Quad 33 Pre Amplifier (2024 Version)
In stock
Available - Usually ships within 2-3 days
Features
| Remote Control | No |
|---|---|
| Brand Color | None |
| Warranty The length of time your product is protected by warranty | 3 Years |
| Product Type | Other |
Tech Specs
Inputs
- 1 x stereo XLR
- 3 x stereo RCA line level
- 1 x stereo RCA phono (MM/MC)
Outputs
- 1 x stereo XLR
- 1 x stereo RCA
- 1 x stereo RCA AUX
- 1 x headphones output
- 2 x 12V trigger
Other facilities
- Bass and Tilt tone controls
- Balance control
- Remote control
Dimensions
- (WxHxD) 258x82.9x165mm
Description
The new Quad 33 Pre Amplifier is faithful to the iconic original unit in looks. However, the interior is modern. Additionally, a new version of the Quad 303 amplifier has been released. The original vinyl filters of the Quad 33 have gone and there are now Bass, tilt, and balance controls.
The Quad tilt control acts as a sophisticated tone control. New additions include a low-noise phono preamp that can be used with MC cartridges. Another modern addition is the digital display of balance and tone settings. Lastly, unlike the original, there is a built-in headphone amplifier.
The Quad tilt control
The Quad tilt control was developed after the original Quad 33 Pre Amplifier was released. However, it has been added to the new version and acts as a tone control. Separate bass and treble controls have been replaced.
Instead, Quad uses a combination control that lifts the bass and cuts the treble at the same time. It also does the reverse if you turn the knob in the other direction. This tilts the frequency response about a 700Hz axis. Lastly, there is an independent bass control. Consequently, the overall sound can be tailored to any source.
New electronics in the Quad 33 Pre Amplifier
The modern Quad 33 Pre Amplifier features all-new electronics. Notably, a new toroidal transformer is used. This is more efficient and exhibits lower magnetic interference than traditional types. Additionally, the smoothing has been improved. Moreover, five independent power rails improve the overall sound.
Low noise phono stage
The Quad 33 Pre Amplifier now has a low-noise phono stage. This has adjustable gain for MM or MC cartridges. Moreover, the RIAA equalization is precise and the power supply is clean and well-stabilized. A big addition is the MC capability.
Moving coil cartridges have a much lower output than MC types. For example, a typical MM cartridge has an output of around 5mV. However, an MC cartridge has an output closer to 0.5mV. Hence there is a need for an adjustable gain control.
Modern connectivity
For a compact unit, the Quad 33 Pre Amplifier has a good range of inputs and outputs. Three line-level inputs and a phono input are included. Additionally, there is a pre-in and out set of RCA connectors. Moreover, balanced XLR inputs and outputs are usually only seen on high-end units. Lastly, there is a trigger output to control remotely placed amplifiers.
New headphone output
Unlike the original unit, the new Quad 33 Pre Amplifier has a built-in headphone amplifier. This has a current feedback design for extremely low noise. It also has its own power feed and a high slew rate for accurate sound. Consequently, it will drive most modern headphones.
Modern components
Modern components are much longer lasting than the originals. For example, capacitors once had a paper dielectric. This type of capacitor attracted moisture and became electrically leaky. As a result, modern types use a polypropylene dielectric that lasts a lifetime. Notably, The Quad 303 pre-amplifier uses only the best modern components.