Few names in hifi command the adulation, loyalty and universal respect of QUAD (Quality Amplifier Domestic). It’s long and distinguished history is littered with pivotal products and technologies in amplification and electrostatic loudspeakers, and a reputation for outstanding build quality and durability.
But perhaps it is most famous for the 33 and 303 pre/power amplifier combo, launched 57 years ago and marking QUAD’s departure from valve amplification to transistor circuitry; a bold move for 1967. That celebrated duo is still amongst the most sought-after hifi products today, inevitably snapped up immediately in resale markets - testimony to their desirability and longevity. A design so iconic in fact, that it features in New York’s Museum of Modern Art!
A legend remade
Imagine the anticipation then for the 2024 versions of QUAD 33 & 303. Casual listeners and enthusiasts alike are BUZZING for these. Our auditioning rooms at Peter Tyson were crammed full of eyes and ears awaiting this pair. They did not disappoint!
Instantly recognisable, this is industrial retro with a modern twist. The trademark grey/orange colour scheme remains, now with more contrast - contemporary silver and brighter orange. 33 retains those delightfully satisfying click buttons and rotating knobs - now for bass, tilt and balance - adding an LCD display, delicate orange backlighting and remote control.
303’s upright design and distinctive lateral heatsink fins echo the overall style and reliability that saw the original become not just a coveted domestic amplifier, but a go-to solution for broadcast and recording studios too.
QUAD assembled a dream team of its most skilful and respected engineers for this project, amassing 200+ years’ experience between them. Here’s what they came up with:
QUAD 33 (2024 Edition)
A classic analogue preamplifier: no built-in DAC, but there is now a headphone output, far superior MC/MM phono stage and tilt control - a kind of sophisticated tone control, adjusting high and low frequencies simultaneously to vary overall sound on a kind of warm/cool axis. This, alongside independent bass control, allows users to compensate for variations in source material, personal taste and room acoustics.
There’s three RCA and one XLR inputs; RCA, XLR and pre- outputs, plus two 12V triggers.
QUAD 303 (2024 Edition)
303 stereo power amp generates 50Wpc into 8 ohms (70Wpc into 4) of class AB amplification, utilising a new low-noise toroidal transformer and QUAD’s unique 'symmetrical triples' transistor configuration, reducing distortion and maintaining stability under all dynamic conditions. 50Wpc sounds modest, but the finesse of 303 means it sounds considerably beefier, driving even stubborn loudspeakers. If you want more, you can ‘double up’, linking two 303s in a bridged mono configuration.
How do they sound?
So, how do they sound? In a word, wonderful. We’ve tested hi-res streaming, vinyl, even cassette - all handled with aplomb. Likewise musical genres - everything ticks along with natural rhythm and clarity. It’s a really fun, enjoyable system; exactly what music is all about! Warm, rich and detailed yet never fatiguing, even when we crank it up to 11…
33 & 303 are £1199 each, which in today’s money is reasonable indeed for such quality. Whether they reach the revered status of the originals remains to be seen, but on first impressions they’re off to a flying start.
Hear both at:
Peter Tyson Carlise – 01224 546756
Peter Tyson Newcastle – 0191 285 7179