Source: Press Release, Last Accessed: 2019/03/19

Quad, launched a new version of one of its most popular products of recent years – the Vena integrated amplifier. The new Vena II builds upon the strengths of its predecessor – compact design, a useful range of facilities and thoroughly engaging sound – by adding new features and enhancing sonic performance to form an affordable, high-performance audio system.
The original Vena offered an unusually forward-thinking feature set when it arrived in 2014, offering hi-res USB, optical and coaxial digital inputs in addition to wireless streaming via aptX Bluetooth. Just 313mm wide, the Vena II maintains the aesthetic of its predecessor and offers the same range of digital and analogue inputs, with the addition of a phono stage to allow the direct connection of a turntable – a facility for which there has been a resurgence of demand in recent years.
Beneath the hood, the 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. This enables the Vena II to benefit from ESS Technology’s 32-bit HyperStream architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator to deliver ultra-low noise and high dynamic range. Quad’s design team has paid great attention to the post-DAC active filter, using op-amps that were specifically chosen for their synergy with the ES9018K2M. In terms of hi-res file compatibility, the original Vena maxed out at 24-bit/192kHz PCM via USB. The Vena II stretches this to 32-bit/384kHz, alongside DSD (up to DSD256).
Significant improvements have also been made to the Vena II’s analogue stages. Like the original model, the new amp sports a Class AB power amp section but the power supply has been upgraded with a new 200VA toroidal transformer followed by 2x15000uF reservoir capacity. Vinyl lovers will appreciate the addition of a phono stage for moving magnet cartridges – a high-quality, low-noise, JFET-based circuit with precise RIAA equalization. Headphone users are also better catered for, as the Vena II incorporates a dedicated headphone amp with current-feedback circuitry, its gain bandwidth and high slew rate delivering a more dynamic, detailed and engaging performance with all manner of headphone types.
The preamp section is kept as simple as possible to maintain signal purity, with line input signals passing to a precision analogue volume stage controlled by a motorized ALPS potentiometer. Quad’s design team selected Bluetooth wireless streaming, with support for the sonically superior aptX and AAC codecs, to ensure easy pairing with all manner of smartphones, tablets, PCs and Macs. Inputs for digital sources comprise asynchronous USB and three S/PDIF sockets (one coaxial and two optical), while digital outputs are provided in both optical and coaxial forms. 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 addition of an external power amplifier.
The new amp is available in a choice of four finishes: Quad’s classic Lancaster Grey is the standard option, while three premium finishes – Sapele Mahogany, Gloss Black and Gloss White – wrap the Vena II’s aluminum housing in veneered or lacquered wood.

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

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