Solid State Preamp Reviews

Quad 33 Description: Solid state, stereo preamplifier with built-in phono stage and headphone amplification. Inputs: three pairs single-ended (RCA), one balanced (XLR), one pair MM/ MC phono, switchable (RCA). Outputs: one balanced line-level (XLR), one single-ended line-level (RCA), one Pre-Out (RCA), one ¼" headphone, two 12V trigger. Input sensitivity (Vout = 695mV): 695mV (line/XLR), 3.2mV (MM phono), 460μV (MC phono). Input impedance: 10k ohm (XLR), 45k ohm, 100pF (MM phono), 100 ohms, 1.7nF (MC phono). Output impedance: 120 ohms (line), 2.35 ohms (headphone). Frequency response: 20Hz– 20kHz, ±0.2dB. THD: <0.0005% (1kHz, XLR), <0.002% (1kHz MM and MC phono), <0.01% (headphone, 1kHz, 50mW). S/N ratio (A-weighted): >108dB (XLR), >82dB (MM phono), >74dB (MC phono).
Dimensions: 10.15" (258mm) W × 3.7" (94mm) H × 6.5" (165mm) D. Weight: 8.8lb (4kg).
Finish: "Classic Quad Gray."
Serial number of unit reviewed: QH20071CIE0021 (auditioned); QH020071C-CF0864 (measured). Manufactured in China.
Price: $1599.
Quad 303 Description: Bridgeable class-AB stereo power amplifier with "Triples" output stage, "custom"200VA toroidal transformer. Inputs: One pair balanced (XLR), one pair single-ended (RCA). Outputs: one stereo pair loudspeaker outputs. Gain: 29dB. Power output, stereo: 50Wpc into 8 ohms (17dBW), 70W into 4 ohms (15.4dBW); bridged: 140W into 8 ohms (21.5dBW), 170W into 4 ohms (19.3dBW), all THD <1%. Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz, ±0.3dB. THD: <0.002%, 1kHz. Input impedance: 15k ohms single-ended, 22k ohms balanced. Sensitivity at full rated output: 700mV single-ended, 1.5V balanced. S/N ratio (A-weighted): >108dB. Max output current: 10A.
Dimensions: 4.7" (120mm) W × 7" (176mm) H × 12.8" (325mm) D. Weight: 18.5lb (8.4kg).
Finish: "Classic Quad Gray."
Serial numbers of units reviewed: QH020171CIE0021, 24 (auditioned); QH20171CAF0842 (measured). Manufactured in China.
Price: $1599.
Common to both: Approximate number of US dealers: 70. Warranty: three years parts and labor with registration, nontransferable.
Manufacturer: Quad Electronics International, IAG, 13/14 Glebe Rd., Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE29 7DL, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 1480 452561. Email: service@quad-hifi.co.uk. Web: quad-hifi.co.uk. US distributor: MoFi Distribution, 1811 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago, IL 60660. Tel: (312) 738-5025.