The Article
Play-Fi now in Quad Vena II Amplifier
8th November 2019
Quad adds hi-res Wi-Fi streaming and multi-room capabilities to the Vena II Play
Quad is launching a new version of the Vena II integrated amplifier, the Play.
It adds Wi-Fi connectivity via the Play-Fi platform to the Vena II’s specification.
It becomes the first Quad product to embrace Wi-Fi streaming.
The Vena II Play looks almost identical to the ‘standard’ Vena II, which launched 12 months ago – a compact design just 313mm wide.
Apart from the word ‘Play’ to denote Play-Fi integration, the only change to the front panel is a ‘NET’ button and an array of white LEDs around the rotary control to indicate volume level.
All the facilities of the already well-stocked Vena II are included – an integral hi-res DAC with USB, coaxial and optical digital inputs, aptX Bluetooth reception, a range of analogue inputs including a phono stage for turntables and dedicated headphone amp circuitry.
The Vena II Play’s addition of internet/home network connectivity via Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable is provided in return for a £150 premium over £649 Vena II, which remains current.
Aside from the addition of Play-Fi, the Vena II Play’s circuitry mirrors that of the Vena II. At its heart lies the ES9018K2M DAC chip from the Sabre32 Reference family.
It includes a post-DAC active filter, using op-amps selected for their synergy with the ES9018K2M.
Like the Vena II, the Class AB power amp section includes a 200VA toroidal transformer followed by 2 x 15000uF reservoir capacity plus a power output. Price is of 2 x 45W into 8 Ohms
To learn more, click www.quad-hifi.co.uk
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Hi Paul,
Great news that Play-Fi is covering more and more hardware. I prefer Play-FI to Heos in my experience, much more flexibility and options. In my case I use Play-Fi with my Audiolab 6000N and works fantastic. Great sound quality.
In comparison I use HEOS with my Marantz NR1508 and I found a lot of limitations in terms of audio quality and music online sources. For example I cannot include TIDAL as a online source in my HEOS app with the Marantz NR1508, and I can use Deezer but with a low sound quality (MP3 320kb).
Regards, Gustavo
Thanks for your thoughts, Gustavo!
Paul, re Quad but not this item, it was the Solus they brought out. Wasn’t this supposed to have some on-board or add on streaming module for it? I remember it being mentioned and saying it would cost £500 to upgrade it but never heard any more about it. Or did I dream that?
You’re right, John – there were to be two versions of the Solus – one with Bluetooth and the other with a WiFi board added.