Audio T Verdict
The QUAD Artera Play+ is one of those products whose simple appearance hides an enormous amount of functionality. It is a proper slot-loading CD player, a high-resolution ESS Sabre DAC, an analogue and digital preamplifier, a Bluetooth receiver and a headphone source, all built into the beautifully compact Artera chassis.
What makes it especially useful is that none of those functions dictates how the rest of your system has to develop. Use its variable outputs directly into a power amplifier, switch them to fixed level and use it as a conventional source with an existing integrated amplifier, or connect an external streamer, television audio output, CD transport or computer and use the Play+ purely as a DAC.
The specification is still serious too: an eight-channel ESS ES9018 Sabre32 Reference DAC, USB PCM to 384kHz, DSD256, four selectable digital filters, balanced XLR outputs and a buffered slot-loading CD mechanism. If you want a high-quality physical-media and digital hub without committing to an all-in-one amplifier, the Artera Play+ remains an unusually flexible piece of Hi-Fi.
QUAD Artera Play+
The QUAD Artera Play+ combines a CD player, high-resolution digital-to-analogue converter and fully functional preamplifier in a single compact chassis.
It builds on the original Artera Play by adding aptX Bluetooth and dedicated headphone circuitry while revising the DAC's analogue output stage, power supplies and balanced preamplifier architecture.
- Slot-loading CD player
- ESS ES9018 Sabre32 Reference DAC
- 32-bit digital conversion
- PCM playback up to 384kHz through USB
- DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256 support
- Two optical digital inputs
- Two coaxial digital inputs
- USB-B computer audio input
- aptX Bluetooth
- Two RCA analogue line inputs
- Variable or fixed analogue output
- Stereo RCA preamplifier outputs
- Balanced XLR preamplifier outputs
- Dedicated headphone circuitry
- 6.3mm headphone socket
- Optical digital output
- Coaxial digital output
- Four selectable digital filters
- Adjustable DPLL bandwidth
- AUX2 AV bypass mode
- Output-gain adjustment
- Volume limiting
- Balance control
- 12V trigger output
- Touch-sensitive front controls
- Circular OLED display
- Full remote control
CD Player, DAC and Preamplifier in One
The simplest way to understand the Artera Play+ is to think of it as three core Hi-Fi components sharing one chassis.
CD Player
- Slot-loading disc mechanism
- Buffered CD data
- Internal ESS DAC
- Analogue and digital output options
DAC
- ESS ES9018 Sabre32 Reference
- USB to 384kHz PCM
- DSD256 support
- Optical and coaxial inputs
- Four digital filters
Preamplifier
- Variable volume control
- Two analogue line inputs
- Balanced XLR outputs
- RCA pre-outs
- AV bypass facility
Everyday Convenience
- aptX Bluetooth
- Headphone output
- Remote control
- 12V trigger output
- Touch-sensitive operation
What the Artera Play+ Does Not Contain
The long feature list can make it easy to assume the Play+ contains functions that it does not.
No Power Amplifier
The Artera Play+ cannot drive passive loudspeakers directly. To use it as the control centre of a complete Hi-Fi system you need a suitable external power amplifier.
No Turntable Phono Stage
AUX1 and AUX2 are ordinary line-level RCA inputs. They are not Moving Magnet or Moving Coil phono inputs. A turntable requires its own phono stage unless one is built into the turntable.
No Network Streamer
Bluetooth provides convenient wireless playback, but the Play+ does not contain Wi-Fi, Ethernet, DTS Play-Fi or an integrated network-streaming platform.
No HDMI
There is no HDMI ARC or eARC input. Television audio can still be connected if the TV provides a compatible optical digital or analogue audio output.
ESS ES9018 Sabre32 Reference DAC
At the heart of the digital section is the ESS ES9018 Sabre32 Reference, an eight-channel 32-bit DAC from ESS Technology.
QUAD uses the multiple converter channels as part of a carefully implemented stereo architecture rather than simply fitting a DAC chip and relying on its headline specification.
The converter handles the internal CD source as well as compatible signals arriving through USB, optical and coaxial digital inputs.
Revised Play+ Analogue Output Stage
The '+' version is more than the original Artera Play with Bluetooth added.
QUAD revised the post-DAC analogue filtering using a refined circuit topology and upgraded operational amplifiers selected specifically to work with the ESS Sabre32 converter.
The power-supply architecture was also redesigned, using a larger toroidal transformer and independent low-noise supplies for critical circuit stages.
This separation is intended to reduce interaction between different parts of the player and provide the DAC and analogue sections with cleaner operating conditions.
PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz
The USB-B input allows a compatible PC or Mac to use the Artera Play+ as an external high-resolution DAC.
Supported PCM sampling rates include:
- 44.1kHz
- 48kHz
- 88.2kHz
- 96kHz
- 176.4kHz
- 192kHz
- 384kHz
The DAC architecture supports resolution up to 32-bit.
DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256
High-resolution USB playback also extends to Direct Stream Digital.
The Play+ supports:
- DSD64 / 2.8MHz
- DSD128 / 5.6MHz
- DSD256 / 11.2MHz
The front display can identify the incoming PCM sampling frequency or DSD rate during computer playback.
USB Means Computer Audio
The high-resolution USB connection is the rear USB-B input intended for PC or Mac audio. The separate USB-A socket marked UPDATE is for firmware servicing and is not a USB-stick music input.
USB HID Control
The USB implementation also supports HID functionality.
With a compatible computer and playback application, functions including Play, Pause, Previous Track and Next Track can be controlled from the Artera remote while USB is selected.
Windows USB Driver
QUAD provides dedicated Windows USB audio driver support for the computer input.
The manufacturer's setup documentation should be followed when using a Windows computer for the first time.
Two Optical Digital Inputs
Two TOSLINK optical inputs allow external digital sources to use the Play+'s ESS DAC.
Suitable sources can include:
- Network streamers
- Televisions with PCM optical output
- Games consoles
- CD transports
- Other digital audio sources
The optical inputs accept compatible PCM sampling rates from 44.1kHz to 192kHz.
Two Coaxial Digital Inputs
Two RCA coaxial S/PDIF inputs provide an alternative electrical connection for digital sources.
Like the optical inputs, they support PCM sampling rates from 44.1kHz to 192kHz.
Optical and Coaxial Digital Outputs
The Play+ also provides one optical and one coaxial digital output.
This adds flexibility for systems containing another digital recorder, processor or external DAC rather than forcing every source to use the internal ESS converter.
Four Selectable Digital Filters
The ESS DAC implementation provides four digital-filter options:
- Smooth - factory default
- Wide
- Narrow
- Fast
These filters alter the DAC's reconstruction characteristics rather than behaving like conventional bass or treble controls.
Smooth
QUAD describes Smooth as the default setting, designed around an accurate frequency-domain response with a slightly lower bandwidth and strong rejection of out-of-band noise.
Wide
Wide uses a gentler attenuation characteristic with minimal time-domain ringing and is intended particularly for higher-sample-rate material.
Narrow
Narrow represents a more conventional steep-filter approach and provides high tolerance of incoming jitter.
Fast
Fast is designed around transient response and avoids ringing in the manner described by QUAD for this filter implementation.
Which Filter Should I Choose?
Start with Smooth because that is QUAD's factory default. Once you know the system well, compare the others with familiar recordings. The changes are intentionally subtle and there is no universally correct filter for every system or listener.
DPLL Bandwidth Adjustment
The digital inputs also provide adjustable DPLL bandwidth.
DPLL - Digital Phase-Locked Loop - controls how the DAC accommodates timing variation on an incoming S/PDIF signal.
The Play+ provides:
- Low: default and preferred for sources with good timing stability
- High: wider locking tolerance for sources producing abnormally high jitter
QUAD recommends leaving DPLL at Low unless the system has difficulty locking reliably onto a particular digital source.
Adjustable DSD Bandwidth
For DSD playback the setup menu also provides selectable output bandwidth options:
This allows the DSD output filtering to be adjusted for the partnering equipment and source material.
Buffered Slot-Loading CD Mechanism
The integrated CD player uses a clean slot-loading mechanism rather than a conventional protruding disc tray.
QUAD electronically buffers data recovered from the disc before feeding it onwards to the asynchronous DAC section.
This helps separate the mechanical reading process from the timing requirements of digital-to-analogue conversion.
CD Playback Through the Internal DAC
With a disc inserted, the Play+ functions as a complete CD player: the transport reads the disc, the internal digital section processes the recovered signal and the ES9018 performs conversion before the analogue output stage feeds the RCA, XLR or headphone outputs.
No external DAC is required for normal CD playback.
CD Playback Controls
The supplied remote provides comprehensive disc control including:
- Play and Pause
- Stop
- Previous and Next track
- Fast search
- Direct numerical track selection
- Programmed track playback
- Random playback
- Repeat playback
- Disc load/eject
aptX Bluetooth
The Play+ adds wireless Bluetooth playback, allowing compatible phones, tablets and computers to be paired directly.
QUAD specifically supports the aptX codec where the transmitting device also supports aptX.
This makes Bluetooth useful for guests and casual listening without requiring a separate receiver.
aptX, Not aptX HD
QUAD's current documentation specifies aptX for the Artera Play+. It does not advertise aptX HD, so this page does not claim aptX HD compatibility.
Bluetooth Is Not Network Streaming
Bluetooth should not be confused with the network-streaming system found in the Artera Solus Play.
The Play+ does not contain Wi-Fi, Ethernet or DTS Play-Fi. If you want Qobuz, TIDAL, internet radio or network-library playback through a dedicated streamer, connect an external network source to one of the Play+'s analogue or digital inputs.
Two Analogue RCA Inputs
AUX1 and AUX2 allow conventional line-level analogue equipment to use the Play+ as a preamplifier.
Suitable sources include:
- Network streamers with analogue outputs
- External phono stages
- Tuners
- Cassette decks
- Other line-level sources
AUX1 and AUX2 Are Not Turntable Phono Inputs
The word 'phono' is sometimes used simply to describe RCA connectors. The Artera Play+ does not contain an MM or MC phono stage. Connect a turntable through a suitable external phono preamplifier unless the turntable has one built in.
AUX2 AV Bypass
AUX2 can be configured as an AV Direct / AV Bypass input.
With this mode enabled, the AUX2 signal path operates at a fixed 0dB level rather than passing through the normal Play+ volume adjustment.
This allows an AV processor or another source with its own volume control to take command of level when the Play+ forms part of a combined Hi-Fi and home-cinema system.
Take Care With AV Bypass
When AV Direct is enabled, the Play+ volume control no longer protects the AUX2 path from a high source level. Only use this mode with equipment providing its own properly configured volume control.
A Fully Functional Preamplifier
The Artera Play+ is not simply a CD player with a variable-output option added as an afterthought.
Its preamplifier section allows all compatible internal and external sources to be selected and level-controlled before being sent to an external power amplifier.
The output mode can be switched between Adjustable and Fixed.
Adjustable Output Mode
Adjustable is the factory-default operating mode.
In this configuration the Play+ controls listening volume and can be connected directly to a suitable power amplifier such as the QUAD Artera Stereo or a pair of Artera Mono amplifiers.
Fixed Output Mode
Fixed mode changes the signal paths to fixed 0dB output.
This is useful if the Play+ is being used as a conventional CD player/DAC into an integrated amplifier or separate preamplifier that will control system volume instead.
Check the Output Mode Before Connecting a Power Amplifier
Do not connect the Play+ directly to a power amplifier with its outputs set to Fixed unless another safe means of volume control exists. Adjustable mode is the normal setting when the Play+ itself is acting as the system preamplifier.
RCA Preamplifier Outputs
A stereo pair of conventional RCA outputs allows straightforward connection to a power amplifier or other suitable analogue component.
QUAD's current live specification gives a maximum variable output level of 2.5Vrms at 1kHz from the RCA pre-outs.
Balanced XLR Outputs
The balanced outputs are a particularly important part of the Play+ architecture.
The signal path from the DAC to the XLR output uses a four-channel volume-control arrangement and fully symmetrical topology designed to preserve balanced operation through the preamplifier stage.
QUAD's current live specification gives a maximum variable balanced output of 5Vrms at 1kHz.
Why Use XLR?
Balanced connection can provide useful common-mode noise rejection and is particularly relevant with longer interconnect runs or partnering power amplifiers designed around balanced inputs.
The matching Artera Stereo and Artera Mono both provide balanced connections, making XLR an obvious option within a complete Artera system.
RCA remains fully supported and may be entirely appropriate depending on the partnering equipment.
Output Gain Adjustment
The setup menu allows a gain offset from -8dB to +8dB to be applied to the volume control.
This does not create additional power inside the Play+. Instead, it allows the useful range of the volume control to be better matched to the sensitivity of the power amplifier and loudspeakers being used.
Volume Limit
A user-selectable volume limit can also be set from 0 to 100.
This can be useful where the system has considerable power reserves, where children or other family members use the system, or simply to prevent accidental large changes in playback level.
Balance Control
Left/right balance adjustment is available through the setup menu.
This is useful in rooms where the listening seat is not perfectly centred or where room acoustics cause one loudspeaker to sound slightly more prominent than the other.
Dedicated Headphone Output
The Play+ adds a front-mounted 6.3mm headphone socket beneath the fascia.
QUAD describes this as being driven by dedicated headphone circuitry rather than treating the socket as a simple convenience output.
The manufacturer does not currently publish a recommended headphone-impedance range or maximum headphone-output power for the Play+, so Audio T does not invent one here.
12V Trigger Output
A rear 12V trigger output allows compatible power amplifiers to be switched in coordination with the Play+.
This is particularly convenient in an Artera separates system where the Play+ is being used as the central preamplifier.
Perfect Partner for Artera Stereo
The natural two-box partner is the QUAD Artera Stereo Power Amplifier.
The Play+ provides source selection, CD playback, digital conversion and volume control, while the Artera Stereo concentrates on driving the loudspeakers.
The two components can be connected by RCA or balanced XLR.
Use It With Artera Mono
For substantially more power, the Play+ can form the front end of a system using a pair of QUAD Artera Mono Power Amplifiers.
Each Artera Mono provides one amplifier channel and delivers 300W into 8 ohms or 400W into 4 ohms, so two are required for conventional stereo playback.
The balanced XLR outputs and trigger facility of the Play+ make this a particularly logical Artera-family combination.
Can It Work With Other Power Amplifiers?
Yes. The Play+ is a standalone preamplifier/DAC and is not electronically restricted to QUAD power amplifiers.
Its RCA and XLR outputs can feed other suitable power amplifiers, although input sensitivity, impedance and required output level should always be checked when putting together a mixed-brand pre/power system.
Using the Play+ With an Integrated Amplifier
You do not have to use the preamplifier function.
Set the Play+ to Fixed output and connect its analogue outputs to a suitable line input on an integrated amplifier. The integrated amplifier then takes responsibility for volume control.
This allows the Play+ to operate primarily as a high-quality CD player and DAC.
Using an External Streamer
A network streamer can connect in several ways:
- Coaxial digital into the ES9018 DAC
- Optical digital into the ES9018 DAC
- Analogue RCA if you prefer the streamer's own DAC
This gives you flexibility to decide which component performs digital-to-analogue conversion.
Using a Television
There is no HDMI ARC input, but a television with an optical PCM audio output can be connected to one of the Play+'s TOSLINK inputs.
Check that the television can be configured to output a compatible two-channel PCM signal rather than an unsupported surround bitstream.
Using a Turntable
A turntable cannot normally be connected directly because AUX1 and AUX2 operate at line level.
Use a suitable external MM or MC phono stage between the turntable and Play+, or a turntable with an integrated line-level phono preamplifier.
OLED Display and Touch Controls
The distinctive circular front display forms part of the user interface as well as providing operating information.
Touch-sensitive controls maintain the unusually clean Artera fascia without covering it in conventional buttons.
Eight Display Brightness Levels
The display provides eight selectable brightness levels.
It can also be turned off entirely from the remote if a dark front panel is preferred during listening.
Full Remote Control
The supplied handset provides comprehensive control of CD playback, source selection, Bluetooth, USB, volume, mute, menu functions and display settings.
Direct track-selection buttons, Program, Random and Repeat functions are also provided for disc playback.
Compact Artera Construction
The Artera Play+ measures approximately 320mm wide, 320mm deep and 105mm high.
Its relatively compact footprint allows it to sit naturally alongside the other Artera components rather than occupying a conventional 430mm-wide chassis.
8.5kg Construction
QUAD's current live product specification gives a net weight of 8.5kg.
That substantial weight reflects the rigid metal enclosure, internal power supply, disc mechanism and thick decorative glass top rather than the lightweight construction sometimes associated with multi-function digital components.
Aluminium and Glass Casework
The Artera enclosure combines a textured aluminium front panel, CNC-routed side sections and a thick glass upper surface.
The construction is intended to provide mechanical rigidity while maintaining the distinctive clean appearance shared across the range.
Black or Silver
The Artera Play+ is available in:
- Aluminium Black
- Aluminium Silver
Artera Play+ vs QUAD 3CDT
Artera Play+
- Complete CD player
- Internal ES9018 DAC
- USB high-resolution audio
- aptX Bluetooth
- Analogue preamplifier outputs
- Headphone output
QUAD 3CDT
- Dedicated CD transport
- No internal DAC
- Digital outputs only
- No analogue preamplifier
- Requires an external DAC
- Designed to partner the QUAD 3
Artera Play+ vs Artera Solus Play
The Artera Solus Play goes significantly further towards an all-in-one system.
Artera Play+
- CD player
- DAC
- Preamplifier
- Bluetooth
- No power amplifier
- No network streamer
- Requires external power amplification
Artera Solus Play
- CD player
- DAC
- Preamplifier
- Bluetooth
- Built-in power amplifier
- DTS Play-Fi network streaming
- Can drive passive loudspeakers directly
Key Features
- QUAD Artera Play+
- CD player, DAC and preamplifier
- Slot-loading CD mechanism
- Electronic CD data buffering
- ESS ES9018 Sabre32 Reference DAC
- 32-bit DAC architecture
- USB PCM up to 384kHz
- DSD64 support
- DSD128 support
- DSD256 support
- Two optical digital inputs
- Two coaxial digital inputs
- USB-B computer input
- USB HID support
- aptX Bluetooth
- Optical digital output
- Coaxial digital output
- Two RCA analogue line inputs
- RCA preamplifier outputs
- Balanced XLR preamplifier outputs
- Four-channel balanced volume architecture
- Adjustable or fixed output mode
- AUX2 AV bypass
- -8dB to +8dB output-gain adjustment
- User-selectable volume limit
- Balance control
- Dedicated headphone circuitry
- 6.3mm headphone socket
- Four selectable digital filters
- Smooth digital filter
- Wide digital filter
- Narrow digital filter
- Fast digital filter
- Low/High DPLL settings
- Adjustable DSD bandwidth
- 12V trigger output
- Touch-sensitive controls
- Circular OLED display
- Eight brightness levels
- Full remote control
- Aluminium Black finish
- Aluminium Silver finish
- 8.5kg net weight
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the QUAD Artera Play+ still current?
Yes. QUAD continues to list the Artera Play+ within its current Artera Series and CD-player range.
What is the Artera Play+?
It is a CD player, digital-to-analogue converter and preamplifier in one chassis, with Bluetooth and a dedicated headphone output.
Can it drive loudspeakers directly?
No. There is no built-in power amplifier. Passive loudspeakers require an external power amplifier.
Does it contain a DAC?
Yes. It uses an ESS ES9018 Sabre32 Reference 32-bit DAC.
What is the maximum USB PCM resolution?
384kHz PCM is supported through the USB-B computer input.
Does it support DSD?
Yes. DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256 are supported through USB.
Does it support MQA?
MQA decoding is not specified in QUAD's current Artera Play+ product information or current support manual, so Audio T does not advertise MQA compatibility.
Does it have Bluetooth?
Yes. Bluetooth with aptX support is built in.
Does it support aptX HD?
QUAD specifies aptX, not aptX HD, for the Artera Play+.
Is it a network streamer?
No. It does not contain Wi-Fi, Ethernet or DTS Play-Fi. An external streamer can be connected through analogue, optical or coaxial inputs.
Does it have Spotify Connect or Qobuz built in?
No. Use an external network streamer if you require integrated streaming-service access.
How many optical inputs does it have?
Two.
How many coaxial digital inputs does it have?
Two.
What sampling rates do optical and coaxial support?
QUAD specifies 44.1kHz to 192kHz.
Does it have digital outputs?
Yes. One optical and one coaxial S/PDIF output are provided.
Does the USB-A port play music from a memory stick?
No. The rear USB-A socket is marked for software and firmware updates. Computer audio uses the separate USB-B connection.
Does the Artera Play+ have analogue inputs?
Yes. Two stereo RCA line inputs are provided, labelled AUX1 and AUX2.
Does it have a turntable phono input?
No. AUX1 and AUX2 are line-level inputs. A turntable requires a suitable external phono stage unless one is built into the turntable itself.
Can I use it as a preamplifier?
Yes. Its RCA and balanced XLR outputs can operate at adjustable level so the Play+ can control a suitable external power amplifier directly.
Can I use it as an ordinary fixed-output CD player?
Yes. Output Level can be switched from Adjustable to Fixed, placing the audio paths at fixed 0dB level for connection to another preamplifier or integrated amplifier.
What is AUX2 AV bypass?
It fixes the AUX2 audio path at 0dB so that a source such as an AV processor with its own volume control can control listening level.
Can output gain be adjusted?
Yes. QUAD provides a -8dB to +8dB offset to optimise the useful operating range of the volume control.
Can I set a maximum volume?
Yes. A volume limit can be configured through the menu.
Does it have balance adjustment?
Yes.
Does it have balanced outputs?
Yes. A stereo pair of balanced XLR preamplifier outputs is provided.
What is the maximum RCA output level?
QUAD's current live product specification gives up to 2.5Vrms at 1kHz from the preamplifier outputs.
What is the maximum XLR output level?
QUAD's current live product specification gives up to 5Vrms at 1kHz from the balanced outputs.
Does it have a headphone socket?
Yes. The Play+ adds a front-mounted 6.3mm headphone output with dedicated circuitry.
Which headphone impedances does it support?
QUAD does not currently publish a specific recommended impedance range for the Artera Play+, so we do not quote one.
What digital filters are available?
Smooth, Wide, Narrow and Fast. Smooth is the factory default.
What is DPLL?
It adjusts the digital phase-locked-loop bandwidth used to accommodate timing variation on incoming S/PDIF signals. Low is the default; High provides wider tolerance where a source has difficulty maintaining lock.
Can the DSD bandwidth be adjusted?
Yes. Normal, 50K, 60K and 70K options are provided.
Does it have a 12V trigger?
Yes. A 12V trigger output can control compatible partnering equipment.
Can I connect the Artera Stereo directly?
Yes. The Play+ was specifically designed to partner the Artera Stereo and can feed it through RCA or balanced XLR.
Can I use it with Artera Mono amplifiers?
Yes. A stereo system requires two Artera Monos, and the Play+'s variable balanced or RCA outputs can act as the preamplifier feed.
Can I use another manufacturer's power amplifier?
Yes, provided its input sensitivity and impedance are suitable for the Play+'s output.
Can I connect a television?
There is no HDMI input, but a compatible television can use an optical digital connection where it provides suitable PCM audio output.
Can I connect a turntable?
Yes, but through an external phono stage connected to AUX1 or AUX2 unless the turntable already provides a line-level output.
How large is the Artera Play+?
320mm wide, 320mm deep and 105mm high.
How much does it weigh?
QUAD's current live product specification gives a net weight of 8.5kg.
What finishes are available?
Aluminium Black and Aluminium Silver.
Related QUAD Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy the QUAD Artera Play+ From Audio T?
The Artera Play+ can perform several different jobs, which means the right way to configure it depends on the rest of your system. You may need it primarily as a CD player, as a DAC for a streamer or computer, as the preamplifier for a separate power amp, or as a combination of all three.
Audio T can demonstrate those different configurations, help decide whether RCA or balanced connection is appropriate and make sure settings such as fixed or variable output, AV bypass and output gain are configured safely for your partnering equipment.
- In-store demonstrations
- CD playback demonstrations
- DAC and digital-source matching
- USB audio setup guidance
- External streamer integration
- Optical and coaxial connection advice
- Bluetooth setup
- Digital-filter comparison
- RCA versus balanced XLR guidance
- Power-amplifier matching
- Artera Stereo system demonstrations
- Artera Mono system planning
- AV bypass configuration
- Fixed versus variable output setup
- Headphone-system advice
- Turntable and external phono-stage integration
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss how the QUAD Artera Play+ could work as the CD, DAC and preamplifier hub of your system.