The Article
Vena II Amplifier From Quad
23rd November 2018
Quad is launching a new version of the Vena integrated amplifier. The new Vena II adds new features
The original Vena offered hi-res USB, optical and coaxial digital inputs in addition to wireless streaming via aptX Bluetooth. The diminutive Vena II maintains the aesthetic of its predecessor with s row of source-selection buttons and a large volume control. The same range of digital and analogue inputs is provided, with the addition of a MM phono stage.
Beneath the hood, the 45W Vena II sports significant upgrades. The digital audio circuitry has been improved, the Cirrus Logic DAC chip found in the original Vena replaced by an ES9018K2M from the Sabre32 Reference family with an added post-DAC active filter.
The original Vena maxed out at 24bit/192kHz PCM via USB. The Vena II stretches this to 32bit/384kHz, alongside DSD (up to DSD256).
Like the original model, the new amp sports a Class AB power amp section but the power supply has been upgraded, a new 200VA toroidal transformer lying at its heart. This is followed by 2x15000uF reservoir capacity (30000uF in total).
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.
Bluetooth wireless streaming is featured too plus 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 additionof an external power amplifier.
Quad’s Lancaster grey is the standard finish option, while Sapele Mahogany, gloss black and gloss white wrap the Vena II’s aluminium housing in veneered or lacquered wood.
Price is £649, while the three premium finish options add £100 to the price tag. Quad is also offering a system pack, which combines the company’s compact speakers in Black Oak with the Vena II in Lancaster Grey, for £999 – a £150 saving compared to the individual prices.
Both the Vena II integrated amplifier and the Vena II/S-1 system pack are available from the end of November 2018.
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I very nearly bought the first Quad Vena but held off as a dealer told me a new one was on the way with a built in phonostage and as i play a lot of vinyl i thought I’d wait and see what happens. Now around the same price there is the Rega Brio and the Audiolab 6000a. The Brio is analogue only and the Vena and Audiolab have an array of digital inputs. I wonder how similar they sound as both a part of the IAG group. As I already use Quad gear i’m swaying towards the Vena but the fact Audio Lab make a matching CD transport is also attractive. I wonder how this new Vena matches up against the Rega. What are your thoughts Paul .
Thanks for your question, Michael. To be honest, I’m offering you generalised advice only here because I’ve yet to see the new Vena in the flesh (that was a mere news item you read). I’ll throw a few pointers at you and ask you to make the final decision.
1: You like Quad, you like the Quad sound and the way it does things so the new Vena should be in your sights, therefore.
2: The new Vena is a lot better than the earlier model.
3: The Brio – which I have heard – is excellent and highly recommended. It does NOT offer digital, though. You need to ask yourself how important that is in terms of your listening. That said, a separate digital chassis will sound superior to a bundled amp/DAC as per the Vena. But you will pay more in the long run. If digital is important, look for a separate component. If digital is nice but not critical, then a bundled DAC is worthwhile.
4: The Audiolab is solid too – nothing wrong with that.
5: I wouldn’t recommend heading for the Audiolab only *because* there’s a matching transport. I would strongly advise choosing any component based on its own sonic merits. There might be superior competition lurking in the wings.
Thanks for the reply PauI. I currently use a Google Chromecast on my existing Quad setup to stream radio and music from google play. I could use this if i was to buy the Brio also. I guess the best thing is to go and have a listen and decide from there. Though I have to admit I’ve always had a soft spot for Quad aesthetics.
Hi Michael – that ‘soft spot’ is a big part of buying hi-fi so, for all of my rantings about sound quality, listen to that part of your brain too. In addition to the sound quality, making a connection with your hi-fi is a strong aspect. A demo is a great idea, though. Let me know how you get on.
Courtesy of Audible Quality I received a Quad Vena II by courier today and first impressions are very favourable. It is quite heavy, the finish and build quality excellent and the feel of all of the controls and the remote is very good.
The amp is replacing a venerable but well loved Musical Fidelity A2 so direct comparisons with up to date gear are not possible but from the get go the Quad has given a more assured sound with good clarity and improved bass when used with DAB tuner and my existing Stirling LS3/5 and bass extenders. More to the point my Astell & Kern AK70 paired with the Vena using Bluetooth with absolutely no problem opening up an enjoyable evening of going through my digital library of music. without listening fatigue of any kind.
I haven’t had time to test any of the DAC connections yet – that has to wait until the week-end but I’m pleased with the amplifier so far.
Excellent, John – thanks for sharing your thoughts. Appreciate it.
I am torn between the Brio and Vena II, and would buy the Brio because of its UK manufacturing (both are designed in the UK), but the Brio’s lack of heat sink and vent holes, coupled with a smaller case than the Vena II, make me worry that down the line it’s going to fail.
Hi Joel – I wouldn’t worry about longevity because of the presence or lack of heat sinks. Every design needs a cooling system of some sort and some are more visual than others. Rega is a reliable and quality brand and so you should have full confidence in it.
Thanks, Paul. I look forward to your review of the Vena II.
I’m not sure I’ll be getting one Joel – but fingers crossed and I’ll certainly keep my eyes open. Must admit that there’s 15 or so other products to wade through first before I think about that 🙂
Also, with the Vena II, the transformer is nicely separated from the electronics by the heat sink. With the Brio, there is no such isolation. All around, I just think the Vena II is a smarter design from a heat and longevity perspective.