Quad Vena II Integrated Amplifier

Description

Vena II

Building on the strengths of its predecessor, the Quad Vena II is an exceptionally neat and convenient way to bring true high-fidelity sound to the varied nature of modern music collections – from vinyl and CD to digital streaming and hi-res files – via all manner of playback devices.

Smart aesthetics

Vena II is available in a choice of finishes: Classic Lancaster Grey is the standard option, while three premium Deluxe finishes – Sapele Mahogany, Gloss Black and Gloss White – wrap the Vena II housing in veneered or lacquered wood. The small footprint of the unit allows flexible positioning and ensures Vena II slips tidily into a range of environments and racks.

Post-DAC filter

Though technically excellent, Sabre32 Reference DAC chips can be challenging to implement effectively. If the circuitry that surrounds them it is not of a sufficient standard, the resulting sound can seem a little cold and hard; treat them right, however, and the level of musical expression that these chips dig from the digital signal is captivating. One such critical element is the post-DAC active filter; Quad’s design team has paid great attention to this circuit, using op-amps that were specifically chosen for their synergy with the ES9018K2M.

Regarding hi-res file compatibility, the original Vena reached it’s limit at 24-bit/192kHz PCM via USB. Vena II improves this to 32-bit/384kHz, alongside DSD (up to DSD256). This amp is fully equipped to make the most of current hi-resolution formats, as well as future advances in ultra-high-definition digital sound.

Multiple upgrades

The Class AB power amp section now has an upgraded power supply, a new 200VA toroidal transformer lying at its heart. Also a 2x15000uF reservoir capacity (30000uF in total), helping Vena II maintain firm control of the music whilst enabling excellent dynamic range.

Built-in phono stage

Vinyl lovers will appreciate the addition of a phono stage for moving magnet cartridges – a high-quality, low-noise, JFET-based circuit with precise RIAA equalisation – adding to the Vena II’s already formidable format flexibility.

Dedicated headphone amp

Headphone users are also better catered for. The original Vena included a headphone output, but this was connected to the amp’s main output stage rather than to a specialised headphone amp circuit.

Vena II incorporates a dedicated headphone amp with current-feedback circuitry, its gain bandwidth and high slew rate delivering a more dynamic, detailed and engaging performance with all manner of headphone types.

Simple operation

Simplicity is key to Vena II’s outward design. Quad chose Bluetooth wireless streaming with support for the popular aptX codec, to ensure easy pairing with all manner of smartphones, tablets, PCs and Macs – expertly implemented to deliver an adroit balance of quality and convenience.

Vena II feels like a traditional hi-fi amplifier, with its uncomplicated front-mounted controls and simple remote, yet its specification is state-of-the-art.

Flexible connectivity

Copious cable connections enhance the amp’s flexibility. Inputs for digital sources comprise asynchronous USB and three S/PDIF sockets (one coaxial and two optical), while digital outputs are provided in optical and coaxial flavours.

Analogue signals are catered for by three stereo RCA inputs – two line-level plus the new MM phono input for turntables – while pre-out sockets permit the addition of an external power amplifier.

Preamplifier stage

• Analogue Inputs: 2x line-level RCA, 1x MM phono
• Analogue Outputs: 1 x RCA (pre-out)
• Analogue Input Sensitivity: 450mV (line-level), 4.1mV (MM phono)
• Analogue Input Impedance: 10kΩ (line-level), 47kΩ / 100pF (MM phono)
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (+/- 0.5dB)
• Total Harmonic Distorion (THD): < 0.002%
• Signal-To-Noise: > 110dB (A-weighted)

Power amplifier stage

• Power Output: 2x 45W RMS (8Ω), 2x 65W RMS (4Ω)
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (+/- 0.5dB)
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): < 0.005% (30W, 8Ω)
• Signal-To-Noise: > 108dB (A-weighted)

Digital stage

• DAC Chip: ESS Sabre32 ES9018K2M
• Digital Inputs: 2x optical, 1x coaxial, 1x USB Type A, aptX Bluetooth
• Max Sampling Frequency: USB 384kHz, PCM DSD256
• Max Sampling Frequency: Optical/Coaxial 192kHz PCM
• Digital Outputs: 1x coaxial, 1x optical

More information

• http://www.quad-hifi.co.uk/vena-ii/

Additional information

Brand

Quad

The history of Quad is one of technical achievement in the field of sound reproduction. It is a story that began with their first amplifier, which applied fifteen years of knowledge and experience in professional audio and industrial products to the task of making the most accurate domestic audio amplifier of its age.

Every product in the Quad portfolio of amplifiers, headphones, moving-coil loudspeakers and electrostatic loudspeakers have received international acclaim. However, Quad has never indulged in technical one-upmanship. Their technology exists for a purpose that has remained constant over the years - to reproduce music in a form that is the closest approach to the original.

Unilet Sound & Vision are one of the longest-established official Quad dealers in the UK, and one of only a handful of dealers for Quad Electrostatics in the entire country.