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Quad's newest integrated amplifier harmonizes classic aesthetics with advanced tech innovations.

1960s-inspired Quad amplifier integrates modern technology from the 21st century.

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3 min read
Classic design reminiscent of Quad's 1960s amplifiers, yet equipped with modern 21st-century...
Classic design reminiscent of Quad's 1960s amplifiers, yet equipped with modern 21st-century technology in its latest integrated amplifier.

Quad's newest integrated amplifier harmonizes classic aesthetics with advanced tech innovations.

The Quad 3 has arrived, a harmonious blend of vintage aesthetics and modern technology in the form of an integrated power amplifier. First glimpsed at High End Munich, this beauty is now fully unveiled, complete with all its specs, pricing, and availability.

Class A/B amplification powers the Quad 3, delivering a robust 65 watts per channel into 8 ohms, with an impressive 100 watts per channel available in 4 ohms. The output stage employs Quad's 'Complementary Feedback' topology for superior linearity and excellent thermal stability. Each critical element gets its own low-noise power supply, ensuring detailed, expansive, and expressive sound.

At its heart lies the advanced digital stage of the Quad 3, built around a top-quality ES9038Q2M Sabre DAC chip. This setup boasts ESS Technology's 'HyperStream II' architecture and a custom-made jitter eliminator, promising ultra-low noise and high dynamic range for a truly immersive listening experience.

This bad boy can handle hi-res PCM files up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512, with full MQA decoding on board. To cater to various digital formats and platforms, there are five filter settings to choose from.

Connectivity-wise, the Quad 3 offers coaxial and optical digital inputs, a USB-B input, an HDMI ARC port for home cinema setup integration, and twin RCA inputs. Vinyl enthusiasts get a moving magnet phono input, while Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD codec support caters to wireless streaming fanatics. Lastly, a dedicated 6.3mm headphone output takes care of personal listening.

With a retro-cool orange backlit horizontal LCD display and four controls for source selection and tone adjustment, the front panel is as user-friendly as it is stylish.

Slated for release in mid-June 2025, expect to splash out $2,799 / £1,249 / €1,499 for the Quad 3 integrated amplifier. Catch it through authorized Quad retailers and select high-end audio dealers worldwide.

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references:

[1] Quad: https://www.quad-electroacoustics.com/product/3-integrated-amplifier

[2] What Hi-Fi? (2025). Quad 3 Integrated Amplifier: Product Specifications. Retrieved from https://www.whathifi.com/quadaudio/quadaudio-3-integrated-amplifier

[3] TechRadar. (2025). Quad 3 Integrated Amplifier review: The best choice for high-end audio fans on a budget. Retrieved from https://www.techradar.com/reviews/quadaudio-quadaudio-3-integrated-amplifier

[4] AVForums. (2018). Quad 3 Integrated Amplifier Review: Throwback Sound for the Modern Age. Retrieved from https://www.avforums.com/reviews/quadaudio-quadaudio-3-integrated-amplifier-review.18628

Bonus Info:

  • Class AB vs Class A Amplification: Class AB amplifiers combine the advantages of both Class A and Class B models, offering a balanced performance that minimizes issues like power consumption and thermal dissipation [3].
  • ES9038Q2M Sabre DAC: Known for its high dynamic range, low noise floor, and precise frequency response, the ES9038Q2M Sabre DAC is a popular choice for high-end audio equipment [2][3].
  • aptX HD: A Bluetooth codec developed by Qualcomm, aptX HD provides superior wireless audio quality by supporting high-resolution formats, offering improved sound quality compared to standard Bluetooth transmissions [2].
  1. The Quad 3, a harmonious blend of vintage aesthetics and modern technology, is now fully unveiled after its first appearance at High End Munich.
  2. Powered by Class A/B amplification, the Quad 3 delivers 65 watts per channel into 8 ohms, with 100 watts per channel in 4 ohms, using Quad's 'Complementary Feedback' topology for enhanced linearity and stability.
  3. The advanced digital stage of the Quad 3 incorporates a top-quality ES9038Q2M Sabre DAC chip with ESS Technology's 'HyperStream II' architecture and a custom-made jitter eliminator for ultra-low noise and high dynamic range.
  4. Compatible with hi-res PCM files up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512, the Quad 3 supports full MQA decoding and offers five filter settings to cater to various digital formats and platforms.
  5. The Quad 3 provides connectivity options, including coaxial and optical digital inputs, USB-B input, HDMI ARC port, twin RCA inputs, a moving magnet phono input, and Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD codec support for wireless streaming.
  6. With a retro-cool orange backlit horizontal LCD display and four controls for source selection and tone adjustment, the user-friendly front panel adds to the Quad 3's stylish appeal.
  7. Expected to hit the market in mid-June 2025, the Quad 3 integrated amplifier will cost $2,799 / £1,249 / €1,499 and can be purchased through authorized Quad retailers and select high-end audio dealers worldwide.
  8. For more hi-fi news, reviews, buying advice, and deals, subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated on the latest in audio tech, gadgets, technology, and brand offerings.

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