In the world of HiFi integrated amplifiers, an exciting model is currently attracting attention: the Quad 3. It combines retro aesthetics with modern technology and aims to bridge the gap between tradition and the future. In this article, I summarize everything that has been gathered so far about the QUAD 3 from reviews, manufacturer information, and expert articles.
1. Manufacturer and Background
The British manufacturer Quad Electroacoustics (founded in 1936) enjoys a legendary reputation in the high-fidelity world, especially thanks to their classic products like the ESL electrostatics or the 33/303 combinations. Wikipedia+2Darko.Audio+2 Today, Quad belongs to the International Audio Group (IAG), which allows technical components to be shared with other brands in new devices. Darko.Audio+2QUAD+2
The Quad 3 is a new integrated amplifier that was introduced in early 2025 and combines the functions of a classic integrated amplifier (Analog + Digital) in one housing. hifipig.com+4QUAD+4What Hi-Fi?+4 In doing so, he stylistically draws on elements of Quad's history, such as the style of the Quad 22 or the color scheme of the classic 33 series. QUAD+3AVForums+3ecoustics.com+3
2. Technical Equipment and Data
Before we talk about the sound: Here's an overview of the technology inside the QUAD 3, as confirmed by tests and manufacturer information.
| Feature | Specification / Description |
|---|---|
| Amplification Principle | Class AB AVForums+5What Hi-Fi?+5ecoustics.com+5 |
| Power | 65 W per channel at 8 Ω hifipig.com+4What Hi-Fi?+4ecoustics.com+4 100 W at 4 Ω ecoustics.com+2Stereoindex+2 |
| Power Supply / Power Supply Unit | A specially designed power supply (including 235 VA toroidal transformer) AVForums+3ecoustics.com+3QUAD+3 Capacitance of the filter capacitors specified in the range of 30,000 µF QUAD+1 |
| DAC & Digital Technology | ESS9038Q2M 32-Bit Sabre DAC Chip HIFI.DE+4ecoustics.com+4What Hi-Fi?+4 Supports PCM up to 768 kHz, DSD512 ecoustics.com+2QUAD+2 Full MQA decoding (USB, Coax) ecoustics.com+2QUAD+2 Five digital filters selectable ecoustics.com |
| Inputs / Connections | USB-B (PC) ecoustics.com+2What Hi-Fi?+2 Coaxial and optical (up to 192 kHz) What Hi-Fi?+2ecoustics.com+2 HDMI ARC Darko.Audio+5ecoustics.com+5HomeTheaterReview+5 Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX / aptX HD QUAD+3ecoustics.com+3What Hi-Fi?+3 2 analog line inputs (RCA) QUAD+2What Hi-Fi?+2 One MM phono input (integrated phono stage) AVForums+5Stereoindex+5QUAD+5 |
| Outputs / Extras | Speaker output, Pre-Out, 6.3 mm headphone output (separate amplifier section) AVForums+3ecoustics.com+3QUAD+3 12 V Trigger In/Out ecoustics.com+1 Bass and 'Tilt' control (±3 dB or tilt around 700 Hz axis) AVForums+4ecoustics.com+4What Hi-Fi?+4 |
| Display / Operation | LCD display with orange backlighting, dimmable or switchable off hifipig.com+3QUAD+3What Hi-Fi?+3 Digital rotary controls (Volume, Source, Bass, Balance, Tilt) ecoustics.com+2QUAD+2 Remote control included AVForums+2What Hi-Fi?+2 |
| Price / Availability | List price approx. £1,249 / €1,499 (as of 2025) AVForums+3ecoustics.com+3What Hi-Fi?+3 Announcement and market launch mid-2025 QUAD+3ecoustics.com+3What Hi-Fi?+3 |
A note: Some sources report slightly different power supply specifications – sometimes a 235 VA transformer is mentioned, sometimes 225 VA or a similar size, depending on the region and source. ecoustics.com+2HIFI.DE+2
From a technical perspective, the QUAD 3 offers a very balanced package: enough power for many speakers, modern digital interfaces, and sensible sound controls (Bass/Tilt) – all in a compact integrated amplifier case.
3. Sound character and listening impressions
So how does it actually sound? Here are the exciting observations from various tests and reviews:
- Warm, controlled, musicalIn a report from WeLoveHiFi, it is emphasized that the QUAD 3 tends more towards a musical rather than analytical direction: 'Music instead of effects.' welovehifi.de
- Similar to the 303 sound philosophyAccording to Hifi Pig, the QUAD 3, with 20 W more power, holds up to the classic 303 paradigm and transmits its 'silky smooth' sound character. hifipig.com+1
- Detailed, agile, unobtrusiveIn the review at Hifi Pig, it is further stated that the amplifier is 'finely balanced and very careful' – it does not exaggerate but lets details shine through well. hifipig.com+1
- Dynamic and eagerIn the test review from AVForums, it is praised that the amplifier brings a certain dynamics on its own and keeps up well with program material that demands tempo. AVForums
- Digital sources well integratedWhen used via USB/Coax/HDMI ARC, tests praise that the QUAD 3 convincingly implements its digital side without the DAC sounding overemphasized. What Hi-Fi?+3AVForums+3HomeTheaterReview+3
- Sound coloring through sound controlsThe tilt control (tilt around the 700 Hz axis) offers a subtle way to shift sound colors between warmer or brighter directions without clumsy EQ jumps. AVForums+4ecoustics.com+4What Hi-Fi?+4
- Weaknesses in operation / displaySome critics complain about the readability of the display from a greater distance and the complexity of the remote control. AVForums+2AVForums+2 It is also mentioned that the Bluetooth antenna is permanently mounted and looks a bit conspicuous. AVForums
Overall, the impression is of an amplifier that does not want to shine with 'HiFi tricks,' but rather with musical character, good equipment, and high everyday usability.
4. Comparison to classic Quad components and competitors
Compared to Quad 303 / 33
- In terms of performance data, the QUAD 3 outperforms the classic amplifier 303: 65 W vs. 50 W at 8 Ω (according to a German test) HIFI.DE+1
- The QUAD 3 also integrates the digital components and a DAC, which traditionally had to be added externally with 33/303. AVForums+3ecoustics.com+3HomeTheaterReview+3
- The new full-device design allows for a more compact setup, but the two-box approach (separate pre- and power amplifier) sometimes offers more flexibility and upgradability.
In the market segment (comparable integrated amplifiers)
The QUAD 3 distinguishes itself from other modern all-round integrators by:
- Retro design with action mechanics (Tilt, Bass)
- Complete MQA decoding
- HDMI ARC + Bluetooth + Phono in one device
- Very good price-performance ratio (according to test reviews)
When considering models from brands like Cambridge Audio, Audiolab, Naim, or Rotel in a similar price range, the QUAD 3 definitely offers competitive potential—especially for users who appreciate aesthetics and a classic operating feel.
5. Strengths, weaknesses & target group
Strengths
- Excellent equipment package with DAC, Phono, HDMI, Bluetooth
- Solid performance and good power reserves
- Sound-wise rather unobtrusive, musical, with impulsiveness
- Sound control (Tilt, Bass) without major interventions
- Design with retro charm and strong presence
- Good build quality according to tests
Weaknesses / Criticism points
- Readability of the display at greater distances is somewhat limited AVForums+2AVForums+2
- Remote control somewhat overloaded in some opinions AVForums+1
- Bluetooth antenna fixed and visibly mounted AVForums
- In very demanding setups with top speakers and large rooms, the performance may reach its limits
Target group & application scenarios
The QUAD 3 is particularly suitable for:
- Music lovers who want an all-in-one solution for digital + analog
- Users who want to combine a classic look with modern technology
- Medium-sized listening rooms and speaker systems with moderate efficiency
- Users who value flexibility (HDMI, Phono, Bluetooth) in one device
It is probably less suitable for listening rooms over 30–40 m² with very insensitive speakers or for users who need maximum performance with maximum reserve switching.
6. Conclusion
The Quad 3 is an exciting new addition to the world of integrated amplifiers: It combines nostalgic design with modern technology, offers solid performance and flexible connection options—without sounding overly ambitious. The many positive test impressions show that it sounds convincing, its operation can be optimized in some points, and that it represents a serious option in its price range.
