Quad 3 Integrated Amplifier

A compact class-AB integrated amplifier with 65 Wpc output, ESS 32-bit DAC, MM phonostage, HDMI ARC, Bluetooth 5.1, USB audio, headphone amp, and Quad’s signature Tilt control

The Quad 3 is a compact integrated amplifier that combines classic Quad design cues with a broad range of modern analog, digital, wireless, and TV-friendly connectivity. Built as a complete hub for contemporary hi-fi systems, it offers class-AB amplification, a high-resolution ESS DAC, MM phono input, Bluetooth streaming, HDMI ARC, USB audio, and a dedicated headphone amplifier in a chassis designed to visually match the Quad 3CDT CD transport.

Inspired by the Quad 22 preamplifier and designed to sit alongside the latest Quad 33 and 303 components, the Quad 3 keeps the company’s distinctive visual identity while addressing today’s listening habits. Its compact form factor, orange-lit LCD strip, tactile controls, and full-function remote make it easy to use across vinyl, digital, TV, computer-audio, and headphone systems.

Classic Elegance, Modern Tastes

The Quad 3 takes design inspiration from the iconic Quad 22, with a subtle nod to the industrial design language of the new Quad 33. The orange-lit LCD strip provides visual feedback for source selection, settings, parameters, and options, while the backlight brightness can be adjusted or switched off to suit the room.

A row of tactile digital encoders gives direct control over volume, source selection, balance, bass, and Quad’s renowned Tilt control. The result is a compact amplifier that feels deliberately hands-on without sacrificing convenience or system flexibility.

Modern Connectivity

The Quad 3 is designed as a versatile system hub. Digital inputs include USB-B for computer audio, coaxial and optical S/PDIF, HDMI ARC for TV sound, and Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX and aptX HD support. Analog users are served by two line-level RCA inputs and a dedicated low-noise MM phono stage.

USB audio supports PCM playback up to 768 kHz and DSD512, while coaxial and optical inputs support hi-res audio up to 192 kHz. HDMI ARC allows TV audio to be routed through the hi-fi system with the convenience of TV remote control for volume and power.

Advanced Digital Architecture

At the heart of the Quad 3’s digital section is an ESS9038Q2M 32-bit DAC chipset, paired with a class-A post-DAC filter circuit. For users streaming from a computer or playing local high-resolution files, the USB-B input turns a PC or Mac into a high-quality digital source.

Upsampling can be applied to audio from both S/PDIF and USB sources, raising the digital audio signal to either 352.8 kHz or 384 kHz.

Class-AB Power and Control

The Quad 3 uses a class-AB power amplifier section with a custom-engineered power supply. A 235 VA toroidal transformer and 30,000 µF reservoir support dynamic headroom and low distortion, with rated output of 65 Wpc into 8 ohms and 100 Wpc into 4 ohms.

Quad’s bass and Tilt controls allow tonal adjustment without crude or heavy-handed equalization. The bass control offers ±3 dB adjustment of the low frequencies, while Tilt adjusts both ends of the frequency spectrum together around a 700 Hz axis, making the overall balance warmer or cooler in 1 dB steps.

Phono and Headphone Listening

Vinyl listeners get a dedicated high-performance low-noise MM phono stage with precise RIAA equalization. For headphone users, the Quad 3 includes a separate current-feedback headphone amplifier circuit designed to mirror the precision of the main amplifier.

About Quad

Founded in London in 1936 by Peter Walker, Quad has built its reputation on disciplined engineering, practical design, and the enduring goal Walker described as “the closest approach to the original sound.” Originally focused on amplifiers and public-address equipment, the company moved to Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, in 1941, where Quad’s British engineering, service, and development remain centered today.

Quad’s history includes some of the most important products in British hi-fi, from the Quad II amplifier and the 33/303 preamp and power amplifier combination to the 405 current-dumping amplifier. In 1957, Quad introduced the world’s first production full-range electrostatic loudspeaker, establishing a loudspeaker lineage that continues through generations of ESL designs.

Today, Quad continues to balance heritage and renewal, developing electronics and loudspeakers that respect the company’s classic design values while addressing modern listening habits. Across its amplifiers, digital components, and loudspeakers, Quad remains defined by clarity, restraint, and engineering purpose.

Features

• Compact integrated amplifier with class-AB power amplifier section
• 65 Wpc into 8 ohms and 100 Wpc into 4 ohms
• ESS9038Q2M 32-bit DAC
• Class-A post-DAC filter circuit
• USB-B input supports PCM up to 768 kHz and DSD512
• Coaxial and optical S/PDIF inputs support up to 192 kHz
• HDMI ARC input for TV audio
• Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX and aptX HD support
• Dedicated high-performance low-noise MM phono stage
• Two line-level RCA inputs
• Dedicated current-feedback headphone amplifier
• Built-in bass adjustment with ±3 dB range
• Quad Tilt control adjusts tonal balance around a 700 Hz axis
• Upsampling for S/PDIF and USB audio sources to 352.8 kHz or 384 kHz
• Orange-lit LCD strip with adjustable brightness
• Tactile digital encoders for direct control
• Preamp output, speaker output, headphone output, and 12 V trigger connections
• USB firmware upgrade capability
• Full-function remote control

Included Accessories

• Power cord
• Remote control
• User manual
• 2 AAA batteries

Specifications

Power Output (8 ohms, 4 ohms): 65 Wpc,100 Wpc

Power Amplifier Section: Class-AB

DAC: ES9038Q2M 32-bit

Bluetooth: 5.1 with aptX and aptX HD

Phono Stage: MM

Inputs: 2 analog RCA, 1 phono MM, 1 coaxial S/PDIF, 1 optical S/PDIF, 1 PC USB, 1 HDMI ARC, 1 Bluetooth, 1 12 V trigger

Outputs: 1 preamplifier, 1 stereo speaker, 1 headphone, 1 12 V trigger

Sampling Frequency (Optical/Coaxial): 44.1 kHz–192 kHz

Sampling Frequency (PC USB): 44.1 kHz–768 kHz PCM, DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512

Preamplifier Gain (Line, Phono MM): 0 dB, 47 dB

Preamplifier Input Impedance (Line, Phono MM): 10 kohms, 47 kohms/100 pF

Preamplifier Output Voltage: 2.3 V maximum

Preamplifier Output Impedance: 120 ohms

D-To-A Converter: ES9038Q2M

DAC Output Level: 2.05 Vrms, 0 dBFS, 1 kHz

DAC Maximum Sampling Frequency: 192 kHz optical/coaxial; PCM 768 kHz and DSD512 PC USB

Power Amplifier Gain: 29 dB

Power Amplifier Input Sensitivity: 800 mVrms

Maximum Output Current: 10 A

Headphone Output Impedance: 2.35 ohms

Headphone Load Impedance: 20–600 ohms

Standby Power Consumption: <0.5 W

Dimensions (HLW): 3.98" × 13.07" × 11.81" (101 × 332 × 300 mm)

Weight: 17.64 lb. (8 kg)