Quad 3 Integrated Amplifier – Grey

Here we have a bang up to date Quad 3 Integrated Amplifier. This classically styled unit brings you the best of today’s technology in a product that harks back to the past iconic designs of the highly respected British brand. Our unit is in excellent condition and is supplied in original factory packaging along with remote control unit, manual, mains cable and our standard three month warranty.
Quad Say….
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.
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 768 kHz/DSD512, ensuring flawless connection for PC & Mac.
Coaxial and Optical S/PDIF Inputs: Handle hi-res audio up to 192 kHz, 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.
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.
Two line-level RCA inputs ensure seamless integration with analogue sources.
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 768 kHz 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.
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 can be applied to the audio from both SPDIF and USB audio sources. The digital audio is upsampled to either 352.8 kHz or 384 kHz.
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.
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 235 VA toroidal transformer feeds the amplifier, supported by a 30,000 µF reservoir to ensure dynamic headroom and low distortion. Rated at 65 W per channel (8 ohms) and peaking at 100 W (4 ohms), the QUAD 3 effortlessly drives demanding loudspeakers with control and authority – in proper QUAD form!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Specifications:
General Description: 2 x 65 W (8 ohm), 2 x 100 W (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: 44.1 kHz – > 192 kHz; PC USB: 44.1 kHz – > 768 kHz (PCM) / DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512
Preamplifier Section:
Gain (max.): + 0 dB (Line); + 47 dB (Phono MM)
Input Sensitivity: 800 m Vrms (Line, Volume = 0dB); 3.6 mV (Phono MM, Volume = 0dB)
Input Impedance: 10 K (Line); 47 K / 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 ohm
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 dB FS)
Output Level (0 dB FS, 1 kHz): 2.05 Vrms
Max. Sampling Frequency: Optical/Coaxial: 192 kHz; PC USB: PCM768 kHz, DSD512
Signal-To-Noise Ratio (S/N): > 116 dB (A-weighted)
Power Amplifier Section:
Gain: + 29 dB
Rated Power Output: 2 x 65 W (8 ohm, THD < 1%); 2 x100 W (4 ohm, THD < 1%)
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (± 0.3 dB)
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): < 0.003% (1 kHz @ 30 W/8 ohm)
Input Sensitivity: 800 m Vrms
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 ohm
Load Impedance: 20 – 600 ohm
General:
Power Requirements (depending on region): 220 – 240V ~ 50/60 Hz; 100 – 120V ~ 50/60 Hz
Standby Power Consumption: < 0.5 W
Dimensions: 300 (W) x 332 (D) x 101 (H) mm
Weight: 8.0 kg

For a review from Hi-Fi News magazine please click HERE