Quad VENA II (Wood Enclosure) Integrated Amplifier Hi-Gloss Black

Quad Vena II is an interesting product to say the least. Technically it is considered as an Integrated Stereo Amplifier, but at 45 Watts RMS per channel output you could well conclude that it may be a little pricey! But look further and you will note that it also has an amazingly high-quality built-in DAC and headphone amplifier. Ahh, that sounds very interesting. And it is! The Quad engineers have captured the essence of advanced Quad audio engineering in a world of modern technology. How so? Whilst retaining the original two-channel stereo design philosophy, consumers now have access to a host of digital inputs and outputs plus Bluetooth streaming and all in a compact, high quality amplifier that doesn't compromise on sound. With an analogue Preamp output, which can be used to connect either a Power amp or even a subwoofer, makes Vena a truly versatile product. Remote control of volume and input selection is available from the included handset.

Connectivity: In one neat package Vena II provides the necessary amplification to realise the highest quality of your stored music replayed through any loudspeakers or headphones. You can link Vena to both analogue line and digital sources. Three analogue inputs, including a dedicated phono input, are mirrored with a variety of digital options from Optical and Coaxial to USB. Additionally, the Quad Vena II is designed with the innovative AptX codec for CD quality audio over wireless transmission. Vena II is the perfect compact audiophile amplifier for the modern day Hi-Fi enthusiast.

Quad loudspeakers and electronics are internationally recognised for their transparency, accuracy and natural reproduction of music and Quad Vena II is no different. In addition to maintaining high audio performance levels through your speakers or headphones, Quad engineers have also paid special attention to the new high resolution Sabre DAC. Even for Bluetooth or USB playback you can expect "the closest approach to the original sound" as the slogan states, an important key in precision hi-fi manufacturing. Any Bluetooth® equipped source can link to Vena wirelessly with optimum sound quality ensured by the innovative aptX codec.

Quad Vena II Aesthetics: Vena II encapsulates advanced engineering and sound quality inside a neat package that is bound to find favour with today’s space conscious listeners. In typical Quad style, the simple fascia is dominated by a large volume control with an array of push buttons providing input selection. Vena II is available in a variety of exquisite finishes to complement your lifestyle and living space. Choose from high-gloss piano-style finishes in White or Black as featured here, or the gorgeous Sapele Mahogany wood option.

New For Vena II The Vena has always had a lot going for it and didn’t really seem to need updating. Quad, it would seem, had other ideas and wanted to make a great product even greater. So, they decided to concentrate on upgrading or adding the following great features:

Digital To Analogue Convertor: The original Vena sported a Cirrus Logic CS4398 DAC that was good for 24-bit/192kHz PCM via USB. The Quad Vena II boasts an up-to-date ES9018K2M from the Sabre32 Reference family. This enables the Vena II to benefit from ESS Technology's 32-bit HyperStream architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator to deliver ultra-low noise and high dynamic range. Quad also paid attention to the post-DAC active filter with the design team opting for op-amps chosen explicitly for their synergy with the ES9018K2M. All this work seriously ups the ante regarding quality and resolution with the Vena II able to handle up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM as well as DSD (up to DSD256) for the first time.

Upgraded Amplifier: Significant improvements have also been made to the Vena II's amplifier stage. Like the original model, the new amp sports a Class AB power amp section that draws on Quad's many decades of design experience. However, the Vena II receives a new 200VA toroidal transformer lying at the heart of its power supply upgrade. This is followed by 2 x 15000uF reservoir capacitors (30000uF in total), helping the amp to maintain firm control of the music while enabling excellent dynamic range.

Phono Stage Built-In: Quad have also included for the first time a phono input so a turntable can be connected directly, without the need for a separate external phono preamp. The built-in moving magnet phono stage features a high-quality, low-noise, JFET-based circuit with precise RIAA equalisation.

Upgraded Headphone Amplifier: While the first Vena had a rather simple, though effective, headphone output, the Vena II incorporates a dedicated headphone amp with current-feedback circuitry. The head-amp's gain bandwidth and high slew rate promise a more dynamic, detailed and engaging performance with all manner of headphone types.