QUAD 2024 Editions Of The 33 Preamp And 303 Power Amp
All Image Credit: QUAD
First released in the 1960’s these two iconic products were all-transistor designs in a world of tube amplifiers. These classic units have been reengineered for 2024, but have stayed true to their vintage appeal. The 33/303 combination has been celebrated for its sound and design, earning it a place in the Museum of Modern Art in New York (MOMA). The success of these models is often said to be partially attributed to QUAD-founder Peter Walker’s ‘triples’ transistor output stage that according to Quad, and many others, didn’t sound hard or harsh. This design basically creates a feedback amplifier within an amplifier, that requires less negative feedback improving; distortion and thermal stability. Both models are available in classic QUAD grey finish.
The QUAD 33 preamplifier retains its analog design, compact size and unique look. It now includes bass, tilt, and balance controls, all complemented by a modern interface, featuring an LCD display with backlit buttons. The design philosophy and core technology includes:
- Illuminated LCD screen
- Dedicated High Performance Low Noise MM/MC Phono stage
- Classic QUAD ‘Tilt’ adjustment
- Classic QUAD / Tone Controls
- Dedicated Current-Feedback Headphone Amplifier
Control is available using the front panel buttons and knobs or the supplied IR remote.
The new 33 also improves connectivity with a mix of 3 x RCA and 1 x XLR inputs, and a dedicated MM/MC phono input for turntables. Outputs include 1 x XLR, 2 x RCA and a front panel headphone output. A 12VDC trigger is also provided.
The QUAD 303 stereo power amplifier reworked the triple circuit as a symmetrical design and includes a fully complementary output stage and a custom low-noise 200VA toroidal transformer with five regulated power supplies. The design philosophy and core technology includes:
- Class AB Power Amplifier
- QUAD 303 Triples Output Stage
- Custom 200VA Toroidal Transformer
- Stereo/Bridge mode selection
The Class AB design provides 50wpc into 8 Ohms and 70wpc into 4 Ohms. Maximum current delivery has been increased to 10amps and in ‘bridge mode’ (for use as a mono-block amplifier), provides 140W into 8 ohms or 170W into 4 ohms. Signal inputs include selectable balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA and a 12VDC trigger. Outputs include two pairs of speaker binding posts. Additional rear panel controls support switching for ‘bridge mode’.
In order to simplify servicing, both designs are of a modular construction.
Specifications:
- 33 Preamplifier
- Inputs: 3 x RCA, 1 x Balanced XLR (pair), 1 x Phono (MM/MC switchable)
- Outputs: 1 x RCA (AUX), 1 x XLR, 1 x RCA (Pre Out), 1 x Headphone, 2 x 12V Trigger Out
- Pre Amplifier Section:
- Gain:
- 0dB (Line / XLR)
- +46dB (Phono MM)
- +63.5dB (Phono MC)
- Input Sensitivity (Vout=695mV):
- 695mV (Line / XLR)
- 3.2mV (Phono MM)
- 460uV (Phono MC)
- Input Impedance:
- 10k (Line / XLR)
- 47k/100pF (Phono MM)
- 100R/1.7nF (Phono MC)
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD):
- <0.0005% (1kHz, Line/XLR)
- <0.002% (1kHz, Phono MM / MC)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz (+/-0.2dB)
- Signal-to-Noise ratio (S/N):
- > 108dB (A-weighted, Line/XLR)
- > 82dB (A-weighted, Phono MM)
- > 74dB (A-weighted, Phono MC)
- Output Impedance: 120 ohms
- Headphone Amplifier Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): < 0.01% (1kHz, 50mW)
- Output Impedance: 2.35 ohms
- Load Impedance: 20 – 600 ohms
- Standby Power Consumption: <0.5W
- Net weight: 4kg
- Dimensions (mm) (W x H x D): 258 x 165 x 82.9
- Finish: Classic QUAD Grey
- Power requirements (depending on region): 220 – 240V – 50 / 60Hz, 100 – 120V – 50 / 60Hz
- Standard accessories: Power Cord, Remote Control, User Manual.
- 303 Power Amplifier
- Inputs: 1 x Line, 1 x XLR
- Outputs:
- 1 x 12V Trigger
- 1 x Stereo Speaker, 1 x 12V Trigger (Link)
- Power Amplifier Section: Gain+29dB
- Rated Power Output:
- Stereo: 2 x 50W (8 ohms, THD<1%)
- Stereo: 2 x 70W (4 ohms, THD<1%)
- Bridged: 140W (8 ohms, THD<1%)
- Bridged: 170W (4 ohms, THD<1%)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz (+/-0.3dB)
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): <0.002% (1kHz)
- Input Impedance: 10k ohms
- Input Sensitivity: 700mVrms (Line), 1.5Vrms (XLR)
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N): > 108dB (A – weighted)
- Max. Output Current: 10A
- Standby Power Consumption: <0.5W
- Net Weight: 8.4kgGross Weight9.5kg
- Dimensions (mm) (W x H x D)325 X 176 X 120
- Finish: Classic QUAD Grey
- Power Requirements (depending on region): 220 – 240V – 50 / 60Hz, 100 – 120V – 50 / 60Hz
- Standard accessories: Power Cord, Remote Control, User Manual
MSRP (33/303):
- US:$1,599.00/$1,599.00
- UK: £1,199.00/£1,199.00
- EU: €1,499.00/€1,499.00
For more information visit the QUAD web site.
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