Quad Artera Solus Play
All-in-one Quad stereo system combining a 2 x 75 W amplifier, CD player, ESS DAC and DTS Play-Fi network streaming, for a complete installation reduced to a single unit and a pair of speakers.
Description
The Artera Solus Play condenses into a single chassis what normally requires three or four stacked components: a CD player, a digital-to-analogue converter, a preamplifier and a stereo power amplifier, to which Quad here adds network playback. The system is therefore reduced to this unit, a pair of speakers and the cables connecting them, with no additional electronics.
The power section delivers 2 x 75 W RMS into 8 ohms, a reserve that covers the great majority of compact and floorstanding speakers in a room of typical dimensions. The published measurements place total harmonic distortion below 0.002%, the signal-to-noise ratio above 108 dB A-weighted and the dynamic range above 98 dB: in other words, a silent background between tracks and a comfortable margin between the quietest and most intense passages. Channel separation exceeds 82 dB A-weighted, a condition for a stereo image that remains clear. The frequency response covers 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
Decoding relies on a 32-bit ESS ES9018 converter, DSD-compatible up to DSD256 and capable of playing ALAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, WMA, MP3, AAC, AAC-HE, AAC+, DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256 formats. The USB B input accepts up to 384 kHz from a PC or Mac computer, while the digital inputs and outputs work from 44.1 to 192 kHz. The DTS Play-Fi platform provides wireless high-resolution streaming from a smartphone, tablet, computer or NAS server on the network, with the option of extending listening to multiple rooms; Bluetooth aptX takes over for occasional sources.
This format is aimed at the listener who wants an uncluttered installation without giving up the connectivity of a separates system: the XLR outputs allow a balanced connection to another component, the digital outputs make it possible to use the CD transport with an external converter, and the built-in headphone amplification does away with an extra box for late-night listening. The square 320 x 320 x 105 mm format and the unit's 11.5 kg call for a sturdy, well-ventilated shelf.
Technical specifications
| RMS power | 2 x 75 W (8 Ω) |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 20 kHz |
| Total harmonic distortion | < 0.002% |
| Signal to noise ratio | > 108 dB (A-weighted) |
| Channel separation | > 82 dB (A-weighted) |
| Dynamic range | > 98 dB (A-weighted) |
| D/A converter | ESS ES9018 32-bit |
| Max sampling rate (USB B) | 384 kHz |
| Sampling rate (digital inputs/outputs) | 44.1 - 192 kHz |
| Compatible formats | ALAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, WMA, MP3, AAC, AAC-HE, AAC+, DSD64, DSD128, DSD256 |
| Network and wireless | DTS Play-Fi, Bluetooth aptX |
| Connections | 1x USB B input, 2x optical TOSlink inputs, 2x digital RCA inputs (DIG1, DIG2), 1x optical TOSlink output, 1x digital RCA output (DIG), 2x RCA inputs, 2x RCA outputs, 2x balanced XLR outputs, 1x 6.3 mm jack headphone output |
| Dimensions | 320 x 320 x 105 mm |
| Weight | 11.5 kg |
What to check before buying used
When buying such a versatile unit used, each section should be checked individually. The CD mechanism is the moving part: check the tray opens and closes properly, that it tracks both a burnt disc and a commercial pressing, and that there's no motor noise when locking on. On the network side, make sure the unit connects to Wi-Fi and appears correctly in the Play-Fi app, and that the firmware could be updated; Bluetooth aptX pairing can be tested in a few seconds. Then go through each input in turn, including optical and coaxial, followed by the USB B input with a computer, as these sockets suffer most from repeated plugging in and out. On the analogue side, sweep the volume at low level to detect any imbalance between channels, check that the headphone output isn't noisy and that both channels work, and verify the presence of the remote control, which is difficult to replace.
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