Quad Vena II Integrated Amplifier (Gloss White)

One-stop shopping: The Quad Vena II integrated amplifier has everything music lovers need to play back analog and digital music, stream files, listen through 'phones, and enjoy it all in true high-fidelity sound. All you need to do is add a pair of speakers and optional source component, and you're good to go. Bolstered with a built-in MM phono preamplifier (hello, vinyl), 32-bit ESS SABRE DAC (hello, high-resolution files), aptX Bluetooth support (hello, optimal wireless streaming), and powerful headphone amplifier (hello, private listening sessions), Vena II dances around the competitive integrated field at its price point by way of a hefty toroidal transformer and Class A/B design. Two analog inputs, USB-A and USB-B inputs, two digital inputs, and a remote control further confirms its bang-on versatility.

Outputting a beefier-than-it-seems 45Wpc, this British design touts compact dimensions that make it ideal for smaller environments and rooms where space is at a premium. As with all Quad products, Vena II's main draw – in addition to its fully loaded suite of connectivity and component features – relates to its emotional sonics. Staying true to the company's eight-decade-plus traditions, Vena II delivers robust, smooth, natural performance distinguished with incredible transparency and accuracy. Vena II's attractiveness stems to its clean aesthetics able to blend in and complement any decor. A single large volume control flanked by an array of geometrically even push buttons, and the choice of several stunning yet simple finishes, tell you you're in the presence of English royalty. 100% Music Direct Guaranteed.

"[With] its simple line of inputs and prominent volume control, this is an amp that simply gets on with the job, needing no tweakery to be heard at its best, and delivering a sound with excellent warmth and body without restricting the flow of information. Used with compact bookshelf speakers, the new Quad's warmth and sweet treble pay dividends, but equally satisfying was the way the Vena II stepped up to the plate when confronted with larger speakers..."
—Hi-Fi News, Highly Commended Review

"The Vena II's phono section was a nice surprise, and while it's only for moving-magnet cartridges, it's still a pleasure to listen to. It's quiet and detailed, without the grain that often plagues other built-in phonostages. Clearly, QUAD took its time and put in a lot of effort there."
—Drew Kalbach, The Absolute Sound