Very few Hi-Fi components are as instantly recognisable as the QUAD 33 and 303, and for that we make no apologies!

Still one of the most popular models in the history of one of the world’s most poignant Hi-Fi brands, the QUAD 33 and 303 are benchmarks in almost every angle of desirable audio equipment – performance, reliability, industrial design, value and musical romance.

Overview

By revisiting the QUAD 33 and 303 components, QUAD demonstrates its authenticity, pedigree and excellence as a juggernaut of the British hi-fi world - past and present.

In listing the names involved in the development of this stunning iteration of an icon, you’ll find a calculation of close to 200 years of engineering experience and 100+ years of QUAD-exclusive design and service.

Function

The new QUAD 33 is supported by digital microprocessor control but is otherwise faithful to a classic analogue design.

The 33 feeds the loudspeakers via the power amplifier using dedicated stereo pre-outputs, with an RCA line-level and balanced XLR pre-out option. For additional versatility and functionality, there’s also an AUX output.

Now equipped with fully balanced XLR inputs and outputs, the 33 is set apart from other preamplifiers and even its forefather model.

Controls

The controls are comprehensive but simple. Again, this echoes the original design concept.

Logically grouped to facilitate selection and control of the programme, a backlit LCD screen relays settings, adjustments and values. The same backlighting principle is applied to each of the push buttons, further enhancing the intuitive design with a visual indication of input selection and mode. Illumination settings for buttons and the LCD screen allow for brightness adjustment, contrast adjustment, and a simple on/off setting to suit the user’s preference.

Performance

No one knows more about the QUAD 33 than the immensely experienced QUAD service department – still based at QUAD HQ in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, England.

Upon initiating this project of passion, it was determined that the new 33 and 303 combination will only see the light of day if the performance stands true and improves on the original.

In over 50 years since the release of the original 33 and 303, innovations and developments have been exponential, but only some have been employed and each with good reason. Each stage of the development and every innovation was subject to thorough testing and complete agreement with the QUAD technical design AND service team.

Fit and Finish

The QUAD 33 has a crisp and clean aesthetic that evokes QUAD’s past yet sits in the modern-day with a futuristic accent.

The housing is rigid and oozes quality. The end-finish is precise, just like the audio signal path. The anodised and custom-tooled fascia demonstrate the quality and level at which the new QUAD 33 will be recognised. No longer subject to cracks, fading or other issues associated with classic front panels, the QUAD 33 is ready for a lifetime of performance.

Ultimately, the new QUAD 33 considers every angle and aspect to underline the faithful evolution of the ‘33’ concept. With each step in transitioning from concept to reality, the commitment to ‘the closest approach to the original sound’ is evident.

A new classic is born, and the 33 emerges in the modern era. The past is not forgotten, but the future is undeniably here.