1960s ICON REIMAGINED! Quad 33/303 Amplifier Review

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The original Quad 33/303 was one to the most prized amplifiers in the history of HiFi. Quad has reimagined it for 2024. How much of the original magic remains?

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Time stamps:
0:00 Intro
2:20 Design & features
6:01 Technical insights
10:39 Sound quality
14:26 Setup & partnering equipment
18:13 Conclusion

Комментарии

Please do not ever appologise for the history lessons, they are valuable for us newbies to the audiophile world. Great informative video.

mlgboy

Many years ago, around 1965, as a youngster I was drooling over the equipment in a UK hi-fi store. The salesman said “sit here and listen to this”. I was blown away. I recall every detail of the experience. A pair of Quad 57 electrostatic speakers, Quad 33/303 amplification, Ortofon cartridge, SME tone arm and Garrard 401 turntable. LP was Los Machucambos playing La Bamba. I could not afford any of this equipment but bought the LP, which I still have. This was the start of the never ending journey. I now, many decades later, have a quality system, including full range electrostatic speakers from E R Audio here in Australia.

geoffs

RIP Dad - your much loved Quad 33/303 is greatly missed to play my Ziggy Stardust LP through

snotmale

I love the unique, retro visual design of this set! Thanks for choosing to review it Tarun and showing us the innards! It would be more exciting if it was built in Britain, but then I guess that the cost would go up considerably….

bobb.

The first amplifier that I ever heard was a Quad 33, I was 14 years old, and my uncle played Imagine by John Lennon, which had jus come out in South Africa. I had never heard such an amazing sound, from his speakers that looked liked massive cheese graters. No cones? From that day on I have always revered Quad as a brand…and maybe, one day I will be able to get the new version.
As per usual, you presentation was flawless and your ability to explain technical issues in a way that a person of reasonable intelligence can understand. You are the best in your field, without a doubt, and I recently introduced your channel to my oldest and only son.(41) who now follows your channel and has purchased a fair bit of kit for his introduction into HIFI, using the products you recommend. He is now a happy soul, listening to LPs from the 70’s and 80’s . Thank you for your incredible knowledge and ability to introduce real HIFI to mere mortals… 👌🏻

noelsmall

It is very interesting that the UK has a rich hi-fi history, and I believe this is mostly because of the BBC. Quad 33/303 are legendary! Very good review!

AdiMaco

Coolest running class A chap on YouTube. Thanks for your insights, experience, and reviews.

Dobiwankenobiwan

Bought My 33/303 Second Hand In 1973..And Still Have It Today, In Fact I Now Have Another 33/303/ FM3 Unit in My Man Cave...It's That Quad Sound That I Love And Have Never Had The Desire To Change From It.. Although The New One Is Worth Checking Out.

DavidRyan-lifg

The 33/303 was the very first serious audiophile kit I owned. For ten years, until 20 years ago, I owned and loved this setup. I sold the ensemble and moved up to the 306 amp and then the 66 system. I loved my Quad systems and wish Quad well with reintroducing the 33 system. Thank you so much for reviewing the modernization of these cultural icons.

clothyardshafts

finally, a revamped version of the many classics. My first upgrade from an integrated, the 33/303, then bought the rather rare pair of 50e. After some caps replacements, they're still rocking..!

waikeifong

I still have an original 33/303 in their original boxes. They’re in the loft. I still use a 36 / 306 in a bi amped configuration with Wharfdale speakers. Could it do with updating? Absolutely! But, I still like it. What more can I say.

PenvalProjects

In 1968, my first system: preamp/amp Quad 33/303, with Garrard turntable, shure v15 ll cartridge and Dynaco 25 speakers . Later added a Quad fm tuner. I was 17. Now 73, and still listening to music with hi-fi. Only regret, selling my Quad ESL 57 when we starter ours family 🙃😉

georgesmelancon

Good Morning from Hawaii. Thanks for the Quad review.

rogerb

I had 33/303 that was buyed new in 76, it delivered top notch performance for many years. Good job!

horexregina

Wow, that was a nostalgic trip for me! I used to have the full gambit, 303/33 FM3 and EL 57s back in the 80s. I actually remember taking the 57s to Cambridge for a one day service. I had made a set of aluminum feet for them as the originals were missing, I got great feedback from the service technician on them, I was chuffed with that! Sadly my audiophile days a long since passed but, though I have to say that new reiteration has got me thinking! That redesign though, simply stunning....

iansmeath

Really enjoyable review to watch! my Dad alwayshad various Quad gear - 303, 405 etc and I remember being lucky enough to have an original 303 power and 33 pre while at Uni in the early 00's as he just had them lying spare!

richardwest

I have heard many good things about the Quad 33/303. I am glad the modern take on them are does not disappoint! Thank you for the review.

tubespring

I quite like the throwback to the past design with the kitchen apparel buttons from a half century ago. They have somehow managed to blend it with a modern look. Well done, Quad!
And thank you for the great review, as always.

marcusbrsp

The 33/303 was my first ‘real’ amp over 50 years ago now. As a design student I loved the industrial design and the combo had incredible ability to drive speakers. From my systems in that era the Linn Sondek LP12 and AE1 speakers are still around in one form or another but I would love someone to produce a serious transmission line speaker like the IMF TLS80, which used KEF drivers and could move mountains with no need for a sub woofer.
Another great review, thanks.

RichardMathieson-jl

Really wonderful historical overview to set up the modern variant. Always enjoy and learn a great deal from those tech deep dives into the internals.

Lambs and pigs comparo to match equipment was as adorable as it was educational 😊🙏🏼🙏🏼

riccitone