QUAD 3 Integrated Amplifier

Description

QUAD 3 Integrated Amplifier

The QUAD 3 Integrated Amplifier delivers 65W per channel into 8 ohms and 100W per channel into 4 ohms from a Class AB amplifier section. It also includes an ESS ES9038Q2M DAC, HDMI ARC, Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD, USB, optical, coaxial, MM phono input, pre-out, tone controls, and a headphone output. Therefore, it is a very flexible integrated amplifier for vinyl, TV, digital, and everyday music listening.

The QUAD 3 is one of those amplifiers that makes a lot of sense for real homes. It is compact, stylish, and easy to live with. However, it still feels like a proper hi-fi amplifier.

The design is a big part of its appeal. It has the vintage QUAD look, but it does not feel old-fashioned. Instead, it adds modern features like HDMI ARC, USB audio, Bluetooth, and a capable DAC. As a result, it works well in both traditional stereo systems and modern living-room setups.

We also like the inclusion of QUAD’s famous Tilt control. Rather than basic tone controls, Tilt adjusts the overall tonal balance in a more natural way. This can be useful in real rooms, especially if a system sounds slightly too bright or too warm.

The 65W output is also more useful than it may look on paper. Reviews have noted that the QUAD 3 sounds more powerful than its rating suggests. Therefore, it is a great match for many bookshelf speakers and efficient floorstanders.

For customers wanting a stylish, flexible, and musically engaging integrated amplifier, the QUAD 3 is a very strong choice. It is especially appealing for systems that need to handle vinyl, TV sound, streaming, and digital sources from one compact box.

 

 

View User Manual >> View QUAD HiFi >>

 

What the Experts Say

• Hi-Fi News said the QUAD 3 “does everything you could want” for analogue and digital use. It also noted that it sounds like it has more power than its rating suggests.
• What Hi-Fi? described the QUAD 3 as a modern integrated amplifier with retro styling, 65W output, HDMI ARC, Bluetooth aptX HD, MM phono, USB, optical, coaxial, headphone output, and pre-out. It also praised its lively, fluid sound and strong midrange.
• Darko Audio highlighted the ESS ES9038Q2M DAC, USB-B support up to 32-bit / 768kHz PCM and DSD512, HDMI ARC, Bluetooth aptX HD, pre-out, and quarter-inch headphone socket.
• AVForums – “The QUAD urges you to fondle the controls and start looking for a suitable retro turntable to partner up with it (in the full knowledge you can hide your digital source somewhere out of line of sight). One of these and a pair of freshly updated Elipson Planet Ls is going to be riot of colour, texture and out and out aesthetic joy that not a lot else anywhere near the price can get near. This is what the QUAD is going to do brilliantly for years to come and it’s why it comes enthusiastically Recommended.”
• HIFI Pig 5 Stars – “QUAD has done it again with another retro model that should not only get interest from those who began their audio journey with the original 22 but also those much younger wanting to start their journey. This is a really easy-to-use and versatile unit that gives an organic and fluid performance, whatever the source. This is great value, even just for the looks. As a complete amplifier, it’s a bargain.”

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How powerful is the QUAD 3 Integrated Amplifier?
   The QUAD 3 delivers 65W per channel into 8 ohms and 100W per channel into 4 ohms. This is suitable for many bookshelf speakers and efficient floorstanding speakers. Also, reviews suggest it sounds more powerful than the numbers imply, which makes it very capable in small to medium rooms.
2. Does the QUAD 3 have a built-in DAC?
   Yes, the QUAD 3 includes an ESS ES9038Q2M DAC. It supports high-resolution digital audio through USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth, and HDMI ARC. Therefore, you can connect a computer, CD transport, streamer, TV, or phone without needing a separate DAC.
3. Can I connect a turntable to the QUAD 3?
   Yes, the QUAD 3 includes a moving magnet phono input. This means you can connect a turntable with an MM cartridge directly. However, if you use a low-output moving coil cartridge, you will need a separate MC phono stage.
4. Does the QUAD 3 work with a TV?
   Yes, the QUAD 3 includes HDMI ARC. This lets you connect a compatible TV and send sound through your hi-fi speakers. As a result, it is a strong alternative to a soundbar if you want better stereo sound.
5. What is QUAD Tilt control?
   QUAD Tilt control adjusts the tonal balance of the amplifier in a more natural way than basic treble control. For example, it can gently warm up a bright system or add a little more presence to a darker one. This is useful for room matching and speaker matching.
6. Is the QUAD 3 good for headphones?
   Yes, the QUAD 3 includes a headphone output with a dedicated current-feedback headphone amplifier. It supports headphones from 20 to 600 ohms, making it useful for private listening as well as speaker playback.
7. What speakers pair well with the QUAD 3?
   The QUAD 3 pairs well with quality bookshelf speakers and efficient floorstanders. Good matches include QUAD speakers, ELAC, Triangle, Paradigm, and Klipsch Heritage models. However, very large or difficult speakers may benefit from a more powerful amplifier. Talk to the Rapallo team for guidance.

 

Ideal For

• Compact hi-fi systems
• Vinyl and digital listening
• TV audio through proper speakers
• Small to medium rooms
• Listeners wanting classic QUAD style with modern features

 

Key Features

Class AB Amplification

The QUAD 3 uses a Class AB power amplifier section. It delivers 65W per channel into 8 ohms and 100W per channel into 4 ohms, giving it enough power for many compact and medium-sized hi-fi systems.

ESS ES9038Q2M DAC

The built-in ESS ES9038Q2M DAC supports high-resolution playback from digital sources. USB supports PCM up to 32-bit / 768kHz and DSD512, giving the amplifier serious digital capability.

HDMI ARC for TV Audio

HDMI ARC makes the QUAD 3 easy to connect to a compatible TV. So, you can use proper hi-fi speakers instead of a soundbar.

Moving Magnet Phono Input

A built-in MM phono stage allows direct connection of a turntable. This makes the QUAD 3 a great option for vinyl listeners.

Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD

Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD gives you quick wireless playback from phones, tablets, and laptops. It is ideal for casual listening.

QUAD Tilt Control

The Tilt control adjusts tonal balance in a natural and musical way. It is useful when matching the amplifier to different speakers, rooms, or recordings.

Headphone Output

The QUAD 3 includes a front headphone output. It also uses a dedicated headphone amplifier section, making it useful for private listening.

Compact 30cm-Wide Design

At only 300mm wide, the QUAD 3 is easier to place than many full-size amplifiers. However, it still offers a serious feature set and strong build quality.

 

Perfect System Match

• QUAD 3 CDT CD transport
• Bookshelf speakers on stands
• Efficient floorstanding speakers
• Turntable with MM cartridge
• Living-room stereo systems with HDMI ARC

 

Recommended With This Product

• Quality speaker cable
• HDMI ARC cable for TV connection
• USB cable for computer audio
• Record cleaning kit for vinyl users
• Matching QUAD 3 CDT

 

Specifications

Brand: QUAD
Model: QUAD 3
Product Type: Integrated Amplifier

Amplifier
Class AB integrated amplifier

Power Output
2 x 65W into 8 ohms
2 x 100W into 4 ohms

DAC
ESS ES9038Q2M 32-bit DAC

Digital Audio Support
USB: PCM up to 32-bit / 768kHz
USB: DSD up to DSD512
MQA decoding supported

Analogue Inputs
2 x RCA line inputs
1 x MM phono input

Digital Inputs
USB-B
Coaxial
Optical
HDMI ARC
Bluetooth 5.1

Bluetooth Codecs
aptX HD
aptX LL
AAC
SBC

Outputs
Speaker outputs
Pre-out
Headphone output

Phono Stage
Moving Magnet phono input
Input sensitivity: 3.6mV
Input impedance: 47kΩ / 100pF

Tone Control
Bass control
QUAD Tilt control

Digital Filters
5 selectable digital filters

Frequency Response
20Hz – 20kHz

Total Harmonic Distortion
<0.003%

Signal-to-Noise Ratio

110dB, line
78dB, MM phono

Output Voltage
2.3V max, pre-out

Speaker Load
4 ohms minimum

Headphone Amplifier
Current-feedback headphone amplifier
Load impedance: 20 – 600 ohms

Power Consumption
Standby: <0.5W

Dimensions
300mm (W) x 101mm (H) x 332mm (D)

Weight
8kg

Finish
Black
Silver

MPN: QUAD-3
SKU: QUAD-3

EAN / UPC / GTIN: 6976522469783

 

Why Buy From Rapallo

✔ Authorised QUAD dealer
✔ Expert amplifier and speaker matching advice
✔ NZ warranty support
✔ Turntable, TV, and digital setup guidance
✔ Trusted NZ hi-fi specialists