QUAD Artera Play+ - CD Player / DAC / PreAmp - NEW!

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Brand New! – Closed Box
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QUAD Artera Play+
CD, DAC, Pre-amp
The Artera Play+ is the latest addition to the Artera range. The Artera Play+ Combines the sleek user interface with the latest high definition audio technology. The CD player and DAC is the perfect match for the high power drive of Artera Stereo, while you enjoy your music with ultra-high resolution playback up to 32bit/384kHz in addition to DSD64/128/256 files through the USB input.

The new Quad Artera Play+, like it's predecessor, is a CD Player, DAC and preamplifier combined into a single compact chassis. Quad has replaced the original Artera Play source component with a new version called the Artera Play+. Like its predecessor, which launched in 2015,the Play+ is a CD player, DAC and preamplifier combined in a single compactchassis. But while its form is familiar, the plus suffix denotes a range ofimprovements that broadens functionality and enhances sound quality. The firstaddition is the inclusion of aptX Bluetooth, enabling users to pairsmartphones, tablets and computers and stream music wirelessly. Also new is afront-mounted headphone output, positioned discreetly beneath the fascia andcoupled to dedicated circuitry that is designed to do justice to even the mostcapable of cans.

But the Play+ isn t just about adding convenience for music streamersand headphone users. It also enhances the overall sonic performance of thealready highly regarded Artera Play. Despite its attractive simplicity, theArtera Play+ sports cutting-edge sophistication beneath the skin. At its heartnestles an ESS Sabre32 Reference – the eminent 32-bit, eight-channel hybridmulti-bit Delta-2 Sigma DAC chipset – expertly implemented by Quad s renownedelectronics engineers. External sources benefit from this DAC s exceptionalquality via a range of digital inputs, handling PCM data up to 32-bit/384kHz aswell as DSD64/128/256. This ensures the Artera Solus is fully equipped to makethe most of todays hi-res music formats, as well as future advances inultra-high-definition digital sound.

For CD replay, a slot-loading mechanism buffers data from the discbefore feeding it to the asynchronous DAC section. Four digital filter optionsenable users to tailor the sound from both CDs and external digital sources, tosuit personal taste and the nature of the source material. In comparison to theoriginal Play, the Play+ improves the post-DAC analogue filter circuit with arefined topology and superior op-amps that were carefully selected for theirsynergy with the ESS Sabre32DAC. The power supply circuitry has also beenredesigned, with a larger toroidal transformer and independent low-noise powersupplies feeding all critical stages to keep interference to a minimum. Thesechanges contribute to greater sonic clarity and expression, with increaseddynamic headroom and crisp, engaging musicality.

The Play+´s preamp section mixes minimalist design with high-qualitycomponents to ensure short,direct signal paths that preserve sonic purity.Volume is digitally controlled in the analogue domain, feeding single-ended RCAand balanced XLR analogue outputs. The signal path between the DAC and XLRoutput is a further improvement over the original Play, the four-channel volumecontrol and fully symmetrical topology ensuring the Play+ makes the most of theperformance advantages that balanced XLR connection to a power amp can bring.Other cable connectivity options are plentiful. Five digital inputs – twocoaxial, two optical and one USB Type B – cater for external digital sources(there s also a USB Type A socket for software updates) while a pair of RCA phonoinputs handle analogue sources. Two digital outputs (optical and coaxial) and a12V trigger output complete a comprehensive connectivity array.

The new Play+ joins the Stereo power amplifier and Solus all-in-onesystem in Quad s Artera Series. The Play+ and Stereo are perfect partners – thelatter sports the latest version of Quads famous Current Dumping topology todeliver a captivating combination of dynamic power, vice-like grip andsumptuous sonic detail from a compact, cool-running power amp. All ArteraSeries components share the same compact 32x32cm footprint, with a crisp, cleanaesthetic that both evokes Quad s past and looks forward to the future. Thehousing provides a rigid structure that exudes quality and resists interferencefrom external vibrations, with a textured aluminium front panel, thick glasstop and CNC-routed heat sinks on either side.

The sleek appeal of the Artera components is further enhanced byintuitive touch-sensitive controls built into their circular OLED displays; afully featured remote control is also provided. In light of the additionalfeatures and circuit improvements, perhaps the most surprising thing about theArtera Play+ is its price.

SPECS

General Description: CD Player & DAC

D/A Converter: ESS ES9018 32bit DAC

Output Level (1kHz):

0 - 2.5 Vrms (PRE Outputs)

0 - 5 Vrms (Balanced Outputs)

L/R Channel Difference: ±0.02dB (1kHz)

Frequency Response: -0.2dB (20Hz-20kHz, 1kHz)

Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.001% (20Hz-20kHz)

Linearity: ±0.01dB (20Hz-20kHz)

Signal to Noise Ratio (S/N):

>110dB (1kHz)

>118dB (Weighted, 1kHz)

Channel Separation: >100dB (1kHz)

USB Input: 1 _ USB (Support HID)

USB Input Sampling Rates: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz,96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 384kHz

USB DSD: DSD64,DSD128, DSD256

DigitalAudio Inputs:

2 _ Optical TOSlink

2 _ RCA (DIG1, DIG2)

Digital Audio Outputs:

1 _ Optical TOSlink

1 _RCA (DIG)

Digital Inputs & outputs Sampling Rates: 44.1 -192kHz

AnalogueInputs: 2 _ RCA(AUX1, AUX2)

Analogue Outputs: 2 x XLR, RCA (PRE)

Dimension (W x D x H): 320 x 320 x 105mm

Weight: 8.5 kg