QUAD 33 PREAMPLIFIER AND QUAD 303 POWER AMPLIFIER 2024 EDITIONS LAUNCHED

British HiFi brand QUAD has announced the re-launch of its iconic QUAD 33 preamplifier and QUAD 303 power amplifier, originally introduced in the late 1960s.

These classic units have been reimagined for 2024, offering a modern twist on the designs while staying true to their vintage appeal. The 33/303 combination has lbeen celebrated for its sound and design, which earned a place in the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

You can now read our review of the QUAD 33 and QUAD 303 combo here

OUT IN THE WILD

Having been spotted at several HiFi Shows over the last few months, they return to the market to attract a new generation of audiophiles…and of course appeal to those who loved them the first time around.

QUAD 33 PREAMPLIFIER

The QUAD 33 preamplifier retains its compact size and unique look, with updated features suited for contemporary audio systems. While maintaining its analogue roots, it now includes bass, tilt, and balance controls, providing users with the ability to fine-tune their sound. This is complemented by a modernised interface, featuring an LCD display with backlit buttons for ease of use. The new 33 also improves connectivity with a mix of RCA and XLR inputs and outputs, along with a dedicated phono input for turntables and a headphone output for personal listening.

QUAD 303 POWER AMPLIFIER

Meanwhile, the 303 stereo power amplifier carries forward its distinctive vertical orientation and heatsink fins, which have been slightly refined. Internally, the amp remains true to its original design with the ‘triples’ output stage, an innovation by QUAD founder Peter Walker that is designed to ensure low distortion and thermal stability. The new 303 offers 50 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 70 watts into 4 ohms, delivering ample power while preserving the amp’s sound quality. For users seeking more output, the 303 can be bridged to deliver 140 watts per channel into 8 ohms.

MODULAR CONSTRUCTION

Both the 33 preamp and 303 power amp are crafted with a mix of vintage charm and modern engineering, ensuring durability and performance. QUAD has also focused on ease of maintenance, with modular construction allowing for straightforward servicing.

These units have been designed to offer long-term reliability, following in the footsteps of their predecessors, many of which are still in use today.

You can now read our review of the QUAD 33 and QUAD 303 combo here

QUAD 33 PREAMPLIFIER (2024 EDITION) SPECIFICATIONS

Inputs 1x stereo XLR; 3x stereo RCA line level; 1x stereo RCA phono (MM/MC)

Outputs 1x stereo XLR; 1x stereo RCA; 1x stereo RCA AUX; 1x headphone; 2x 12V trigger

Other facilities Bass and Tilt tone controls; balance control; remote control

Dimensions (WxHxD) 258×82.9x165mm

QUAD 303 POWER AMPLIFIER (2024 EDITION) SPECIFICATIONS

Amplifier type Class AB with ‘triples’ output stage; stereo and bridged modes

Power output – stereo 2x 50W (8 ohms, THD<1%); 2x 70W (4 ohms, THD<1%)

Power output – bridged 2x 140W (8 ohms, THD<1%); 2x 170W (4 ohms, THD<1%)

Distortion (THD) <0.003% (1kHz 8 ohms @ 2/3 max. power)

Maximum current delivery 2x 10A

Inputs 1x stereo XLR; 1x stereo RCA

Outputs 1x stereo speaker binding posts; 1x 12V trigger + link

Dimensions (WxHxD) 120x176x325mm

QUAD 33 PREAMPLIFIER AND QUAD 303 POWER AMPLIFIER PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

The 2024 editions of the QUAD 33 preamplifier and QUAD 303 power amplifier will be available in mid-November, priced at £1,199 each in the UK, EUR €1,499 and USD $1,599.

HiFi PiG Says: We love the retro looks of this new QUAD gear, they are bound to be popular with fans old and new.