Comments on: Quad 303 and 33: The Budget Audiophiler https://www.ecoustics.com/articles/quad-303-amp-33-preamp/ everything hi-fi Wed, 07 Oct 2026 21:17:00 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 By: Norman T Bott https://www.ecoustics.com/articles/quad-303-amp-33-preamp/#comment-646827 Wed, 07 Oct 2026 21:17:00 +0000 https://www.ecoustics.com/articles/quad-303-amp-33-preamp/#comment-646827 I have a 33 preamp and 405 amp bought in 1982. Had them serviced : full 33 rebuild , custom rear panel with UK legal power connections and RCA sockets. 405 had component updates, RCA connectors and decent speaker terminals. Not cheap but worth it.
Thank you AMPLABS Worcestershire for a brilliant job.
Original Garrard 401 / SME3012 arm. Need a new cartridge !
Currently building new speakers…

]]> By: Jerry Don Carolis https://www.ecoustics.com/articles/quad-303-amp-33-preamp/#comment-621808 Thu, 17 Sep 2026 22:27:38 +0000 https://www.ecoustics.com/articles/quad-303-amp-33-preamp/#comment-621808 I’ve throughly enjoyed my Quad 33/303 combo plus the tuner. I have a Thorens TD125 SME 3009 arm and Ortofon X MC paired with Monitor Audio MA4 MkII. All old kit but sounds amazing, rich warm tones without sacrificing the high end.

]]> By: Heinz Rehbein https://www.ecoustics.com/articles/quad-303-amp-33-preamp/#comment-563235 Fri, 31 Jul 2026 09:28:32 +0000 https://www.ecoustics.com/articles/quad-303-amp-33-preamp/#comment-563235 Beside all the glory re the 33/303 which I underwrite absolutely one tip I would like to share to get the best out of the 33 regarding line input. Radio 1 is the most direct path but with 100 mV sensitivity. If you have a 2 V source you must use the tape input which adds another voltage devider to the chain, ok but an addition of parts.
I use a Wiim Pro Plus which can be set to 200 mV output voltage and all the glory of high resolution will be scaled down to this ammount of output. This way the 33 gets the best signal and will not be overrun/distorted on Radio 1 input.

]]> By: Heinz Rehbein https://www.ecoustics.com/articles/quad-303-amp-33-preamp/#comment-563229 Fri, 31 Jul 2026 09:19:28 +0000 https://www.ecoustics.com/articles/quad-303-amp-33-preamp/#comment-563229 In reply to Yud Reish.

Well, a 303 do really not like 4 ohm speakers, it is not made for this load.

]]> By: Jorgen Skadhauge https://www.ecoustics.com/articles/quad-303-amp-33-preamp/#comment-379532 Wed, 04 Dec 2024 19:20:37 +0000 https://www.ecoustics.com/articles/quad-303-amp-33-preamp/#comment-379532 In reply to Lynton Gardiner.

Hi

I would try the dutch compagnie Quadrevisie, I bought the Quad 303 QR from them. And thjis does sound even better than my original 303 from the beginning of the 70es. I dont use the 33/303 everyday as I stream with the microRendu from Sonore and use the RME adi 2 DAC plus the Benchmark AHB2 connected to a pair of refurbished Quad esl 63.

]]> By: Lynton Gardiner https://www.ecoustics.com/articles/quad-303-amp-33-preamp/#comment-349343 Fri, 27 Sep 2024 02:00:03 +0000 https://www.ecoustics.com/articles/quad-303-amp-33-preamp/#comment-349343 Hello Quad enthusiasts,

Can anyone recommend a reliable Stateside repair/service shop for an inspection/overhaul of my treasured Quad 33/303? I’ve owned my tuner/amp & pre-amp combo since 1975 and after almost twenty years of non-use, I’d like to enjoy it again. Any recommendations would be great. Thank you.

]]> By: Ian White https://www.ecoustics.com/articles/quad-303-amp-33-preamp/#comment-322391 Fri, 24 May 2024 20:02:56 +0000 https://www.ecoustics.com/articles/quad-303-amp-33-preamp/#comment-322391 In reply to Michael H Garnett.

Michael,

John is an excellent dealer. Probably one of the best in NJ for sure.

I did not see the new Quad introductions but I will look them up.

Best,

Ian White

]]> By: Michael H Garnett https://www.ecoustics.com/articles/quad-303-amp-33-preamp/#comment-321644 Sun, 19 May 2024 20:23:27 +0000 https://www.ecoustics.com/articles/quad-303-amp-33-preamp/#comment-321644 In reply to Ian White.

Hey Ian,
Noticed in the hi-end Munich coverage new Quad mono blocks and new preamp (along w their latest electrostatics)
The electronic’s industrial design were definitely influenced by their ancestors and were oddly reasonably priced (think midfi pricing) so would be intrigued to see a review having them drive more comparatively priced speakers.

& ps cant be far from your place to john Rutan’s store – that would be an excellent podcast interview

]]> By: Ian White https://www.ecoustics.com/articles/quad-303-amp-33-preamp/#comment-317037 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 21:39:15 +0000 https://www.ecoustics.com/articles/quad-303-amp-33-preamp/#comment-317037 In reply to Jeremy Davies.

Jeremy,

I would go with your iPhone and one of the many Dongle DACs that we have reviewed. Dongle DAC gets plugged into your iPhone (cable termination depends on the model) and you run a 3.5mm to 5-pin DIN cable which is plugged into the 33.

https://soundsheavenly.com/14-quad

IW

]]> By: Jeremy Davies https://www.ecoustics.com/articles/quad-303-amp-33-preamp/#comment-317004 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 15:33:52 +0000 https://www.ecoustics.com/articles/quad-303-amp-33-preamp/#comment-317004 In reply to E.T. Nolan.

Hi, I have taken my 333/303 out of storage having not used them for 40 odd years. I have bought a vintage Thorens 160 Mk2 deck and some vintage KEF Concerto speakers (which I plan to change the caps on). I blew the cobwebs out of the 303 and the system is singing sweetly. I am interested in the fact that you are able to use Spotify through your Quad via your phone. I have an iPhone. I would be grateful if you could guide me on what I need purchase and do to allow me to stream from my phone through the Quad system. Many thanks and best wishes, Jeremy.

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