QUAD Launches Quad 3 Integrated Power Amplifier

All Image Credit: QUAD

Following the launch of the Quad 33 and Quad 303, Quad has launched the Quad 3 that pay homage to the brand’s iconic 22 and 33 preamps. This Integrated power amplifier features flush-mounted rotary controls, their distinctive two-tone finish in matt silver and dark grey, with signature orange accents, bringing together cutting edge analog and digital technologies in a compact 11.8 inch (30cm) wide chassis.

The Quad 3 is powered by Class A/B amplification that delivers 65wpc into 8 ohms and 100wpc into 4 ohms. The amp’s output stage uses Quad’s ‘Complementary Feedback’ (CFB) technology in pursuit of “superior linearity and excellent thermal stability”. A 235VA ultra-low-noise toroidal transformer powers the circuitry, and each critical section has its own independent low-noise supply.

At the heart of the QUAD 3’s digital section the ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M DAC supports up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM, DSD512, full MQA decoding and the Quad 3 is certified as ‘Roon Tested’. Users can choose from five DAC filter settings and optional upsampling. Complementing the DAC is a Class A post-DAC filter and proprietary clock and power circuitry.

To tailor your sound, the Quad 3 provides “classic Quad tone controls”, with digital rotary encoders that provides adjustment of; balance, bass, and ‘Tilt’, all of which operate in the analog domain. The Tilt control adjusts the frequency response around a 700Hz axis, providing subtle tonal adjustments without the drawbacks of traditional bass and treble knobs.

The Quad 3 comes with a full range of inputs. Digital options include; 1 x USB Type B, 1 x HDMI ARC, Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD support, and 1 x optical and 1 x coaxial S/PDIF connections. Analogue connectivity includes; 2 x  line-level RCA inputs and 1 x MM phono stage with RIAA EQ. There’s a dedicated headphone amplifier and a 6.35mm headphone output discreetly located at the front beneath the chassis. Speaker connectivity is provided by two pairs of gold plated binding posts, a USB-A port is available for firmware updates plus a 12V trigger input/output for system integration. The QUAD 3 also includes 1 x  stereo pre-out.

Finally, control is available using the four front panel rotary encoders and large volume control and the supplied hand held remote.

MSRP:

• US: $2,799.00
• UK: £1,249.00
• EU: €1,499.00

For more information visit the QUAD UK web site.

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