluetooth 5.1: Provides seamless streaming from smart devices. With aptX HD codec support, enjoy 24-bit high-resolution audio over Bluetooth without compromise.
Vinyl enthusiasts will be delighted by the high-precision MM phono stage, which offers low noise and precise RIAA equalization. This built-in preamplifier delivers superior sound quality compared to standard phono stages in this price range. For headphone lovers, the QUAD 3 includes a separate headphone amplifier circuit with current feedback that mirrors the accuracy of the main amplifier. Expect flawless transient reproduction and distortion-free listening. The Quad 3 functions as a full MQA decoder, accurately recreating the original studio sound with file-specific compensation. For added flexibility, five user-selectable digital filters allow you to fine-tune the sound to suit a variety of sources, ensuring optimal playback regardless of the format or streaming service.
For those who prefer to stream high-resolution audio directly from their computer, the Quad 3 features a dedicated USB-B input that supports high-resolution playback of up to PCM 768 kHz and DSD512 formats. This makes it ideal for audiophiles who rely on their PC or laptop as their primary source of digital music. With plug-and-play functionality, the Quad 3 effortlessly turns your computer into a high-quality digital audio source, delivering impeccable sound quality and unlocking the full potential of high-resolution music files. Whether you use streaming platforms, local files, or advanced playback software, the Quad 3 ensures that every detail is captured and reproduced with breathtaking clarity.
The influence of the Quad 22 preamplifier’s design can be seen in the subtle accents on the faceplate and the neat row of digital encoders. These tactile rotary controls provide volume control, source selection, bass control, Quad tilt control, and balance control. The bass control allows you to adjust the low frequencies by +/- 3dB, adding richness and depth or removing boominess to suit your components, system, or room. But the Tilt control is different in that it adjusts both ends of the frequency spectrum together, either cutting the bass and boosting the treble, or boosting the bass and cutting the treble in 1dB increments. It “tilts” the audible frequency range around the 700Hz axis, thereby adjusting the overall sound balance, making it either “warmer” or “cooler” to suit the recording and/or room acoustics.
The Quad 3 amplifier doesn’t just deliver superior sound quality – it also delivers a seamless user experience with its fully functional 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 famous 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 remote gives you complete control over your listening experience, making it as convenient as it is high-performance.
Quad 3 Specifications
- Power: 2 x 65W (8 ohms), 2 x 100W (4 ohms)
- Class AB power amplifier section
- 32-bit ES9038Q2M DAC
- Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX/aptX HD)
- Dedicated high-performance, low-noise MM phono preamplifier
- Dedicated headphone amp with current feedback
- Inputs 1 x SPDIF (coaxial), 1 x SPDIF (optical), 1 x USB for PC, 1 x HDMI ARC, 1 x Bluetooth (aptX/aptX HD), 1 x 12V trigger, 2
- separate inputs (Aux), 1 Phono input (MM)
- Outputs: 1 pre-amp, 1 stereo speaker, 1 headphone, 1 12V trigger
- Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz (+/- 0.3dB)
