Quad

This classic brand has brought out 3 new products, the Vena II Play integrated amplifier with phono and wireless streaming at $1495, the Artera Pre classic analog preamplifier at $1495, and the Artera Play+ preamplifier with built-in CD transport, DAC, and Bluetooth streaming at $1995.

In our last issue (No. 21), we discussed the virtues of the Vena II in great detail. Now Quad has added hi-resolution streaming (at up to 24-bit/192kHz) via Wi-Fi and ethernet using the DTS Play-Fi system and multi-room capability to create the Vena II Play for only $200 more. The Play-Fi system allows access to all of the popular streaming services and also adds DNLA device access. The multi-room capability allows interconnection with up to 32 other Play-Fi devices. All of this can be controlled by the Play-Fi app. The Vena II Play can handle files such as MP3, MP4A, AAC, FLAC, WAV and AIFF. It is also Alexa compatible, so you can perform these tasks using voice control. This product has just received a "highly-recommended" rave review in issue 302 (February 2020) of The Absolute Sound.

• AptX Bluetooth
• Headphone output
• Improved power supply
• Improved analog output circuit

Beyond the added features, the sound of the Artera Play has been boosted in the new + edition. Sonic clarity and expression have been noticeably improved by the beefier power supply and higher-specification parts on the analog outputs. The built-in DAC supports PCM up to 384kHz and DSD64, DSD128, and DSD256. To top it off, due to new production efficiencies allowed by the Artera Solus, the price has been reduced to $1995!

Compared to the Artera Play+, the Artera Pre fully-analog preamplifier is for the music lover that already has a preferred digital source and DAC. The Artera Pre also includes a beautiful-sounding, built-in Class-A phono stage that supports both Moving Magnet and Moving Coil cartridges. With 53 to 73 dB of gain and low noise, this phono stage will work with virtually any cartridge on the market. For those who'd like to improve the sound of those less-than-perfect songs or albums, the Artera Pre also has Quad's unique TILT control that can either warm up or increase the detail of the sound without the sonic degradations caused by conventional tone controls.