Quad Vena II Play
Quad Vena Play
We have just taken on Quad as one of the fine quality audio brands we showcase in store.
First up we have taken the Quad Vena Play II and given it some time to run in our demonstration room. Upon unboxing the unit you get the feel of the quality build straight away, it’s quite a heavy beast considering it’s a 60w per channel amplifier. The casework is typical of Quad with the somewhat industrious paint finish which they have called “Lancaster Grey”.
The front panel resembles Quad of old looks and whilst maintaining the original philosophies of Quad engineering when it comes to amplifier design. This amplifier also brings the more modern aspect of how we listen to music. It has a streamer built in using DTS Play-Fi, aptX Bluetooth, digital inputs for USB, Optical and Coaxial, 2 x Analogue inputs and finally as if all this connectivity isn’t enough, they have also included a Phono Stage for those would like to use a turntable.
This is a well featured one box proposal. All that’s left to do is connect separate speakers. To get this well run in, I thought I would try it with a pair of Audiovector QR5’s a great revealing speaker that should allow me to hear the quality of what thew Quad can offer.
With the amp now on I opened the Play-Fi app on our tablet, as we have the amp connected directly via ethernet the app saw the Quad instantly there was no connection set up required. I selected Qobuz so I could stream Hi-Res files to the amp.
First track I played was “King” by Florence and the Machine from their new album, “Dance Fever”. I like the way the track builds up from the start. Wow the subtleties within the music really came through, the amp certainly had plenty of grip on the speakers despite being 60w per channel the damping factor was immense, the control the amp had over the drums as the track gradually got busier was very impressive.
Next track was another old favourite of mine “Good Love” on Zola Blood’s “Infinite Games” album. A superb track which sounds awesome on this combo too. Again, a subtle build up as the track picks up pace you get a real sense of presence especially the vocals.
Next track, “Stormy Monday” by Eva Cassidy from “Live at Blues Alley” album, now this track I’ve used as demo on countless occasions, so much so that I’ve had to write it down for customers to go and buy. Stunning how the realism of the instruments and the sense of space and atmosphere was recreated perfectly.
To sum up then, this amp has more inputs than you can shake a stick at, streams hi-res files and as bags of control, sounds amazing, looks amazing and is only £849?
I think all in all, this amp certainly performs to a higher level than its price ticket suggests.