QUAD 303 Manual

Getting Started

Features

• Triple output stage Class AB power amplifier
• Stereo/Bridge mode selection

Inputs

• One pair of unbalanced analogue(AUX) inputs
• One pair of balanced analogue(XLR) inputs
• One 12V trigger in

Outputs

• One pair stereo speaker output
• One 12V trigger link

Unpacking the Equipment

The carton should contain:

• The QUAD 303
• One IEC power cord suitable for your region
• One user manual

Consult the dealer from whom you purchased the equipment if any item is not present.
Carefully unpack the unit and accessories. Take care not to damage the surface finish when undoing the protective polythene sleeve. Retain the packing materials for future use. Retain the user manual and information concerning the date and place of purchase of your equipment for future reference.

Placement

The unit must be mounted on a solid, level and stable surface.

Mains Supply

Before you connect the QUAD 303 to the AC mains power, ensure your AC mains voltage corresponds to the rating on the rear panel of the product. If in doubt, consult your dealer. If you move to an area that has a different mains voltage, seek advice from an QUAD appointed dealer or a competent service technician.

Control and Function

Connections

Balanced Input (XLR)

Balanced connections provide greater dynamic range and lower noise. We recommend that you connect your QUAD 33 (or other preamplifier) to your QUAD 303 balanced inputs by one pair of balanced XLR cables. Ensure that the Line/XLR selector button is pressed 'in' to activate the XLR input mode.

Unbalanced Input (LINE)

You can connect your QUAD 33 (or other analogue sources) to the QUAD 303 LINE IN inputs. by way of a RCA to RCA cable. Ensure that the Line/XLR selector button is 'out' to activate the LINE mode.

12V Trigger Connection

The QUAD 303 has one 12V Trigger input and one trigger link. Connect the trigger OUT of your QUAD 33 (or other appropriate device) to the trigger IN of the QUAD 303. You can also connect the 12V Trigger 'LINK' to a secondary device, such as a second QUAD 303, as illustrated in the 'System Connection' section of this manual.

Mains Input

Before connecting the AC power cord to the QUAD 303, please make sure the Power Switch is in the OFF position. Switch it to the ON position after connecting the unit to the AC mains.

System Operation

Switching On and Off

The QUAD 303 should be switched on after the preamplifier in your system. When switching off your system, turn off the QUAD 303 power amplifier before switching off the preamplifier (the QUAD 303 should be 'last on, first off').

Standby Mode

After initial power on, the QUAD 303 will be in 'Standby' mode. The standby button will be dimly illuminated. To use the QUAD 303, press the 'Standby' button to wake from 'Standby' mode. The standby button will illuminate.

Auto Standby

The auto standby feature will by default put the unit into standby after 20 minutes of inactivity. This feature can be configured and set to 20 minutes, 1h or 'never':
Long press the standby button on front panel for 5 seconds to activate the 'auto standby' setting. The standby LED will flash as you cycle 20m, 1h or never.
Standby LED flashes once = Never
Standby LED flashes twice = 20 minutes (Default)
Standby LED flashes three times = 1 hour

Source Select

Press the LINE/XLR button on the rear panel to select different source mode.

Bridge Mode

The QUAD 303 can operate as a STEREO power amplifier or as a MONO power amplifier (in 'Bridged' mode) The default operation is STEREO mode.
To activate MONO mode, press the STEREO/BRIDGE selector button 'in'.
You will need two QUAD 303 amplifiers if using bridge mode (one for each channel). Connect the QUAD 33 to two QUAD 303 in the bridge mode connection as shown in the following section of this manual.

Protection Mode

The QUAD 303 is protected by a thermal switch which interrupts the AC power supply if the amplifier is grossly overloaded for a period of time. In case of activation of the 'protection mode' the power indicator LED flashes to indicated that the unit is in 'protection mode'. To restore operation, simply press the standby button on the front panel.
The QUAD 303 is fully protected against gross overload and a short circuited output. The unit is not necessarily protected against seriously inadequate ventilation, so please ensure appropriate ventilation to prevent any overheating associated with lack of air-flow or environmental cooling of the unit.

System Connection

Stereo mode with QUAD 33
Press STEREO/BRIDGE on QUAD 303 rear panel to switch between the different modes.

Bridge mode with QUAD 33
Press STEREO/BRIDGE on QUAD 303 rear panel to switch between the different modes.

Specifications

Important Safety Information

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
This lightning flash with an arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of non-insulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock.

To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover (or back) as there are no user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel. The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
Read these instructions. Keep these instructions. Heed all warnings.
Follow all instructions.
Do not use this apparatus near water. Clean only with a dry cloth.
Do not block any ventilation openings. Install under the manufacturer's instructions.
Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarised or grounding-type plug. A polarised plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for the replacement of the obsolete outlet.
Protect the power cord from being stepped on or pinched, particularly at the plugs, convenience receptacles, and at the point where they exit from the apparatus.
Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilt or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

These servicing instructions are for use by qualified service personnel only. To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not perform any servicing other than that contained in the operating instructions unless you are qualified to do so.
Do not install this equipment in a confined or built-in space such as a bookcase or similar unit, and keep well-ventilated in an open space. The ventilation should not be impeded by covering the ventilation openings with items such as newspaper, tablecloths, curtains etc.

Only use attachments/accessories specified or provided by the manufacturer (such as the exclusive supply adapter, battery etc.).

Please refer to the information on the exterior panel of the enclosure for electrical and safety information before installing or operating the apparatus.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and that objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall not be placed on the apparatus.

For the terminals marked with the symbol of "" may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock. The external wiring connected to the terminals requires installation by an instructed person or the use of ready-made leads or cords.
Ground protection terminal. This product should be connected to a power outlet with ground protection.

No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the apparatus.

Attention should be drawn to environmental aspects of battery disposal.

Use of the apparatus in tropical climates.
THE FUSE VALUES ARE:
220 – 240V (UK, China, etc.) T 2.0AL 250V Slow Blow
100 – 120V (USA, Japan, etc.) T 4.0AL 250V Slow Blow

Service Centre Address

Should a fault occur with your product, please pack it correctly using the original packing, so you can ship it safely. For technical support, servicing or product queries and information, please contact either your local retailer or the office below:
IAG Service Dept.
13/14 Glebe Road
Huntingdon
Cambridgeshire
PE29 7DL
UK
Tel: +44(0)1480 452561
Email: service@quad-hifi.co.uk
For information on other authorised service centres worldwide contact QUAD International, UK.
A worldwide distributors list is available on the QUAD website: www.quad-hifi.co.uk