Quad 3

The Quad 3 is a stereo integrated amplifier that combines a preamplifier, a class AB power stage and a digital-to-analogue converter within a single chassis. It acts as a central hub for a music system, capable of accommodating a turntable as well as a modern digital source, a television or a mobile device via Bluetooth.

The digital section is built around an ESS9038Q2M chipset paired with a class A post-DAC filtering circuit. The USB input accepts high-resolution audio up to 768 kHz in PCM and DSD512, while the coaxial and optical S/PDIF inputs handle signal up to 192 kHz. An HDMI ARC input allows sound from the television to be received and volume to be controlled from its remote control. Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD codec allows 24-bit wireless streaming from a smartphone or tablet.

For analogue sources, the unit includes a dedicated MM phono stage, said to offer low noise and precise RIAA equalisation, as well as two auxiliary inputs. On the output side, there is a preamplifier output, a stereo speaker output, a headphone output with current feedback amplification, and a 12 V trigger for integration into a larger system.

In terms of performance, the amplifier delivers 2 x 65 W into 8 ohms and 2 x 100 W into 4 ohms, with a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz (+/- 0.1 dB), a signal-to-noise ratio above 110 dB A-weighted and an output impedance of 120 ohm. Maximum output voltage reaches 2.3 V at 0 dB volume.

This model is aimed at a user wishing to centralise a mixed setup around a single unit: a turntable fitted with an MM cartridge, a digital source via USB or S/PDIF, a television connected via HDMI ARC, and portable listening via Bluetooth. The compact format and design inspired by historic QUAD amplifiers suit an installation in a living room or office where footprint matters as much as versatility.