QUAD 303 90 Collection
QUAD 303 90 Collection
Stereo power amplifier
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 90 Collection brings this form into the visual language of contemporary QUAD electronics. Satin black surfaces and green illumination sit naturally beside the matching QUAD 33 and WS3, creating a coherent system whose appearance reflects the care within.
Introduced to mark QUAD's ninetieth anniversary, this finish joins the range as a permanent alternative to the classic colourway. Both versions share the same circuit design and performance.
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First introduced in 1967, the QUAD 303 returns as a compact Class AB stereo power amplifier. Its distinctive finned chassis recalls the original, while a fully complementary version of QUAD’s triples output stage is designed for low distortion and stable operation.
Pair one 303 with the QUAD 33 preamplifier to drive a stereo pair of loudspeakers. For bridged mono operation, use two 303s, one per loudspeaker. Balanced XLR and RCA inputs make the 303 easy to partner with other suitable preamplifiers.
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.
A dream team of Rob Flain & Paul McConville (the world’s most experienced QUAD service engineers), Jan Ertner (30 years of experience in QUAD design), Peter Comeau (the acoustic director behind some of QUAD’s most successful loudspeakers) and David McNeill (the industrial designer responsible for two decades of QUAD innovations) were all a part of this labour of love, making no compromise in the demand for a product that could bear the name of 33 and 303.
The QUAD triples principle
The modern 303 uses the symmetrical triples principle associated with the original amplifier. Its fully complementary output stage is engineered for low distortion and stable operation as signal levels and operating conditions change.
The purpose is familiar to every generation of QUAD engineering: preserve the musical signal through the amplification process. Circuit refinements serve that purpose, allowing the 303 to retain its identity while meeting the demands of a contemporary system.
Measured power for real music
True to the philosophy of the original QUAD 303, the current design places musical finesse above raw power figures. Delivering 50W per channel into 8 ohms and 70W into 4 ohms, the amplifier combines a custom 200VA toroidal transformer with a maximum current delivery of 10A, providing the control and stability needed to drive a wide range of modern loudspeakers.
A system that can grow
The QUAD 303 power amplifier offers the flexibility to expand your hi-fi system through bridged mono operation. Adding a second QUAD 303 allows each amplifier to drive a dedicated loudspeaker, increasing power output to 140W into 8 ohms or 170W into 4 ohms.
This provides a natural upgrade path from a conventional stereo setup to a more powerful monoblock configuration, offering greater headroom and flexibility as the system evolves.
Purposeful connections
RCA and balanced XLR inputs make the 303 a natural partner for the QUAD 33 preamplifier. The connection is simple in purpose: the 33 selects and controls the source, and the 303 supplies the power to the loudspeakers.
For a system centred on digital music, the WS3 can also feed the 303 directly using its variable analogue outputs. Choose the 33 when you want analogue source selection, phono playback and QUAD tonal controls; choose a direct WS3 connection when your sources and control requirements are digital.
Specifications
| Model | QUAD 303 |
| General Description | Power Amplifier |
| Design Philosophy and Core Technology | Class AB Power Amplifier QUAD Triples Output Stage Custom Designed 200VA Toroidal Transformer Stereo/Bridge Mode Selection |
| Inputs | 1 x stereo line input 1 x stereo XLR input 1 x 12V trigger IN |
| Outputs | 1 x Stereo Speaker Output (Pair) 1 x 12V trigger (LINK) |
| Power Amplifier Section | |
| Gain | +29dB |
| FTC Power Output Rating (The rated power output is measured in compliance with the FTC standard test conditions ) |
Stereo: 2 x 49.5W (8 ohm, THD=1%) Stereo: 2 x 70W (4 ohm, THD<1%) Bridge: 140W (8 ohm, THD<1%) Bridge: 170W (4 ohm, THD<1%) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz (± 0.3dB) |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | <0.002% (1kHz) |
| Input Impedance | 15k ohms (Line) 22k ohms (XLR) |
| Input Sensitivity | 695mVrms (Line) 1.5Vrms (XLR) |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N) | > 108dB (A-weighted) |
| Max. Output Current | 10A |
| General | |
| Standby Power Consumption | <0.5W |
| Net Weight | 8.4kg |
| Gross Weight | 9.5kg |
| Dimensions (mm) (W x H x D) | 120 x 176 x 325 |
| Carton Size (mm) (W x H x D) | 226 x 312 x 462 |
| Finish | Classic QUAD Grey / Black |
| Power Requirements (depending on region) | 220-240V ~50/60Hz 100-120V ~50/60Hz |
| Standard Accessories | Power Cable, User Manual |
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