Quad 33 Preamplifier

Very few Hi-Fi components are as instantly recognizable as the QUAD 33 preamplifier and 303 power amplifier, 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.

The external design is specifically intended to continue the QUAD tradition of practical simplicity. Yet, it would be foolish to ignore the implementation of modern-day capabilities, such as an informative backlit display, delicate LED illumination and remote control functionality. And just like the original, the overall appearance is unmistakably QUAD, albeit now with a premium machined and anodized front panel and all-metal chassis.

Function

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

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

The brand new phono stage is Moving Magnet and Moving Coil compatible with the ability to simply switch between the two options – no mods or board upgrades necessary. With a gain of 46dB for the MM and 63.5dB for the MC, the input stage uses ultra-low noise audio op-amps. 

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.

The master volume control is a fully analogue, precision motorised ALPS potentiometer offering long-life and low-noise performance. The volume control is not only tactile and precise; its motorized operation will automatically rotate when adjustments are made via the remote control. 

Developed by QUAD founder, the legendary Peter Walker, the Tilt control is an audiophile-quality solution for adjusting tone. Its design stems from the belief that traditional tone and EQ controls are inadequate and clumsy when adjusting tonal balance.

The Tilt control differs in that it adjusts both ends of the frequency spectrum together, either attenuating the bass and lifting the treble, or lifting the bass and attenuating the treble in 1dB steps.

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.