Hifi News

Play-Fi now in Quad Vena II Amplifier

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.

Play-Fi now in Quad Vena II Amplifier

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.

Play-Fi now in Quad Vena II Amplifier

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.

Play-Fi now in Quad Vena II Amplifier

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.

Play-Fi now in Quad Vena II Amplifier

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 

[Don’t forget to check out my Facebook Group, The Audiophile Man: Hi-Fi & Music here: www.facebook.com/groups/theaudiophileman for exclusive postings, exclusive editorial and more!]

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4 Comments

  • Reply
    Gustavo
    8th November 2019 at 1:32 pm

    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

    • Reply
      Paul Rigby
      8th November 2019 at 1:37 pm

      Thanks for your thoughts, Gustavo!

  • Reply
    John Norris
    8th November 2019 at 3:18 pm

    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?

    • Reply
      Paul Rigby
      8th November 2019 at 5:26 pm

      You’re right, John – there were to be two versions of the Solus – one with Bluetooth and the other with a WiFi board added.

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