Quad Vena II Amplifier with DAC/Bluetooth
Vena II 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 aluminium housing in veneered or lacquered wood.
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). This ensures the amp is fully equipped to make the most of today’s hi-res music formats, as well as future advances in ultra-high-definition digital sound.
The Class AB power amp section now has an upgraded power supply, a new 200VA toroidal transformer lying at its heart. This is followed by 2x15000uF reservoir capacity (30000uF in total), helping the amp to maintain firm control of the music whilst enabling excellent dynamic range. 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 equalisation – adding to the Vena II’s already formidable format flexibility.
Headphone users are also better catered for. The original Vena included a headphone output, but this was connected to the amp’s main output stage rather than to a specialised headphone amp circuit. 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.
Copious cable connections enhance the amp’s flexibility. Inputs for digital sources comprise asynchronous USB and three S/PDIF sockets (one coaxial and two optical), while digital outputs are provided in optical and coaxial flavours. 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.
Preamplifier Section
Analogue Inputs 2x line-level RCA / 1x MM phono Analogue
Outputs 1 x RCA (pre-out)
Analogue Input sensitivity 450mV (line-level) / 4.1mV (MM phono)
Analogue Input impedance 10kΩ (line-level); 47kΩ / 100pF (MM phono)
Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz (+/- 0.5dB)
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) < 0.002%
Signal-to-Noise > 110dB (A-weighted)
Power Amplifier Section
Power Output 2x 45W RMS (8Ω) / 2x 65W RMS (4Ω)
Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz (+/- 0.5dB)
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) < 0.005% (30W, 8Ω)
Signal-to-Noise > 108dB (A-weighted)
Digital Section
DAC Chip ESS Sabre32 ES9018K2M
Digital Inputs 2x optical; 1x coaxial; 1x USB Type A; aptX Bluetooth
Max Sampling Frequency – USB 384kHz PCM; DSD256
Max Sampling Frequency – Optical/Coaxial 192kHz PCM
Digital Outputs 1x coaxial; 1x optical