18 January 2025

The New Quad 33/303

 

The New Quad 33/303

Very few Hi-Fi components are as instantly recognisable as the QUAD 33 and 303, a classic British preamp and power amp combination from the late 1960s, winner of the Council of Industrail Design award for 1969. This new 33-303 combo from 2024 retains much of the ethos of the original model. QUAD’s decision to revisit the 33 and 303 was in no small part due to the continuing demand for these amps on the second-hand market some four decades after they were discontinued in the 1980s. This pre/power amp brings back the romance of the original but over 50 years of innovation and improvements, making it a joy to behold regardless of source; track after track, symphony after symphony, the 33 and 303 are thoroughly engaging the listener whether the volume is set low or high! The industrial design of the new QUAD 303 is instantly recognisable and is ‘true QUAD’. The anodised chassis CNC-routed heat sinks on either side offer enduring quality which the tank housing also provides a rugged structure that resists interference from external vibrations. Much like the original, the new QUAD 303 maintains its faithfulness to the original by employing the famous QUAD ‘symmetrical triples’. Employed to provide a completely symmetrical output stage, greatly reducing distortion and rendering the resting current independent of output transistor temperature. The QUAD 33 preserves the brand’s signature simplicity while incorporating modern upgrades like a backlit display, LED illumination, and remote control functionality. The control system of the QUAD 33 remains user-friendly, featuring logically arranged functions, a backlit LCD screen for clear settings, and motorised volume controls that allow remote adjustments. It includes bass, tilt, and balance controls for precise sound customisation, with the unique Tilt control developed by QUAD’s founder enabling tonal adjustments. The new 303 model features a fully complementary output stage for superior linearity and stability, enhancing sound quality even under challenging conditions. With a custom low-noise toroidal transformer, advanced feedback topology, and a power rating of 50W @ 8 ohms, the new QUAD 303 meets modern audiophile demands while maintaining its iconic design and robust construction. Price £1199 each.

The New Quad 33/303

The New Quad 33/303

The New Quad 33/303

The New Quad 33/303

The New Quad 33/303