QUAD 3 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER FUSES CLASSIC DESIGN WITH MODERN TECH

QUAD has unveiled the QUAD 3 integrated amplifier, a modern piece of HiFi kit with styling cues that pay homage to the brand’s iconic 22 and 33 preamps.

While visually reminiscent of the iconic 1960s designs, the QUAD 3 is a completely new creation, blending classic aesthetics with the technology and features expected of a 2025 integrated amplifier.

RETRO INSPIRED DESIGN

Designed by David McNeill, also responsible for the recent 33/303 revamp, the QUAD 3 features flush-mounted rotary controls, a distinctive two-tone finish in matt silver and dark grey, and signature orange accents—all echoing QUAD’s rich design lineage. Its compact 30cm-wide chassis makes it suitable for modern living spaces without sacrificing performance. You can read the HiFi PiG review of the QUAD 33 Preamp And 303 Power Amp here.

QUAD 3 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER

Beneath its retro exterior, the QUAD 3 is fitted with an extensive range of inputs. Digital options include USB Type B, HDMI ARC (HDMI 2.1/eARC compliant), Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD support, and optical and coaxial S/PDIF connections. Analogue fans are well served with two line-level RCA inputs and a phono stage designed for MM cartridges. There’s also a dedicated headphone amplifier and a 6.35mm headphone output discreetly located beneath the chassis.

The inclusion of HDMI ARC is a notable feature, allowing seamless integration with TVs—offering improved audio for streaming services, gaming consoles, and more, all controllable via the TV remote.

USER-CENTRIC CONTROL SYSTEM

The QUAD 3 includes an updated take on classic tone controls, with digital rotary encoders that allow fine-tuned adjustment of source selection, balance, bass, and ‘Tilt’. The Tilt control—originally introduced by QUAD’s founder Peter Walker in 1982—adjusts the frequency response around a 700Hz axis, providing subtle tonal adjustments without the drawbacks of traditional bass and treble knobs.

These controls operate entirely in the analogue domain, avoiding digital signal processing and preserving signal purity. A larger rotary control handles volume, with an orange LED ring indicating current level.

QUAD 3 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER FEATURES ADVANCED DIGITAL ENGINE

At the heart of the QUAD 3’s digital section lies the ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M DAC chip. Supporting up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512, it also offers full MQA decoding and is certified as ‘Roon Tested’. Listeners can choose from five DAC filter settings and optional upsampling, allowing them to tailor playback to suit their preferences and source quality. Complementing the DAC is a Class A post-DAC filter and proprietary clock and power circuitry.

HIGH-PERFORMANCE ANALOGUE CIRCUITRY

The QUAD 3’s amplifier section is built around a Class AB output stage with a Complementary Feedback (CFB) topology. This ensures superior linearity and thermal stability while delivering 65W per channel into 8 ohms, and 100W into 4 ohms. A 235VA ultra-low-noise toroidal transformer powers the circuit, and each critical section has an independent low-noise supply. Signal purity is a key design goal, with a minimalist preamp stage and careful internal layout minimising interference.

QUAD 3 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER CONNECTIVITY AND BUILD

Alongside its main speaker outputs and headphone socket, the QUAD 3 includes a stereo pre-out, a USB-A port for firmware updates, and a 12V trigger input/output for system integration. Gold-plated binding posts ensure a secure and high-quality speaker connection.

Despite its modest dimensions (300 x 101 x 332mm), QUAD has packed a full suite of high-end components into the amplifier, maintaining the internal layout’s integrity.

QUAD 3 PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

The QUAD 3 integrated amplifier is available from mid-June 2025, with a recommended retail price of £1249.

HiFi PiG Says: We love these retro-inspired creations from QUAD, proof that cool design never goes out of style!