Quad Vena II Integrated Amplifier – Grey

A classic piece of Quad Hi-Fi equipment in both looks and sound, and, although styled with a definite nod to the past designs of the company this Vena II is bang up to date with its features. On offer is wireless Bluetooth streaming as well as a DAC that can take a signal direct via USB from a computer. Add to that an assortment of digital and analogue inputs allied to a classic QUAD sound – what’s not to like? Our example comes in good, fully working condition – noting a couple of small blemishes, it will be professionally packaged with remote, mains cable, Bluetooth antenna and our classic three month warranty.
Quad Say….
Building on the strengths of its predecessor, the Vena II is an exceptionally neat and convenient way to bring true high-fidelity sound to the varied nature of modern music collections – from vinyl and CD to digital streaming and hi-res files – via all manner of playback devices.
The Vena II’s small footprint (compared to many amps in its class) allows flexible positioning and ensures the amp slips tidily into a range of environments. The amp‘s dapper design is enhanced by a choice of four finishes: QUAD ’s classic Lancaster Grey is the standard option, while three premium finishes – Sapele Mahogany, Gloss Black and Gloss White – wrap the Vena II’s aluminium housing in veneered or lacquered wood.
The Class AB power amp section now has an upgraded power supply, a new 200VA toroidal transformer lying at its heart. This is followed by 2x15000uF reservoir capacity (30000uF in total), helping the amp to maintain firm control of the music whilst enabling excellent dynamic range.
Vinyl lovers will appreciate the addition of a phono stage for moving magnet cartridges – a high-quality, low-noise, JFET-based circuit with precise RIAA equalisation.
Headphone users are also better catered for. The original Vena included a headphone output, but this was connected to the amp’s main output stage rather than to a specialised headphone amp circuit. The Vena II incorporates a dedicated headphone amp with current-feedback circuitry, its gain bandwidth and high slew rate delivering a more dynamic, detailed and engaging performance with all manner of headphone types.
Simplicity is key to the Vena II’s outward design. QUAD ’s design team selected Bluetooth wireless streaming, with support for the aptX codec, to ensure easy pairing with all manner of smartphones, tablets, PCs and Macs – expertly implemented to deliver an adroit balance of quality and convenience. The Vena II feels like a traditional hi-fi amplifier, with its uncomplicated front-mounted controls and simple remote, yet its specification is state-of-the-art.
Copious cable connections enhance the amp’s flexibility. Inputs for digital sources comprise asynchronous USB and three S/PDIF sockets (one coaxial and two optical), while digital outputs are provided in optical and coaxial flavours. Analogue signals are catered for by three stereo RCA inputs – two line-level plus the new MM phono input for turntables – while pre-out sockets permit the addition of an external power amplifier.
Specifications:
D/A Converter: ESS Sabre32 Reference ES9018K2M
Input Sampling Rates: Optical, Coaxial: 44.1 kHz – 192 kHz; USB: 44.1 kHz – 384 kHz (PCM) / DSD64, DSD128, DSD256
Rated Output Power: 2 x 45 W (8 ohm) / 2 x 65 W (4 ohm)
Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.005% (30 W, 8 ohm)
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+/- 0.5 dB)
Input Sensitivity: 450 mV (RCA AUX IN); 4.1 mV (PHONO MM)
Input Impedance: 10 kOhm (AUX); 47 kOhm // 100 pF (Phono)
Signal to Noise Ratio (S/N): ≥ 108 dB (A Weighted, ref. 45 W)
Pre Output Level: 2.3 V (Max)
Pre Output Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): < 0.002%
Pre Output Signal to Noise (S/N): >110 dB (A-Weighted)
Bluetooth Version: 4.0
Profile: A2DP
Codec: aptX (priority), SBC
USB Input: 1 x USB (B-type)
USB Input Sampling Rates: 44.1 kHz – 384 kHz (PCM)/DSD64, DSD128, DSD256
Digital Audio Inputs: 2 x Optical TOSlink; 1 x RCA Coax
Digital Audio Outputs: 1 x Optical TOSlink; 1 x RCA Coax
Analog Inputs: 2 x RCA (AUX1 AUX2); 1 x RCA (PHONE MM)
Power Requirement: 220 – 230 V ~ 50/60 Hz; 110 – 120 V ~ 50/60 Hz; 100 V 50/60 Hz
Dimensions: 313 (W) x 302 (D) x 93.5 (H) mm
Weight: 6.1 kg

To read a review from Hi-Fi Choice magazine please click here