Quad 33 Preamplifier

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QUAD 33 Preamplifier at Vinyl Sound Toronto, Canada

The QUAD 33 is an analogue stereo preamplifier from QUAD (Huntingdon, England), available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. A modern evolution of the iconic QUAD 33 first launched in 1967, the new 33 combines a classic analogue design with microprocessor control, a switchable MM/MC phono stage, fully balanced XLR inputs and outputs, a precision motorised ALPS volume control, and Peter Walker's signature Tilt control. Housed in an all-metal chassis with a machined and anodised front panel, backlit display, and remote control, the QUAD 33 is designed to partner the new QUAD 303 power amplifier as a compact, cool-running pre/power combination.

Icons of British Audio

Upon their launch in 1967, the original QUAD 33 preamplifier and 303 power amplifier elevated transistor-based amplification to new heights. Their richer, less fatiguing sound, with no shortage of detail and engaging punch, is the reason vintage 33 and 303 units are still sought by enthusiasts today. Continuing demand on the second-hand market, some four decades after the originals were discontinued, led QUAD to revisit the design. The new 33 was developed at QUAD HQ in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, by a team led by lead electronics designer Jan Ertner, senior service engineers Rob Flain and Paul McConville, and industrial design chief David McNeill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the QUAD 33 preamplifier?
A: The QUAD 33 is a modern analogue stereo preamplifier based on the original QUAD 33 from 1967. It is supported by digital microprocessor control but is otherwise faithful to a classic analogue design, with a short, direct signal path and volume adjusted purely in the analogue domain. It adds a switchable MM/MC phono stage, fully balanced XLR inputs and outputs, a backlit LCD display, and remote control.

Q: Does the QUAD 33 have a phono stage?
A: Yes. The QUAD 33 has a built-in phono stage compatible with both Moving Magnet and Moving Coil cartridges, switchable without modifications or board upgrades. Gain is 46 dB for MM and 63.5 dB for MC, and the input stage uses ultra-low-noise audio op-amps, with a dedicated dual Bipolar/JFET op-amp in the RIAA circuit.

Q: What is the QUAD Tilt control?
A: Developed by QUAD founder Peter Walker and first adopted in the QUAD 34 in 1982, the Tilt control adjusts both ends of the frequency spectrum together in 1 dB steps, pivoting on a 700 Hz axis. It lifts the bass while attenuating the treble, or the reverse, to give the overall balance a warmer or cooler character without altering volume. The QUAD 33 also offers a bass control from -3 dB to +3 dB and a balance control.

Q: How does the QUAD 33 connect to a power amplifier?
A: The QUAD 33 feeds the power amplifier through dedicated stereo pre-outputs, with both RCA line-level and balanced XLR options, plus an additional AUX output. It is designed to pair with the new QUAD 303 power amplifier.

Q: Does the QUAD 33 have a remote control?
A: Yes. The master volume is a fully analogue, precision motorised ALPS potentiometer that rotates automatically when you adjust the volume from the remote control. The backlit LCD screen and push buttons have adjustable brightness and contrast, or can be switched off.

Q: Where can I buy the QUAD 33 in Toronto or Canada?
A: The QUAD 33 is available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. Online checkout is not available for QUAD products, so please call or email us to place your order or to discuss a QUAD 33/303 pre/power system.