Audio T Verdict
The QUAD Artera Pre is much more interesting than its deliberately minimalist front panel suggests. At heart it is a serious all-analogue preamplifier, but QUAD has combined that purity with genuinely useful facilities: MM and MC phono, balanced XLR connectivity, adjustable input sensitivity, AV bypass, a dedicated Class A headphone stage and the company's distinctive Tilt control.
We particularly like the way those facilities can be used selectively. Leave the EQ switched off for the shortest conventional signal path, tailor individual sources with their own Bass and Tilt settings, or use XLR Direct to route a balanced source straight through the four-channel volume control to the balanced outputs while bypassing the other signal-processing functions.
As the control centre for an Artera Stereo or a pair of Artera Mono amplifiers it makes obvious sense, but it is equally happy feeding another suitable power amplifier. For vinyl-heavy systems in particular, the combination of MM/MC compatibility, sensible cartridge loading and flexible analogue control makes the Artera Pre a remarkably complete piece of equipment.
QUAD Artera Pre Analogue Preamplifier
The QUAD Artera Pre is a dedicated analogue preamplifier designed to control line-level sources, turntables, headphones and external power amplification without incorporating a DAC, streamer or digital audio input.
Its architecture combines a short analogue signal path with microprocessor-controlled operation, balanced and single-ended connections and sophisticated user adjustment that can be configured individually for different sources.
- Dedicated analogue preamplifier
- Three stereo RCA line inputs
- One stereo balanced XLR input
- Switchable Moving Magnet and Moving Coil phono input
- Low-noise Class A phono stage
- Four-channel volume architecture
- Fully balanced XLR signal path in XLR Direct mode
- RCA preamplifier output
- Balanced XLR preamplifier output
- Fixed-level RCA AUX output
- 6.35mm headphone output
- Discrete Class A headphone output stage
- QUAD Tilt control
- Selectable Bass Flat, Boost and Cut modes
- Per-input EQ settings
- Per-input sensitivity adjustment
- ±8dB input-gain adjustment
- 0.5dB gain-adjustment steps
- AUX3 AV bypass
- XLR Direct mode
- Balance adjustment
- User-adjustable volume limit
- Two 12V trigger outputs
- Eight display-brightness levels
- Touch-sensitive front controls
- Circular OLED display
- Remote control supplied
A Pure Analogue Preamplifier
The Artera Pre does not contain a DAC, Bluetooth receiver, network streamer or HDMI interface.
Every music source therefore reaches the preamplifier as an analogue signal, whether that comes directly from a turntable, CD player, tuner or streamer, or from an external DAC converting a digital source elsewhere in the system.
What Does a Preamplifier Actually Do?
A preamplifier selects your source, controls listening volume and prepares the signal for a separate power amplifier. The Artera Pre also adds phono amplification, headphone listening, tonal adjustment, balanced connectivity and system-control functions, but it does not drive passive loudspeakers itself.
You Still Need a Power Amplifier
The QUAD Artera Pre cannot drive passive loudspeakers directly. Connect its variable RCA or balanced XLR preamplifier output to a suitable power amplifier such as the QUAD Artera Stereo, a pair of Artera Monos or another electrically compatible power amplifier.
Three RCA Line Inputs
AUX1, AUX2 and AUX3 provide three conventional stereo RCA line-level inputs.
They can accommodate equipment such as:
- CD players
- Network streamers
- External DACs
- Tuners
- Cassette decks
- Other line-level analogue sources
Line-level input impedance is specified at 10kOhm.
Balanced XLR Input
A stereo pair of balanced XLR inputs is provided for suitable source equipment.
Balanced connection can reduce interference and ground-related noise, particularly with longer cable runs or equipment designed around a properly balanced signal architecture.
The XLR input also has access to the Artera Pre's dedicated XLR Direct operating mode.
Four-Channel Volume Architecture
QUAD uses a four-channel volume-control arrangement so the balanced XLR signal can remain balanced through the preamplifier rather than being converted to single-ended internally simply for volume adjustment.
This is particularly relevant when the Artera Pre is being used with balanced source equipment and a balanced power amplifier.
XLR Direct Mode
XLR Direct provides the shortest explicitly documented balanced signal route in the Artera Pre.
When enabled, the balanced input feeds the four-channel volume control and then passes directly to the balanced XLR output.
Other signal-processing and EQ functions are bypassed while XLR Direct is active.
When Should I Use XLR Direct?
Use it when you want a balanced source to take the most direct path through the preamplifier and you do not need Bass or Tilt adjustment for that source. If you want the QUAD EQ facilities, switch XLR Direct off.
Dedicated MM and MC Phono Stage
The Artera Pre includes a low-noise precision RIAA phono stage that can be switched between Moving Magnet and Moving Coil operation.
No plug-in board or internal modification is required when moving between MM and MC cartridge types.
QUAD describes the phono circuitry as Class A and has designed it as a dedicated part of the preamplifier rather than simply adding extra gain to a conventional line input.
Moving Magnet Cartridge Matching
In MM mode the input provides:
- Maximum gain at Volume 100: +53.5dB
- Input sensitivity: 4.1mV at the manufacturer's specified test condition
- Input loading: 47kOhm / 100pF
- Input headroom: 62mV at 1kHz under the manufacturer's specified test condition
- Signal-to-noise ratio: greater than 80dB A-weighted
The familiar 47kOhm resistance makes the input suitable for the standard loading requirements of a very wide range of MM cartridges.
100pF MM Capacitance
QUAD publishes the MM input capacitance as 100pF.
This is particularly useful when matching moving magnet cartridges because the cartridge sees the combined capacitance of the preamplifier input, tonearm wiring and phono cable.
If your cartridge manufacturer specifies a recommended capacitance range, knowing the Artera Pre contributes 100pF allows the complete load to be assessed properly.
Moving Coil Cartridge Matching
In MC mode the phono input provides:
- Maximum gain at Volume 100: +73.5dB
- Input sensitivity: 410µV at the manufacturer's specified test condition
- Input loading: 100Ohm / 1.7nF
- Input headroom: 6.2mV at 1kHz under the manufacturer's specified test condition
- Signal-to-noise ratio: greater than 76dB A-weighted
This makes the Artera Pre suitable for many conventional low-output moving coil cartridges.
100Ohm Is a Fixed MC Load
Moving coil cartridges vary considerably in their recommended loading. Check your cartridge manufacturer's specification against the Artera Pre's 100Ohm MC input rather than assuming that every moving coil cartridge is an ideal match.
Phono Ground Connection
A dedicated grounding terminal is provided for turntables and tonearms that use a separate signal-ground wire.
This can help reduce hum in a vinyl system.
The terminal is intended as an audio grounding point and should not be treated as a substitute electrical safety earth.
QUAD Tilt Control
The Artera Pre brings back one of QUAD's most distinctive approaches to tone adjustment: the Tilt control.
Originally introduced on the QUAD 34 in 1982, Tilt adjusts bass and treble together rather than treating them as two unrelated frequency bands.
The audible balance is effectively rotated around an approximately 700Hz axis.
Seven Tilt Settings
The Artera Pre provides seven documented Tilt positions:
- +3dB bass / -3dB treble
- +2dB bass / -2dB treble
- +1dB bass / -1dB treble
- 0dB / 0dB
- -1dB bass / +1dB treble
- -2dB bass / +2dB treble
- -3dB bass / +3dB treble
The neutral 0/0 setting is the default.
Why Tilt Rather Than Treble?
A conventional treble control alters one end of the spectrum independently.
Tilt changes the broad tonal balance as a whole, which can be useful for recordings that sound generally too bright or too warm, or rooms that shift the overall presentation in one direction.
The adjustment is deliberately subtle rather than attempting to operate as a graphic equaliser.
Three Bass Settings
When EQ is enabled, the Artera Pre provides three Bass options:
- Flat: no additional bass contour
- Boost: approximately +4.5dB around 60Hz
- Cut: approximately -4.5dB shelf response
Flat is the default.
Why Use Bass Boost?
The Boost setting can add a little extra low-frequency weight where smaller loudspeakers, room placement or a particular recording leaves the system sounding lean.
It should be regarded as a useful tuning tool rather than a substitute for appropriate loudspeaker selection and positioning.
Why Use Bass Cut?
The Cut setting can help where room reinforcement or speaker positioning produces excessive bass weight.
Again, it is intended as a controlled adjustment rather than aggressive equalisation.
EQ Is Off by Default
The Artera Pre's EQ system is switched Off by default.
When EQ is switched On, Bass and Tilt controls become active for the selected input.
This allows you to decide source by source whether you want tonal adjustment at all.
Different EQ for Different Sources
One of the most useful features is that Bass, Tilt and Gain settings can be assigned independently to different inputs.
You might therefore leave a DAC completely flat, use a small amount of Tilt with a bright recording source and apply a different Bass setting to a turntable.
The settings are remembered by the preamplifier rather than requiring you to readjust them every time the source is selected.
±8dB Input Gain Matching
Different source components can have dramatically different output voltages.
The Artera Pre allows the sensitivity of each normal input to be adjusted between -8dB and +8dB.
QUAD's current product information specifies adjustment in fine 0.5dB steps.
This can make switching between sources much more pleasant because the CD player, streamer and turntable do not have to produce wildly different apparent listening levels.
Maximum Line-Level Gain
With Volume set to 100, the manufacturer specifies maximum Line/XLR gain at +8dB.
Maximum phono gain is correspondingly specified at +53.5dB for MM and +73.5dB for MC.
These are manufacturer test values at the stated maximum settings rather than recommendations that every source should be operated at maximum gain.
AUX3 AV Bypass
AUX3 can be configured as a dedicated AV Bypass input.
When enabled, the AUX3 audio path is fixed at 0dB rather than being controlled by the Artera Pre's normal volume setting.
This is useful when integrating a stereo system with a home-cinema processor or AV amplifier that already controls the front-channel level.
AV Bypass Removes Normal Volume Protection
Only enable AUX3 AV Bypass when the connected source has its own properly configured volume control. A fixed-output source connected to a bypass input could otherwise send a very high signal level directly to the power amplifier.
Balance Adjustment
Left/right balance can be adjusted over a total 6dB range in 0.5dB steps.
This can be useful where the listening position is off-centre, one speaker is closer to a boundary or an older recording has imperfect channel balance.
User-Selectable Volume Limit
The maximum permitted volume setting can be restricted between 0 and 100.
The factory-default limit is 80.
This is a useful safety feature in systems using powerful amplification or sensitive loudspeakers.
Safe Start-Up Behaviour
On first use, the Artera Pre starts at volume level 20.
After subsequent standby cycles it recalls the previous listening level, but if that previous setting was above 50 the preamplifier returns at 50 instead.
This reduces the risk of unexpectedly restarting the system at an excessively high level.
Separate Headphone and Main-Output Volume Memory
The main RCA/XLR outputs and headphone output retain separate volume memories.
This is particularly useful if your normal headphone listening level differs substantially from the level used with the loudspeakers.
Dedicated Class A Headphone Stage
The front-mounted 6.35mm socket is driven by dedicated headphone circuitry with a discrete Class A output stage.
QUAD describes the design as having low output impedance, but does not publish a numerical headphone-output impedance, supported load range or maximum headphone power for the Artera Pre.
For that reason, Audio T does not invent those figures.
What Happens When Headphones Are Connected?
Plugging headphones into the front socket mutes the main RCA PRE OUT and balanced XLR outputs.
The fixed AUX output remains active.
This allows headphone listening without needing to switch the external power amplifier manually, while preserving the fixed-output connection for recording or other appropriate uses.
RCA Preamplifier Output
The conventional RCA PRE OUT provides a variable single-ended signal for connection to a suitable power amplifier.
QUAD specifies:
- Maximum output: 2.3Vrms at less than 0.1% THD
- Output impedance: 120Ohm
Balanced XLR Preamplifier Output
A stereo pair of balanced XLR preamplifier outputs is also provided.
QUAD specifies:
- Maximum output: 4.6Vrms at less than 0.1% THD
- Output impedance: 100Ohm
The higher maximum balanced output is particularly useful when partnering power amplifiers designed around higher balanced-input sensitivities.
Fixed-Level AUX Output
The separate RCA AUX output operates at fixed line level and is not controlled by the normal listening volume.
QUAD suggests applications including:
- Recording equipment
- Audio processors
- AV controllers
- An integrated amplifier
- Other equipment requiring an unprocessed fixed-level signal
The Bass and Tilt settings do not affect this AUX output.
Excellent Line-Level Performance
QUAD specifies the Artera Pre with a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz within ±0.2dB.
Total harmonic distortion is specified at less than 0.002% from 20Hz to 20kHz.
Line/XLR signal-to-noise ratio exceeds 110dB A-weighted.
Greater Than 100dB Channel Separation
Channel separation is specified at greater than 100dB at 10kHz.
This indicates very low unwanted crosstalk between the left and right channels under the manufacturer's stated measurement conditions.
Generous Input Headroom
QUAD also publishes unusually useful input-headroom figures:
- RCA: 4.1Vrms
- XLR: 8.2Vrms
- MM Phono: 62mV at 1kHz
- MC Phono: 6.2mV at 1kHz
These figures are measured with THD below 0.1% and Volume set to 50.
Headroom is useful because real sources can produce momentary voltage peaks well above their nominal output rating.
Power-Supply Engineering
The Artera Pre uses a low-noise power-supply architecture with substantial smoothing and dedicated regulation intended to minimise interaction between different circuit sections.
The core audio path is deliberately kept short while the control functions are handled electronically around it.
Two 12V Trigger Outputs
Two 12V trigger outputs allow compatible power amplifiers and other equipment to follow the Artera Pre into and out of standby.
This is particularly convenient when controlling:
- One Artera Stereo power amplifier
- A pair of Artera Mono amplifiers
- Other compatible trigger-equipped equipment
The trigger connections use 3.5mm jack cables.
Natural Partner for the Artera Stereo
The QUAD Artera Stereo Power Amplifier is the most obvious partner.
It delivers 140W per channel into 8 ohms and 250W per channel into 4 ohms and accepts both RCA and balanced XLR inputs.
The Artera Pre can therefore provide source control, volume, phono and headphone functionality while the Stereo concentrates on driving the loudspeakers.
Pair It With Artera Mono Power Amplifiers
For considerably greater output, the Artera Pre can feed a pair of QUAD Artera Mono Power Amplifiers.
Each Mono drives one loudspeaker and provides 300W into 8 ohms or 400W into 4 ohms.
The Artera Pre's balanced outputs and two trigger connections are particularly well suited to this type of installation.
Can I Use Another Power Amplifier?
Yes. The Artera Pre is a standalone preamplifier and does not have to be used with QUAD amplification.
Its low output impedance and choice of RCA or balanced XLR connection make it suitable for many other power amplifiers, provided input sensitivity and impedance are compatible.
Artera Pre or Artera Play+?
These two products overlap in preamplifier functionality but are designed around very different priorities.
Artera Pre
- Dedicated analogue preamplifier
- MM and MC phono stage
- QUAD Tilt and Bass adjustment
- Three RCA line inputs
- Balanced XLR input
- Class A headphone stage
- No DAC or CD player
Artera Play+
- CD player, DAC and preamplifier
- ESS ES9018 digital conversion
- USB, optical and coaxial inputs
- Bluetooth aptX
- Two RCA line inputs
- No built-in phono stage
- Designed around digital versatility
Choose the Artera Pre if vinyl, analogue sources and flexible analogue control are the priority. Choose the Play+ if CD playback and high-resolution digital conversion are more important.
Artera Pre or QUAD 33?
The current QUAD 33 provides another route to an analogue QUAD preamplifier, but the two products have different design philosophies and system partners.
Artera Pre
- Artera aluminium and glass styling
- MM and MC phono
- Per-input ±8dB gain adjustment
- Per-input Bass and Tilt profiles
- XLR Direct mode
- AUX3 AV bypass
- Natural partner for Artera power amplifiers
QUAD 33
- Classic 33-inspired design
- MM and MC phono
- Bass, Tilt and Balance controls
- Balanced XLR connectivity
- Compact retro-inspired chassis
- Natural partner for QUAD 303
Auto Standby Options
The Artera Pre provides three automatic standby settings:
This can be adjusted through the setup menu.
Choose the Default Input
The Artera Pre can either return to the last source used or be configured to select a particular input whenever it is powered up.
Recall Last Input is the factory default.
Eight Display Brightness Levels
The circular display provides eight brightness levels.
The display can also be switched off completely when you want a darker front panel during listening.
Remote Control
A full-function handset is supplied.
It provides direct access to input selection, volume, mute, display control and the deeper setup menu for EQ, gain, balance, bypass, phono type, standby and other configuration options.
Compact Artera Casework
The preamplifier measures 320mm wide, 320mm deep and 105mm high and weighs 7.8kg.
The chassis combines a textured aluminium front panel, CNC-machined side sections and the thick glass top associated with the wider Artera family.
Black or Silver
The Artera Pre is available in:
- Aluminium Black
- Aluminium Silver
Key Features
- QUAD Artera Pre
- Dedicated analogue preamplifier
- Three stereo RCA line inputs
- Balanced stereo XLR input
- MM and MC phono stage
- Class A phono circuitry
- 47kOhm / 100pF MM loading
- 100Ohm / 1.7nF MC loading
- +53.5dB maximum MM gain
- +73.5dB maximum MC gain
- Four-channel volume architecture
- Fully balanced XLR Direct path
- ±8dB per-input gain adjustment
- 0.5dB gain steps
- Input-specific EQ profiles
- QUAD Tilt control
- Seven Tilt settings
- 700Hz Tilt axis
- Bass Flat mode
- Approximately +4.5dB Bass Boost
- Approximately -4.5dB Bass Cut
- AUX3 AV bypass
- Balance control
- User-selectable volume limit
- RCA preamplifier output
- Balanced XLR preamplifier output
- Fixed-level RCA AUX output
- Discrete Class A headphone stage
- 6.35mm headphone socket
- Two 12V trigger outputs
- Eight display brightness levels
- Never / 20-minute / 1-hour auto standby
- Touch-sensitive controls
- Circular OLED display
- Remote control supplied
- 7.8kg net weight
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the QUAD Artera Pre still current?
Yes. It remains part of QUAD's current Artera Series.
Is the Artera Pre an integrated amplifier?
No. It is a dedicated preamplifier and requires a separate power amplifier to drive passive loudspeakers.
Is the audio path analogue?
Yes. It is designed as an analogue preamplifier rather than a DAC or digital control centre.
Does it have a DAC?
No.
Does it have Bluetooth?
No.
Does it have streaming?
No. Connect an external streamer using its analogue output or through an external DAC.
How many line inputs are there?
Three stereo RCA line inputs plus one stereo balanced XLR input.
Does it have a phono stage?
Yes. The dedicated phono input can be switched between Moving Magnet and Moving Coil operation.
What is the MM loading?
47kOhm and 100pF.
What is the MC loading?
100Ohm and 1.7nF.
What is the maximum MM gain?
QUAD specifies +53.5dB at Volume 100.
What is the maximum MC gain?
QUAD specifies +73.5dB at Volume 100.
What is the MM input sensitivity?
4.1mV under QUAD's stated test condition of Volume 84 and 0dBu output.
What is the MC input sensitivity?
410µV under the same manufacturer test condition.
Will every moving coil cartridge be an ideal match?
No. The MC load is fixed at 100Ohm, so check the cartridge manufacturer's recommended loading and output.
Does it have a turntable ground terminal?
Yes. A signal-ground terminal is provided for turntables or tonearms requiring one.
What is the Tilt control?
Tilt adjusts bass and treble together around an approximately 700Hz axis, shifting the broad tonal balance warmer or cooler.
How much Tilt adjustment is available?
Seven settings from +3dB bass / -3dB treble through neutral to -3dB bass / +3dB treble.
Does it have a bass control?
Yes. Bass can be set to Flat, Boost or Cut when EQ is enabled.
How much bass boost is available?
QUAD describes Boost as approximately +4.5dB around 60Hz.
How much bass cut is available?
QUAD describes it as approximately -4.5dB with a shelf response.
Is EQ always active?
No. EQ is Off by default and can be enabled separately for the normal inputs.
Can different sources have different EQ settings?
Yes. Gain, Bass and Tilt settings can be assigned independently to individual inputs.
Can I match the volume of different sources?
Yes. Input gain can be adjusted from -8dB to +8dB in 0.5dB steps.
What is XLR Direct?
It connects the balanced input directly to the four-channel volume control and then the balanced output, bypassing the other signal-processing and EQ functions.
Does every input have a dedicated Direct button?
No. The current manual explicitly documents XLR Direct as the selectable direct-routing mode. Other conventional inputs can simply be used with EQ switched Off.
What is AUX3 AV bypass?
It fixes the AUX3 signal path at 0dB so an AV processor or another component with its own volume control can take control of listening level.
Can I use AV bypass with a fixed-output source?
Not safely unless another device controls volume. AV bypass removes the Artera Pre's normal volume attenuation from AUX3.
Does it have balanced outputs?
Yes. A stereo pair of balanced XLR preamplifier outputs is provided.
Does it also have RCA pre-outs?
Yes.
What is the maximum RCA output?
2.3Vrms at less than 0.1% THD.
What is the maximum balanced output?
4.6Vrms at less than 0.1% THD.
What is the RCA output impedance?
120Ohm.
What is the XLR output impedance?
100Ohm.
What is the AUX output?
It is a fixed-level RCA line output that bypasses normal volume control and processing.
Does plugging in headphones mute the power amplifier outputs?
Yes. The RCA PRE OUT and XLR outputs mute when headphones are connected. The fixed AUX output remains active.
What headphone amplifier does it use?
QUAD specifies a dedicated headphone amplifier with a discrete Class A output stage.
Which headphone impedances does it support?
QUAD does not currently publish a numerical recommended impedance range for the Artera Pre, so Audio T does not quote one.
Can I set a maximum volume?
Yes. The limit can be set between 0 and 100, with 80 as the default.
Can the balance be adjusted?
Yes. Left/right balance can be altered over a total 6dB range in 0.5dB steps.
Does it remember the previous volume?
Yes. After standby it normally returns to the previous setting, but levels above 50 are recalled at 50 for safer start-up.
Does it remember a separate headphone level?
Yes. Main-output and headphone volume memories are independent.
Does it have 12V triggers?
Yes. Two trigger outputs are fitted.
Can it control a pair of Artera Mono amplifiers?
Yes. The twin trigger outputs are particularly convenient for a two-monoblock installation.
What auto-standby settings are available?
Never, 20 Minutes and 1 Hour.
Can I choose which source appears at switch-on?
Yes. You can select a default input or use Recall Last Input, which is the factory default.
Can the display be dimmed?
Yes. Eight brightness levels are available and the display can also be switched off.
How large is the Artera Pre?
320mm wide, 320mm deep and 105mm high.
How much does it weigh?
7.8kg net.
What finishes are available?
Aluminium Black and Aluminium Silver.
Related QUAD Products
Why Buy the QUAD Artera Pre From Audio T?
A preamplifier this flexible needs to be matched to the system around it. Cartridge output and loading, power-amplifier input sensitivity, RCA or balanced connection, source levels and even the way AV equipment is integrated can all influence the correct setup.
Audio T can demonstrate the Artera Pre with suitable power amplification, check MM and MC cartridge compatibility and configure features such as per-input gain, Tilt, Bass, XLR Direct and AV bypass correctly for your system.
- In-store demonstrations
- MM cartridge matching
- MC cartridge loading advice
- Turntable and phono-stage setup
- Artera Stereo demonstrations
- Artera Mono system planning
- RCA versus balanced XLR guidance
- Power-amplifier matching
- Input-level matching
- Tilt and Bass setup guidance
- XLR Direct configuration
- AV bypass setup
- Headphone-system advice
- 12V trigger configuration
- Streamer and DAC integration
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss how the QUAD Artera Pre could fit into your analogue, vinyl or pre/power Hi-Fi system.