Quad Artera Pre
British analogue preamplifier from Quad with built-in MM/MC phono stage, designed for vinyl enthusiasts seeking a pure signal and short circuit paths.
Description
The Artera Pre is a fully analogue preamplifier designed by Quad, a British manufacturer renowned for the purity of its audio signal. It handles amplification and source switching in a hi-fi chain, with particular attention paid to preserving the integrity of the original signal.
The preamplifier is built around a short signal path architecture, combined with components selected to limit sonic losses and alterations. The built-in phono stage handles both MM and MC cartridges, with an input sensitivity of 410 µV and an impedance of 100R//1.7nF in MC, suited to low-output cartridges. Total harmonic distortion remains below 0.002% across the entire 20Hz-20kHz range, while frequency response is maintained within ±0.2dB over the same range. The signal-to-noise ratio exceeds 76dB(A) on the MC phono input, and channel separation exceeds 100dB at 10kHz, ensuring a precise stereo image. On the XLR output, the maximum level reaches 4.6Vrms for distortion below 0.1%, with an output impedance of 100 Ohms.
This preamplifier is aimed at vinyl enthusiasts with a turntable fitted with an MM or MC cartridge, as well as users wanting a neutral switching source to drive one or more power amplifiers. Its headphone output and multiple analogue inputs also make it a versatile centrepiece for a system built around several sources.
Technical specifications
| Input sensitivity (MC phono) | 410uV |
| Input impedance (MC phono) | 100R//1.7nF |
| Max. output level (THD < 0.1%, XLR) | 4.6Vrms |
| Input headroom (MC phono @ 1kHz) | 6.2mV |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz (± 0.2dB) |
| Total harmonic distortion | <0.002% (20Hz-20kHz) |
| Signal to noise ratio (MC phono) | >76dB(A) |
| Channel separation (10kHz) | >100dB |
| Output impedance (XLR) | 100 Ohms |
What to check before buying used
Check the operation of the input switching and the stability of the MC/MM phono gain settings, which can drift or suffer from contact oxidation over time. Test each XLR and RCA input as well as the remote control if supplied, and listen carefully to the phono stage at low level to detect any abnormal hiss or hum, indicative of a worn input board. Recalibration or cleaning of the connectors by a Quad technician is sometimes still necessary on older units.
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