Quad Artera Play+
CD player combined with a high-resolution USB DAC, compatible up to 32-bit/384 kHz and DSD256, designed to integrate with a Quad Artera Stereo system.
Description
The Artera Play+ is a digital source from Quad that combines a CD player and a digital-to-analogue converter in a single unit. Designed to pair with the Artera Stereo amplifier, it can play both compact discs and high-resolution audio files transmitted via its digital USB input.
The built-in converter accepts PCM streams up to 32-bit/384 kHz as well as DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256 formats via the USB input, allowing high-quality digital music libraries to be used without an external DAC. The stated measurements, with a total harmonic distortion rate below 0.001% and a signal-to-noise ratio above 110 dB, reflect carefully designed electronics intended to preserve the fidelity of the audio signal.
The connectivity is designed to fit into a mixed hi-fi setup: two TOSlink optical inputs and two digital coaxial inputs allow other digital sources to be connected, while the balanced XLR and RCA (PRE) outputs offer compatibility with amplifiers fitted with balanced or unbalanced inputs. Two stereo RCA inputs complete the set-up for connecting additional analogue sources.
This CD player/DAC is aimed at listeners wishing to centralise their sources, both digital and physical, around a single, compact unit. It will particularly suit those who already own a Quad Artera system or who are looking for a versatile source able to serve as both a CD player and a digital preamplifier within an existing system.
Technical specifications
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 105 x 320 x 320 mm |
| Weight | 8.5 kg |
| Output level (PRE, 1kHz) | 0 - 2.5 Vrms |
| Output level (Balanced, 1kHz) | 0 - 5 Vrms |
| L/R level difference (1kHz) | ±0.02dB |
| Frequency response | -0.2dB (20Hz-20kHz, 1kHz) |
| Total harmonic distortion | <0.001% (20Hz-20kHz) |
| Linearity | ±0.01dB (20Hz-20kHz) |
| Signal to noise ratio (1kHz) | >110dB |
| Weighted signal to noise ratio (1kHz) | >118dB |
| Channel separation (1kHz) | >100dB |
| USB sampling rates | 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 384kHz / DSD64, DSD128, DSD256 |
| Connections | 1x digital USB input, 2x TOSlink optical input, 2x digital coaxial input, 1x TOSlink optical output, 1x digital coaxial output, 2x stereo RCA inputs (AUX1, AUX2), 2x stereo XLR outputs, 1x stereo RCA output (PRE) |
What to check before buying used
The CD optical mechanism is the most sensitive component: a tray that struggles to open or discs that fail to play indicate a dirty or worn lens. Also check that the tray slides smoothly without noise or jerking and closes properly. On the DAC and connections side, test each input (USB, coaxial, optical) as well as the XLR and RCA outputs, as a faulty solder joint or an oxidised connector could cut out a channel or introduce noise.
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