View Full Version : All new QUAD 33/303
Maybe they haven't got the look quite right, but it's close enough to give them a pass.
Much better than their uber-bland looking ranges of the last ten years or so:
https://i.ibb.co/5xPkFZZ/quad.jpg (https://ibb.co/dJRtgZZ)
Launches at the Munich show.
IMO they have made a very good stab at bringing the '33' pre and '303' power combination up to date, without losing their iconic looks.
I would be interested to see the connections: presumably RCA in place of the original DIN.
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Yeah, look great in a retro yet modern way.
They look lovely maintaining their vintage looks with a modern twist....nice
Nice attempt to bring these iconic amps back in 2024. I wonder how they sound? I see they have balanced connections as well as RCA.
IMO they have made a very good stab at bringing the '33' pre and '303' power combination up to date, without losing their iconic looks.
I would be interested to see the connections: presumably RCA in place of the original DIN.
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I've done a little research - the new 33 has one input (?) labeled XLR and the new 303 has both RCA and XLR input connectors. But it is not obvious if the XLR connections are balanced.
I also note the 'tone controls' are the same bass boost/cut and tilt controls first introduced on the 44 and later 34 preamps.
All in all, a valiant attempt by Quad to return to mainstream audio, after years of 'faffing about' with revamped valve designs with the old-fashioned looks of the Series II electronics.
If manufacture can return to the UK, so much the better - but the new 33/303 combination will not be cheap.
It was last year that the Leak name was re-vamped and the electronics brought up to date, along with the black and silver livery of the original Leak gear.
hifi_dave
10-05-2024, 16:21
What is the point when they have the Artera range which looks so much more up to date and swish ?
What is the point when they have the Artera range which looks so much more up to date and swish ?
I think it looks bland and boring.
Pigmy Pony
10-05-2024, 18:28
I think it looks bland and boring.
Up to date and swish/bland and boring will no doubt be the preferred look according to surveys (they will have canvassed opinions). May or may not be the look we oldies prefer, but then we really aren't the future of hifi :(
Up to date and swish/bland and boring will no doubt be the preferred look according to surveys (they will have canvassed opinions). May or may not be the look we oldies prefer, but then we really aren't the future of hifi :(
well, it's always personal these things isn't it?
I'd have thought most people of any age would ideally like something that is visually interesting without looking over-designed. But I haven't commissioned any focus groups lately.
well, it's always personal these things isn't it?
I'd have thought most people of any age would ideally like something that is visually interesting without looking over-designed. But I haven't commissioned any focus groups lately.
I think I tend to agree with you there Martin, it is no surprise that the most expensive esoteric hifi available nowadays usually has a striking appearance.
Case in point these £800,000 speakers!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bq-hOJB0qKY
I think I tend to agree with you there Martin, it is no surprise that the most expensive esoteric hifi available nowadays usually has a striking appearance.
Case in point these £800,000 speakers!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bq-hOJB0qKY
Striking, but ugly (butt ugly in fact). I could think of better ways of wasting £500,000!
Striking, but ugly (butt ugly in fact). I could think of better ways of wasting £500,000!
Most stuff at that price is extremely polarising. Pure bling!
I only like black boxes myself!:)
I think I tend to agree with you there Martin, it is no surprise that the most expensive esoteric hifi available nowadays usually has a striking appearance.
Case in point these £800,000 speakers!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bq-hOJB0qKY
Those speakers are more a case of form following function. Just painted orange.
I wonder what they are like with music, rather than a recording of someone knocking on a pipe?
Those speakers are more a case of form following function. Just painted orange.
I wonder what they are like with music, rather than a recording of someone knocking on a pipe?
Not much better! :D
I wonder what they are like with music, rather than a recording of someone knocking on a pipe?
:lol:
rigger67
11-05-2024, 09:49
I really like those new "old" Quad units in the first post.
I think they're stunning, almost Bauhausian in their beauty : form and function perfectly in unison with clean lines, discreet graphics and well-proportioned controls.
The shapes and colours are bang on for representing the past, while the texture of the materials used is nicely in keeping with the modern world.
I would buy them if I was starting from scratch.
Good post Paul.
I would be interested to know if the 'new' 303 uses the original circuit (providing a total output of 30V at 3A; hence '303') or if it is new, or updated, and offers a true balanced input.
Good post Paul.
I would be interested to know if the 'new' 303 uses the original circuit (providing a total output of 30V at 3A; hence '303') or if it is new, or updated, and offers a true balanced input.
I can't find anything and QUAD so far are not letting on.
Maybe a class D with 303 watts into 8 ohm? That's what I'd do if I were them (okay, it wouldn't have to be exactly 303 watts).
The only problem with the original 303 is the low power and being very load dependant. But it is very good in all other aspects.
:lol:
Just for you here's some more horn speakers playing a recording of someone knocking. If you can last for a few minutes someone does start playing a flute although it seems a bit unconnected to the knocking.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFDcUilx7bw&t=139s
Is this all these big horn speakers can do? It seems like a lot of money to spend just to replicate the sound of a plumber at work in Ian Anderson's house.
'Any chance of hearing some Thin Lizzy mate?'
'No. Piss off back to the JBL room.'
Thanks Martin, I shall play it on repeat for the rest of the day! :lol:
hifi_dave
13-05-2024, 16:37
Good post Paul.
I would be interested to know if the 'new' 303 uses the original circuit (providing a total output of 30V at 3A; hence '303') or if it is new, or updated, and offers a true balanced input.
More likely a re-working of the new Leak products in drag. I'd prefer they get on with the all new electronics which are on the way.
hifi_dave
16-05-2024, 14:33
The new Quad 33/303 will be here Sept/Oct. Got mine on order.
The new Quad 33/303 will be here Sept/Oct. Got mine on order.
Despite your dismissive post? (post 9) ;)
Whatever, we shall expect a full review from you when they arrive. :)
I've seen a projected price of e1500 per unit - so here on 'Treasure Island' that'll probably be £2K apiece.
mr sneff
16-05-2024, 17:42
Darko's Quad 33/303 report from Munich Hi-End Show, a few more details......
https://youtu.be/hyTZjSUAQqI?t=2451
No need to watch from the beginning, just skip to 41 minutes.
The suggestion is that the the new 303 is based on the original 303 circuit topology, but with an improved power supply allowing the output to be raised to 60W/channel.
The final price for the new 33/303 combination is expected to be at least £1,500.
Still no idea if the XLR connections are balanced or not.
hifi_dave
21-05-2024, 15:31
Despite your dismissive post? (post 9) ;)
Whatever, we shall expect a full review from you when they arrive. :)
No, I still think it's cashing in on the reputation and style of an innovative product from the 60s. However, I have been talking and had time to appreciate the design similar to that which persuaded me to buy the original in 1967. I'm looking forward to it.
I think cashing in is a bit harsh. I'm glad there is a market for interesting looking equipment even if they have to crib from the distant past for the design cues.
So much contemporary equipment looks bland and boring, or just plain ugly.
I am looking forward to see the reviews on these, I am sure they will sound great and agree they look better than some of the bland stuff that has been bought out over the years.
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