QUAD 3 90 Collection
QUAD 3 90 Collection
Integrated amplifier with DAC and HDMI ARC
Ninety years of QUAD in a new light. The QUAD 3 90 Collection brings satin-black styling and green illumination to an integrated amplifier inspired by the QUAD 22, with the connections and controls expected of a modern music system.
From vinyl and high-resolution computer audio to television and Bluetooth, the QUAD 3 brings versatile connectivity and timeless design together, now available in a new finish.
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A contemporary expression of QUAD
The familiar proportions, carefully arranged rotary controls, and clear display give the QUAD 3 a character of its own. In the 90 Collection finish, a satin black exterior and green illumination lend it an even more distinctive, contemporary aesthetic.
This anniversary expression shares a visual language with the QUAD PLATINA series and the wider 90 Collection. It celebrates a continuing design tradition while presenting QUAD’s familiar character in a finish that feels new. The classic finish remains available alongside it, with the same engineering in both.
The centre of your music system
An integrated amplifier brings preamplification and power amplification together. In the QUAD 3, digital-to-analogue conversion and a moving-magnet phono stage are also built in, so it can be matched with a pair of passive loudspeakers and your preferred sources for a complete system.
Two RCA line inputs accommodate analogue sources, while optical and coaxial digital inputs connect a CD transport, streamer or other compatible digital component. Partner the QUAD 3 with the matching 3CDT for a disc-based system with a consistent 90 Collection appearance.
Television through your QUAD system
HDMI ARC brings a compatible television into the same system used for music. Dialogue, soundtracks, and concert performances benefit from your QUAD amplifier and loudspeakers, with compatible HDMI-CEC operation that provides volume and standby control from a single remote, making it a straightforward choice when music and television share a room.
Digital detail with analogue purpose
The QUAD 3's digital performance is built around the acclaimed ESS ES9038Q2M DAC, carefully implemented alongside a Class A post-DAC filter stage to deliver exceptional clarity, detail and musical refinement. Selectable upsampling to 352.8kHz or 384kHz offers further flexibility when enjoying digital sources.
For high-resolution playback, the USB-B input supports PCM audio up to 768kHz and DSD512, while Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX and aptX HD provides wireless streaming from compatible smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Power for the performance
The Class AB amplifier topology delivers 65W per channel into 8 ohms and 100W per channel into 4 ohms. A custom 235VA toroidal transformer and 30,000µF reservoir support the power supply, helping the QUAD 3 90 Collection respond as the music moves from a quiet passage to a demanding crescendo.
Control that invites listening
The front-panel controls put source, volume, balance, bass and QUAD Tilt adjustment within easy reach. Tilt changes the overall tonal balance around a 700Hz axis, gently shifting the presentation towards a warmer or cooler balance to suit the recording and room. Separate bass adjustment offers a further degree of refinement up to +/-3dB.
A dedicated current-feedback headphone amplifier provides private listening through the front-panel socket. The QUAD 3’s full-function remote and adjustable display illumination make it comfortable to use from the listening chair or up close.
Specifications
| Model | QUAD 3 |
| Design Philosophy and Core Technology | 2 x 65W (8 ohm), 2 x 100W (4 ohm) Class AB power amplifier section ES9038Q2M 32-bit DAC Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX/aptX HD) Dedicated High-performance Low-noise MM Phono stage Dedicated Current-feedback Headphone Amplifier Built-in Bass and Tilt adjustment USB Firmware Update |
| Inputs | 2 x Stereo RCA Analogue (Aux), 1 x Phono (MM) inputs 1 x S/PDIF (Coax), 1 x S/PDIF (Optical), 1 x PC USB 1 x HDMI ARC, 1 x Bluetooth (aptX/aptX HD), 1 x 12V Trigger |
| Outputs | 1 x Pre-out, 1 x Stereo Speaker (pair), 1 x Headphone, 1 x 12V Trigger |
| Sampling Frequency | Optical/Coaxial: 44.1kHz -> 192kHz PC USB: 44.1kHz -> 768kHz (PCM)/DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512 |
| Preamplifier Section: | |
| Gain (max.) | +0dB (Line) +47dB (Phono MM) |
| Input Sensitivity | 800mVrms (Line, Volume = 0dB) 3.6mV (Phono MM, Volume = 0dB) |
| Input Impedance | 10k ohm (Line) 47k ohm / 100pF (Phono MM) |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | <0.001% (1kHz @ 2V, Volume = 0dB) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz (+/-0.1dB) |
| Output Voltage | 2.3V max. (Volume = 0dB) |
| Output Impedance | 120 ohm |
| Signal-to-Noise ratio | >110dB (A-weighted) >78dB (Phono MM, A-weighted) |
| DAC | |
| D to A Converter | ES9038Q2M |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | <0.001% (1kHz @ 0dBFS) |
| Output level (0dBFS, 1kHz) | 2.05Vrms |
| Max. Sampling Frequency | Optical/Coaxial: 192kHz PC USB: PCM768kHz, DSD512 |
| Signal-to-noise Ratio (S/N) | >116dB (A-weighted) |
| Power Amplifier Section | |
| Gain | +29dB |
| Rated Power Output | 2 x 65W (8 ohm, THD<1%) 2 x 100W (4 ohm, THD<1%) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz (+/-0.3dB) |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | <0.003% (1kHz @ 30W/ 8ohm) |
| Input Sensitivity | 800mVrms |
| Signal-to-noise Ratio (S/N) | >110dB (A-weighted) |
| Max. Output Current | 10A |
| Headphone Amplifier | |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | <0.01% (1kHz, 50mW) |
| Output Impedance | 2.35 ohm |
| Load Impedance | 20-600 ohm |
| General | |
| Standby Power Consumption | <0.5W |
| Net Weight | 8kg |
| Gross Weight | 9.3kg |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 300 x 101 x 332mm |
| Carton Size (W x H x D) | 366 x 215 x 420mm |
| Finish | Classic QUAD grey / Black |
| Power requirements (depending on region) | 220-240V ~50/60Hz 100-120V ~50/60Hz |
| Standard accessories | Power Cable, Remote Handset, User Manual, 2 x AAA batteries |
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