Very few Hi-Fi components are as instantly recognisable as the QUAD 33 and 303, and for that Quad 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. 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. 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. This ultra-low noise performance is combined with high slew rates and very low distortion specifications. The RIAA processing circuit has its own dual Bipolar/JFET Audio Operational Amplifier. The JFET portion of the input stage enables high slew rates to keep distortion low, even when large output swings are required. 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.
