Artera Play+

The Quad Artera Play+ includes a fully in-built analogue/digital preamp function, allowing the Play+ to be connected directly to a power amplifier, making it the perfect partner for the Artera Stereo. The Artera Play+ uses an ESS Sabre32 9018 DAC, a 32-bit, eight channel hybrid multi-bit Delta-Sigma DAC, often considered to be one of the best performing stereo D/A converter chips. The Artera is Quad’s first series to use the ESS Sabre DAC, and provides a range of digital inputs to benefit from its exceptional quality. A rear panel USB supports PMC data up to 32-bit/384kHz, as well as DSD 64/128/256, making sure the Artera Play+ takes advantage of the latest hi-res technology.

The CD player features a new slot loading mechanism that buffers data from the disc before feeding it asynchronously to the DAC, minimising time errors or jitter. There are four digital filter options that enable you to tailor the sound of the Artera Play+ with both CD and digital sources, to suit your personal preferences and to better match the nature of the source material. The preamp section of the Artera features a balanced Class A output stage. Along with the USB port, two coaxial and two optical inputs are available for external digital sources, whilst two stereo pairs of RCA phono inputs can handle analogue sources. Outputs for the Play+ include single ended RCA and balanced XLR for analogue outputs, and one optical and one coaxial as well as a 12v trigger output. This array of connections allows for plenty of options with the Artera Play+.

The Quad Artera Play+ features a clean and crisp aesthetic, with a textured aluminium front panel, with a thick glass top and CNC-routed heat sinks either side for a rugged and fresh industrial look. The casing has an excellent build quality and provides a resistant structure against interference from external vibrations, while the front panel incorporates intuitive touch-sensitive controls.