Source: Press Release, Last Accessed: 2018/02/16

Quad has just added a one-box Hi-Fi system to the Artera Series, their primary solid-state component range. The Artera Solus combines a CD transport, DAC, preamplifier and power amplifier in a single compact chassis, with extensive connectivity options including Bluetooth wireless streaming.
The Solus features the ES9018 Sabre32 Reference, the eminent 32-bit, eight-channel hybrid multi-bit Delta-Sigma DAC chip-set from ESS and a range of digital inputs, handling PCM data up to 32-bit/384kHz as well as DSD64/128/256. For CD replay, a slot-loading mechanism buffers data from the disc before feeding it to the asynchronous DAC section. Four digital filter options enable users to tailor the sound from both CDs and external digital sources, to suit personal taste and the nature of the source material.
Artera Solus’s preamp and power amp sections mix minimalist design with high-quality components to ensure short, direct signal paths that preserve sonic purity, the company states. Volume is digitally controlled in the analogue domain, outputting directly to the dual-mono Class AB power amp section. The power amplifier delivers 2x75W/8 Ohm, with a maximum current delivery of 15A into difficult loads. To minimize distortion, the power supplies for the left and right channels are isolated from each other as well as from the rest of the system. The discrete power amp circuits’ output stage uses a CFB (Complementary Feedback) topology in combination with conventional emitter follower circuitry. According to Quad, the CFB stage offers superior linearity and ensures excellent thermal stability, as the idle current is kept independent of the temperature of the output transistors. Using an emitter follower in combination with the CFB stage is an efficient way of increasing the current ability of the amplifier without compromising the advantages of the CFB circuit. A 300VA toroidal transformer supplies the two mono amplifiers using separate secondary windings, followed by 2x15000uF reservoir capacity per channel (60000uF in total).
Connectivity options include five digital inputs – two coaxial, two optical and one USB Type B, while a pair of RCA phono inputs handle analogue sources. Analogue output is supplied in both single ended RCA and balanced XLR forms. Later this year, a second version of the Artera Solus will join the Bluetooth-equipped model. This premium version will add comprehensive app-controlled Wi-Fi network streaming facilities, thus delivering greater choice to the consumer. Those who purchase the standard Bluetooth model can upgrade their unit to the fully loaded network streaming version should they wish to do so, once available this autumn.
The new Artera Solus is already available, with a choice of black or silver front panels and the Bluetooth-equipped model will be joined this autumn by the premium version.

For more information: http://quad-hifi.co.uk/

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