Quad 303 Power Amplifier (2024 Version)
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Available - Usually ships within 2-3 days
Features
| XLR Inputs | No |
|---|---|
| Remote Control | No |
| Brand Color | None |
| Warranty The length of time your product is protected by warranty | 3 Years |
| Product Type | Other |
Tech Specs
- Amplifier type - Class AB with ‘triples’ output stage; stereo and bridged modes
- Power output – stereo 2x 50W (8 ohms, THD<1%); 2x 70W (4 ohms, THD<1%)
- Power output – bridged 2x 140W (8 ohms, THD<1%); 2x 170W (4 ohms, THD<1%)
- Distortion - (THD) <0.003% (1kHz 8 ohms @ 2/3 max. power)
- Maximum current delivery - 2x 10A
- Inputs - 1x stereo XLR; 1x stereo RCA
- Outputs - 1x stereo speaker binding posts; 1x 12V trigger + link
- Dimensions (WxHxD) - 120x176x325mm
Description
The all-new Quad 303 Power Amplifier reimagines the iconic original. It has been released together with a modern version of the Quad 33 preamp. The orange accents and design remain the same. However, All modern components are used to recreate the richly detailed sound.
The original triples output stage is used but with an upgraded toroidal transformer that allows the unit to drive 4-ohm loads. For an output of 70 Watts per channel. The unit can also be used in bridge mode for an output of 140 Watts into 8 Ohms.
Triples output stage
The original triples output stage developed by Peter Walker is kept as a feature of the Quad 303 Power Amplifier. This advanced feedback system uses less negative feedback than other amplifier designs.
As a result, it has increased thermal stability. This produces less distortion and makes the current in the output stage less prone to temperature changes. Moreover, modern components provide a completely symmetrical output stage. This gives a low resting current and good stability.
New toroidal transformer
A new toroidal transformer has been developed for the Quad 303 Power Amplifier. This 200VA unit has a low magnetic field design. Moreover, The original class A/B design is still used. As a result, the unit is cool running for the power output available. Additionally, it has good dynamics.
What is Class A/B?
Class A uses a single output device that always has a current passing through it. This provides minimum distortion but is very inefficient. On the other hand, Class B uses a pair of output devices.
These are biased to be off unless a signal is present. The efficiency is higher but there can be crossover distortion. Class A/B is a combination of both. At low power levels, the unit works in Class A. However, when higher power is needed the unit switches to Class B. At higher volumes, any crossover distortion is less noticeable.
50 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms
The new Quad 303 Power Amplifier can deliver 50 Watts into 8 Ohms. This is a modest increase over the original 45 Watts. However, the output stage has much more current available at 10 Amps.
This means that the new version can drive 4-ohm loads with no problem. In this case, the output power is raised to 70 Watts. As a result, most speakers can be driven including demanding loads.
Use the Quad 303 Power Amplifier in Bridged mode
If more power is needed the Quad 303 Power Amplifier can be used in bridge mode. The two internal amplifiers are connected together to provide 140 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms. In this case, one 303 is used for each channel in a similar way to a Monoblock amplifier. As a result, the sound maintains the finesse and control of the original unit.