QUAD Artera Solus Play Streaming CD Amplifier | Audio T
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QUAD Artera Solus Play Streaming CD Music System

QUAD Artera Solus Play Streaming CD Music System

Audio T Verdict

The QUAD Artera Solus Play takes the already impressively complete Artera Solus and adds the one feature that turns it into a genuine modern music hub: network streaming. Add a pair of suitable passive speakers and you have CD playback, DTS Play-Fi, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth, high-resolution USB audio, an ESS Sabre DAC and 75W-per-channel amplification in one beautifully compact chassis.

Importantly, QUAD hasn't treated the amplifier as an afterthought. The dual-mono Class AB output stage has separate power-supply windings for the left and right channels, a substantial 300VA toroidal transformer, 60,000µF of total reservoir capacity and a Complementary Feedback output topology capable of delivering high current into demanding loudspeaker loads.

For customers who still value their CD collection but also want Qobuz, TIDAL, Spotify, network libraries and multi-room audio without adding a stack of separate boxes, the Artera Solus Play remains one of the most complete products in QUAD's range.

QUAD Artera Solus Play

The Artera Solus Play combines a network streamer, CD player, high-resolution DAC, analogue preamplifier and stereo power amplifier in a single compact component.

At its heart is QUAD's Artera Solus platform, expanded with DTS Play-Fi for app-controlled network streaming, multi-room playback, high-resolution music and access to compatible online music services.

  • DTS Play-Fi network streaming
  • Wi-Fi and Ethernet network connectivity
  • High-resolution Play-Fi Critical Listening Mode
  • Multi-room audio capability
  • Spotify Connect
  • Compatible with Qobuz, TIDAL, Amazon Music and other supported Play-Fi services
  • NAS and media-server playback
  • Works with compatible Alexa control
  • aptX Bluetooth
  • Slot-loading CD player
  • Electronic CD data buffering
  • ESS ES9018 Sabre32 Reference DAC
  • 32-bit DAC architecture
  • USB PCM up to 384kHz
  • DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256 support
  • Two optical digital inputs
  • Two coaxial digital inputs
  • USB-B computer audio input
  • Two RCA analogue line inputs
  • Variable RCA preamplifier outputs
  • Variable balanced XLR outputs
  • Optical and coaxial digital outputs
  • Dedicated headphone amplifier
  • 6.3mm headphone socket
  • Dual-mono Class AB power amplifier
  • 75W per channel into 8 ohms
  • Up to ±15A amplifier current capability
  • 300VA toroidal transformer
  • 60,000µF total reservoir capacity
  • Four selectable digital filters
  • 12V trigger output

Streaming, CD and Amplification in One Box

The Artera Solus Play is designed to remove the need for several separate Hi-Fi components without reducing your choice of music source.

Network Streamer

  • DTS Play-Fi
  • Wi-Fi and Ethernet
  • Multi-room audio
  • 24-bit/192kHz Critical Listening
  • Streaming services and network libraries

CD Player

  • Slot-loading mechanism
  • Electronic data buffering
  • Internal ESS DAC
  • Integrated physical-media playback

DAC and Preamplifier

  • ESS ES9018 Sabre32 Reference
  • USB to 384kHz PCM
  • DSD256
  • Analogue and digital inputs
  • RCA and balanced XLR pre-outs

Power Amplifier

  • Dual-mono Class AB design
  • 75W per channel into 8 ohms
  • ±15A current capability
  • 300VA transformer
  • 60,000µF reservoir capacity

DTS Play-Fi Network Streaming

The defining difference between the Artera Solus Play and the standard Artera Solus is the addition of DTS Play-Fi.

Play-Fi connects the Solus Play to your home network and provides app-controlled access to compatible music services, music stored on network devices and other Play-Fi products around the home.

The system can connect through either Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet.

Streaming Services

DTS Play-Fi supports a broad range of music services, with availability varying by country and changing as individual services update their platform support.

Current major Play-Fi options include services such as:

  • Qobuz
  • TIDAL
  • Amazon Music
  • Spotify
  • Internet radio and podcast services

Spotify users can also access the Artera Solus Play through Spotify Connect rather than having to browse Spotify solely from within the Play-Fi app.

Streaming-Service Availability Can Change

Online music services are provided by third parties and their availability, subscriptions, features and regional support can change independently of QUAD. Check the current DTS Play-Fi service list if one particular platform is essential to you.

Qobuz and High-Resolution Streaming

Play-Fi supports Qobuz as part of its current streaming ecosystem, making the Solus Play particularly relevant for customers wanting lossless and high-resolution subscription streaming.

The achievable playback resolution depends on the service, source material and Play-Fi operating mode.

Play-Fi Standard Mode

For conventional and multi-room operation, Play-Fi streams files up to 16-bit/48kHz with bit-for-bit transmission and no compression or transcoding at supported resolutions.

Higher-resolution material may be downsampled for normal multi-room operation to maintain reliable synchronisation and network performance.

Critical Listening Mode

When listening on a single compatible Play-Fi product, Critical Listening Mode allows high-resolution music up to 24-bit/192kHz to be sent without transcoding or downsampling.

This is the mode to use when sound quality in the main listening room takes priority over synchronised playback throughout several rooms.

Standard Play-Fi

  • Designed for everyday and multi-room use
  • Bit-perfect up to 16-bit/48kHz
  • High-resolution material may be downsampled
  • Supports synchronised room groups

Critical Listening

  • Designed for focused single-room listening
  • Up to 24-bit/192kHz
  • No downsampling of supported hi-res files
  • One Play-Fi product at a time

Play-Fi File Support

The current DTS Play-Fi platform supports common music-file formats including:

  • MP3
  • AAC / M4A
  • Apple Lossless within compatible M4A files
  • FLAC
  • WAV
  • AIFF

The Artera Solus Play's wider digital architecture also supports the additional formats and DSD capabilities published by QUAD for local digital playback.

Stream From a NAS or Media Server

The Solus Play can access compatible music libraries stored on a home network, including suitable NAS drives and media servers.

This allows a locally stored music collection to sit alongside online streaming services without requiring a computer to remain physically connected to the amplifier.

Multi-Room Audio

DTS Play-Fi is designed as a whole-home audio platform rather than simply a one-to-one wireless connection.

Compatible Play-Fi products from participating manufacturers can be grouped for synchronised playback around the home.

This also means a Solus Play in the main Hi-Fi system does not force every additional room to use another QUAD product.

Cross-Brand Play-Fi Compatibility

One of Play-Fi's key principles is interoperability between compatible products from different manufacturers.

That gives customers greater freedom to choose different types of Play-Fi product for different rooms rather than being locked into one company's complete speaker range.

Spotify Connect

Spotify Connect allows the Artera Solus Play to appear as a playback destination from within the Spotify app on a compatible phone, tablet or computer.

The music stream is then handled by the networked audio system rather than relying on a Bluetooth connection from the controlling device.

Alexa Control

QUAD specifies Works With Alexa functionality when the Artera Solus Play is partnered with compatible Alexa equipment and Play-Fi software.

The Solus Play itself does not need to contain an always-listening microphone for this arrangement; voice commands are handled through the compatible Alexa device.

Voice-Control Features Depend on Play-Fi and Alexa

Alexa functionality, supported commands and compatible services are controlled by the relevant software platforms and can evolve over time. The Solus Play should not be treated as an Amazon Echo-style smart speaker with an integrated microphone.

aptX Bluetooth

Bluetooth provides another wireless route when network streaming is unnecessary.

Compatible smartphones, tablets and computers can be paired directly with the Solus Play without first joining the same home network.

QUAD specifies support for the aptX codec where supported by the transmitting device.

Bluetooth and Play-Fi Are Different

Bluetooth is a direct short-range wireless connection between a source device and the Solus Play. DTS Play-Fi operates over your home network and provides streaming-service integration, high-resolution playback and multi-room functionality.

aptX, Not aptX HD

QUAD specifies aptX for the Artera Solus Play.

It does not publish aptX HD support for this model, so Audio T does not advertise aptX HD compatibility.

ESS ES9018 Sabre32 Reference DAC

Digital conversion is handled by the ESS ES9018 Sabre32 Reference, a 32-bit eight-channel hybrid multi-bit Delta-Sigma DAC.

The converter handles not only the internal CD source but also compatible external signals arriving through USB, optical and coaxial inputs.

That makes the Solus Play a capable DAC for a wide range of existing digital sources rather than restricting the ES9018 to the internal streaming and CD sections.

32-bit/384kHz USB Audio

The rear USB-B input allows a compatible PC or Mac to use the Solus Play as an external high-resolution USB DAC.

Published PCM sample rates include:

  • 44.1kHz
  • 48kHz
  • 88.2kHz
  • 96kHz
  • 176.4kHz
  • 192kHz
  • 384kHz

Maximum PCM resolution is 32-bit/384kHz.

DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256

USB audio also supports Direct Stream Digital up to DSD256.

  • DSD64
  • DSD128
  • DSD256

This USB capability is separate from Play-Fi's own 24-bit/192kHz maximum Critical Listening resolution.

Two Different Hi-Res Limits

USB-B: up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256.

DTS Play-Fi Critical Listening: up to 24-bit/192kHz.

The difference is because these are separate input systems using different technologies.

Two Optical Digital Inputs

Two TOSLINK optical inputs allow compatible external sources to use the internal ESS DAC.

These can accommodate equipment such as:

  • Televisions with compatible PCM optical output
  • CD transports
  • Games consoles
  • External streamers
  • Other S/PDIF digital sources

QUAD specifies digital input sampling rates from 44.1kHz to 192kHz.

Two Coaxial Digital Inputs

Two RCA coaxial S/PDIF inputs provide an electrical alternative to optical.

These also support compatible PCM rates from 44.1kHz to 192kHz.

Ethernet Network Connection

A wired Ethernet connection allows the Play-Fi streaming platform to connect directly to a home network without relying on Wi-Fi.

A wired network connection can be particularly useful where the Hi-Fi system is close to the router or network switch, or where the local wireless environment is congested.

Wi-Fi Streaming

Where running a network cable is impractical, DTS Play-Fi provides wireless network connectivity.

Network quality and coverage can affect streaming reliability, especially with high-resolution audio and larger multi-room groups, so a strong home network remains important.

Slot-Loading CD Player

Physical CD playback remains fully integrated.

The slot-loading mechanism electronically buffers the recovered disc data before passing it asynchronously to the DAC section.

This arrangement is designed to reduce timing errors associated with the physical disc-reading process.

Why Buffer the CD Signal?

A CD mechanism has to track a physical disc as it rotates while correcting for small variations and imperfections.

Buffering separates the timing of that mechanical retrieval from the signal subsequently presented to the DAC, helping reduce time-domain errors such as jitter.

Four Selectable Digital Filters

The ES9018 implementation provides four selectable digital filters for CD and compatible external digital sources.

The filters subtly change aspects of the reconstruction process such as frequency roll-off and time-domain behaviour rather than functioning as conventional tone controls.

There is no universally correct choice, so the most useful approach is to begin with QUAD's default and compare the alternatives using familiar music.

75W Per Channel Into 8 Ohms

The built-in power amplifier delivers 2 x 75W into 8 ohms.

Unlike the Artera Play+, no separate power amplifier is needed for a normal system: connect suitable passive loudspeakers directly to the Solus Play.

Dual-Mono Class AB Power Amplifier

The internal power amplifier uses a dual-mono Class AB architecture.

The left and right power-amplifier channels have separate power-supply windings and reservoir capacity to reduce interaction between the channels.

Volume adjustment takes place in the analogue domain under microprocessor control before the signal reaches the power-amplifier section.

Complementary Feedback Output Topology

The discrete power-amplifier output stage uses Complementary Feedback, or CFB, in conjunction with conventional emitter-follower circuitry.

The CFB stage is designed to provide high linearity and stable operating conditions, while the emitter-follower section increases available current when the loudspeaker demands it.

Up to ±15A Current Capability

QUAD states that the microprocessor-controlled current limiting allows the amplifier to supply high currents of up to approximately ±15A into complex loudspeaker loads.

This is particularly useful context because the 75W/8-ohm headline power rating alone does not describe how the amplifier behaves when speaker impedance becomes more demanding.

Don't Judge It on 75 Watts Alone

Speaker sensitivity, impedance and current demand matter alongside rated wattage. The Solus Play's substantial power supply and high-current output architecture are particularly relevant when assessing how it will partner real loudspeakers.

300VA Toroidal Transformer

A substantial 300VA toroidal transformer supplies the two amplifier channels.

Separate secondary windings feed the left and right mono amplifier sections.

60,000µF Reservoir Capacity

Each amplifier channel is supported by 2 x 15,000µF of reservoir capacitance.

That gives 30,000µF per channel and 60,000µF in total.

The reservoir stores energy that can be delivered during musical peaks and periods of high loudspeaker current demand.

Independent Low-Noise Power Supplies

QUAD also uses independent low-noise supplies for critical internal stages.

The aim is to reduce electrical interference between the streaming, digital, preamplifier and power-amplifier sections sharing the same chassis.

Power-Amplifier Performance

QUAD publishes:

  • Rated output: 2 x 75W into 8 ohms
  • THD: less than 0.003% at 1kHz, 50W/8 ohms
  • Frequency response: ±0.5dB, 20Hz to 20kHz
  • Signal-to-noise ratio: greater than 108dB A-weighted, referenced to 75W
  • Channel separation: greater than 82dB A-weighted, referenced to 1W
  • Dynamic range: greater than 98dB A-weighted

Two Analogue Line Inputs

AUX1 and AUX2 provide two stereo RCA line inputs for conventional analogue sources.

These can accommodate:

  • An external phono stage
  • A tuner
  • A cassette deck
  • A streamer using its own DAC
  • Another analogue source

No Built-In Turntable Phono Stage

AUX1 and AUX2 are ordinary line-level RCA inputs. A conventional turntable needs a suitable external MM or MC phono stage unless the turntable itself provides a line-level output.

Connect a Turntable

A turntable can be added through an external phono stage connected to AUX1 or AUX2.

This also allows the phono stage to be selected specifically around the cartridge rather than relying on a fixed internal MM or MC implementation.

Variable RCA Preamplifier Outputs

A stereo pair of RCA preamplifier outputs allows the Solus Play to control an external power amplifier.

QUAD's current specification gives a variable range of 0 to 2.3Vrms at 1kHz.

Balanced XLR Preamplifier Outputs

Balanced XLR outputs are also fitted.

The four-channel volume-control architecture maintains the balanced signal path from the DAC through to the XLR output.

Maximum variable output is specified at 0 to 4.6Vrms at 1kHz.

Upgrade the Power Amplification Later

The pre-outs mean the internal 75W amplifier does not have to be the end of the system's development.

The Solus Play can later feed:

  • A separate stereo power amplifier
  • A pair of monoblock power amplifiers
  • Suitable active loudspeakers

The internal streamer, CD player, DAC and volume-control sections can remain in use.

Add the Artera Stereo

The QUAD Artera Stereo Power Amplifier is the natural matching upgrade if more loudspeaker power is required.

It provides 140W per channel into 8 ohms and can be fed through either RCA or balanced XLR.

Or Use Artera Monos

For substantially greater power, the Solus Play can feed a pair of QUAD Artera Mono Power Amplifiers.

Each Artera Mono drives one loudspeaker and provides 300W into 8 ohms or 400W into 4 ohms.

Optical and Coaxial Digital Outputs

The Solus Play also provides one optical and one coaxial S/PDIF digital output.

This means an external DAC or compatible digital recorder can be incorporated if required rather than forcing every digital source to use the internal ES9018 converter.

Headphone Amplifier

A front-mounted 6.3mm headphone output is driven by a dedicated headphone amplifier circuit.

QUAD does not publish a numerical recommended headphone-impedance range or rated headphone output power for the Artera Solus Play, so Audio T does not invent one.

Connect a Television

There is no HDMI ARC input, but a compatible television can be connected through optical digital audio.

Set the television to output a supported two-channel PCM signal rather than an incompatible multichannel bitstream.

Streaming Versus TV Connectivity

The network connection is intended primarily for Play-Fi audio streaming rather than functioning as an HDMI-style television audio interface.

For straightforward TV sound, the wired optical input remains the most appropriate connection on this model.

Solus Play or Standard Solus?

Artera Solus

  • CD player
  • ESS ES9018 DAC
  • 75W-per-channel amplifier
  • aptX Bluetooth
  • USB, optical and coaxial digital inputs
  • No integrated network streamer

Artera Solus Play

  • CD player
  • ESS ES9018 DAC
  • 75W-per-channel amplifier
  • aptX Bluetooth
  • USB, optical and coaxial digital inputs
  • DTS Play-Fi network streaming
  • Wi-Fi and Ethernet
  • Multi-room audio

If you already have a preferred standalone streamer, the standard Solus may be all you need. If you want network streaming integrated into the same chassis as the CD player and amplifier, Solus Play is the obvious choice.

Solus Play or QUAD 3?

Artera Solus Play

  • Built-in CD player
  • DTS Play-Fi streamer
  • 75W per channel into 8 ohms
  • ESS ES9018 DAC
  • USB up to 384kHz
  • DSD256
  • No built-in phono stage

QUAD 3

  • No internal CD mechanism
  • No built-in network streamer
  • 65W per channel into 8 ohms
  • ESS ES9038Q2M DAC
  • USB up to 768kHz
  • DSD512
  • MM phono input
  • HDMI ARC

Solus Play or Artera Play+?

Artera Solus Play

  • Network streamer
  • CD player
  • DAC
  • Preamplifier
  • 75W-per-channel power amplifier
  • Drives passive speakers directly

Artera Play+

  • No integrated network streaming
  • CD player
  • DAC
  • Preamplifier
  • No internal power amplifier
  • Requires external power amplification

Compact Artera Casework

The Artera Solus Play measures 320mm wide, 320mm deep and 105mm high.

Despite containing a network streamer, CD mechanism, DAC, preamplifier and dual-mono power amplifier, the chassis remains considerably narrower than conventional full-width Hi-Fi separates.

11.5kg Net Weight

The Solus Play weighs 11.5kg net.

Its substantial construction reflects the 300VA transformer, amplifier power supply, metal casework, CD mechanism and glass upper panel inside the compact enclosure.

Aluminium and Glass Construction

The Artera enclosure combines a textured aluminium fascia, CNC-routed side sections and a thick glass top.

Touch-sensitive controls help retain the clean appearance despite the extensive functionality underneath.

Black or Silver

The Artera Solus Play is available in:

  • Aluminium Black
  • Aluminium Silver

Key Features

  • QUAD Artera Solus Play
  • DTS Play-Fi network streaming
  • Wi-Fi network connectivity
  • Ethernet network connection
  • Multi-room audio
  • Critical Listening Mode
  • Up to 24-bit/192kHz Play-Fi hi-res
  • Spotify Connect
  • Qobuz compatibility through Play-Fi
  • TIDAL compatibility through Play-Fi
  • Amazon Music compatibility through Play-Fi
  • NAS and media-server playback
  • Compatible Alexa control
  • aptX Bluetooth
  • Slot-loading CD player
  • 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 audio input
  • Two RCA analogue line inputs
  • Optical digital output
  • Coaxial digital output
  • Variable RCA preamplifier output
  • Variable balanced XLR output
  • Dedicated headphone amplifier
  • 6.3mm headphone socket
  • Dual-mono Class AB power amplifier
  • 75W per channel into 8 ohms
  • Complementary Feedback output topology
  • Up to ±15A current capability
  • 300VA toroidal transformer
  • 60,000µF total reservoir capacitance
  • Separate amplifier supply windings
  • Four selectable digital filters
  • 12V trigger output
  • Touch-sensitive controls
  • Aluminium Black finish
  • Aluminium Silver finish
  • 11.5kg net weight

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the QUAD Artera Solus Play still current?

Yes. QUAD continues to list it within its current integrated amplifier, wireless streamer and CD-player ranges.

What is the Artera Solus Play?

It is an all-in-one Hi-Fi system combining DTS Play-Fi network streaming, CD playback, an ESS DAC, analogue preamplifier, aptX Bluetooth and a 75W-per-channel stereo power amplifier.

Can it drive passive loudspeakers directly?

Yes. It contains a two-channel power amplifier and stereo loudspeaker binding posts.

How powerful is it?

QUAD rates it at 75W per channel into 8 ohms.

What type of power amplifier is inside?

A dual-mono Class AB amplifier using a Complementary Feedback output topology with additional emitter-follower circuitry.

How much current can the amplifier deliver?

QUAD states that its microprocessor-controlled current limiting allows high-current delivery of up to approximately ±15A into complex loads.

What transformer does it use?

A 300VA toroidal transformer.

How much reservoir capacitance is there?

60,000µF in total, with 30,000µF allocated to each power-amplifier channel.

What is DTS Play-Fi?

It is a network-audio platform for app-controlled music streaming, high-resolution playback and compatible multi-room systems.

Does it have Wi-Fi?

Yes. Play-Fi can operate over the home wireless network.

Does it have Ethernet?

Yes. A wired Ethernet network connection is provided.

What is the maximum Play-Fi resolution?

Critical Listening Mode supports compatible high-resolution music up to 24-bit/192kHz.

Does Play-Fi always stream at 24-bit/192kHz?

No. Standard and multi-room operation uses up to 16-bit/48kHz for reliable synchronisation. Critical Listening Mode is used for native high-resolution playback to a single compatible product.

Does it support Qobuz?

Yes. Qobuz is supported within the current DTS Play-Fi ecosystem, subject to regional service availability and subscription requirements.

Does it support TIDAL?

Yes, through the DTS Play-Fi platform, subject to current service availability and subscription requirements.

Does it support Amazon Music?

Amazon Music is available within the current Play-Fi ecosystem, subject to region and subscription.

Does it support Spotify Connect?

Yes. QUAD specifically lists Spotify Connect support.

Can it play music from a NAS drive?

Yes. Compatible network media servers and NAS libraries can be accessed through Play-Fi.

Does Play-Fi support multi-room audio?

Yes. Compatible Play-Fi products can be grouped for synchronised playback.

Do all multi-room products have to be QUAD?

No. DTS Play-Fi is designed to work across compatible products from participating manufacturers.

Does it work with Alexa?

QUAD specifies Works With Alexa support when the Solus Play is paired and configured with compatible Alexa equipment and Play-Fi software.

Does the Solus Play have an Alexa microphone built in?

No integrated voice microphone is specified. Alexa control uses compatible external Alexa equipment.

Does it have Bluetooth?

Yes. Bluetooth with aptX support is built in.

Does it support aptX HD?

QUAD specifies aptX rather than aptX HD for this model.

What DAC does it use?

An ESS ES9018 Sabre32 Reference 32-bit DAC.

What is the maximum USB resolution?

PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz.

Does USB support DSD?

Yes. DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256 are supported.

Why is USB limited differently from Play-Fi?

They are separate input technologies. USB supports PCM to 384kHz and DSD256, while Play-Fi Critical Listening supports network playback up to 24-bit/192kHz.

How many optical inputs are there?

Two.

How many coaxial inputs are there?

Two.

What do the optical and coaxial inputs support?

QUAD specifies digital sample rates from 44.1kHz to 192kHz.

Does it have digital outputs?

Yes. One optical and one coaxial digital output are provided.

Does it have a CD player?

Yes. A slot-loading CD mechanism is built in.

Does the CD section buffer the data?

Yes. QUAD states that recovered disc data is buffered before being passed asynchronously to the DAC.

Does it have selectable DAC filters?

Yes. Four digital-filter options are provided.

Does it have analogue inputs?

Yes. Two stereo RCA line-level inputs are provided.

Does it have a turntable phono stage?

No. A conventional turntable requires an external phono stage unless the turntable itself provides a line-level output.

Can I connect a turntable?

Yes. Use an external MM or MC phono stage connected to AUX1 or AUX2.

Does it have a headphone output?

Yes. A front-mounted 6.3mm headphone socket with dedicated headphone amplifier circuitry is provided.

What headphone impedance does it support?

QUAD does not publish a numerical recommended headphone-impedance range for this model, so Audio T does not quote one.

Does it have preamp outputs?

Yes. Variable RCA and balanced XLR preamplifier outputs are fitted.

What is the maximum RCA pre-output?

2.3Vrms at 1kHz.

What is the maximum balanced XLR output?

4.6Vrms at 1kHz.

Can I add a separate power amplifier?

Yes. The pre-outs allow the Solus Play to remain the streamer, CD player, DAC and preamplifier while an external amplifier drives the speakers.

Can I use the Artera Stereo?

Yes. The Artera Stereo is a natural matching power-amplifier upgrade.

Can I use a pair of Artera Monos?

Yes. A stereo system requires two Artera Monos, one for each loudspeaker.

Can I connect a television?

There is no HDMI ARC input, but a compatible television can connect through optical digital audio when configured for supported two-channel PCM output.

Does it have HDMI ARC?

No.

What is the power-amplifier THD?

Less than 0.003% at 1kHz and 50W into 8 ohms under QUAD's published measurement conditions.

What is the preamplifier THD?

Less than 0.002% at 1kHz over a 20Hz to 20kHz measurement bandwidth.

What is standby consumption?

Less than 0.5W.

How large is the Artera Solus Play?

320mm wide, 320mm deep and 105mm high.

How much does it weigh?

11.5kg net.

What finishes are available?

Aluminium Black and Aluminium Silver.

Related QUAD Products

Why Buy the QUAD Artera Solus Play From Audio T?

The Artera Solus Play brings a lot of different technologies together, so getting the most from it involves more than simply connecting speakers. Loudspeaker matching, home-network quality, Play-Fi setup, streaming subscriptions, digital-source configuration and future power-amplifier options can all affect the final system.

Audio T can demonstrate the Solus Play with suitable loudspeakers, help connect it to your home network and streaming services, integrate a turntable or television and explain when Critical Listening, Bluetooth or a wired digital connection makes most sense.

  • In-store demonstrations
  • Loudspeaker matching
  • Speaker sensitivity and impedance advice
  • DTS Play-Fi setup
  • Wi-Fi and Ethernet network guidance
  • Qobuz and TIDAL setup
  • Spotify Connect setup
  • NAS and media-server integration
  • Multi-room configuration
  • Critical Listening setup
  • Bluetooth pairing
  • CD playback demonstrations
  • USB audio guidance
  • Digital-filter comparison
  • Turntable and external phono-stage integration
  • Television optical-audio setup
  • External power-amplifier upgrade planning
  • Ongoing after-sales support

Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss whether the QUAD Artera Solus Play is the right streaming, CD and amplifier system for your home.

General

  • Product: QUAD Artera Solus Play
  • Product type: Network Streamer / CD Player / DAC / Preamplifier / Integrated Amplifier
  • Streaming platform: DTS Play-Fi
  • Bluetooth: aptX
  • DAC: ESS ES9018 Sabre32 Reference
  • Power amplifier: Dual-mono Class AB
  • Finishes: Aluminium Black / Aluminium Silver
  • Dimensions (W x D x H): 320 x 320 x 105mm
  • Packed dimensions: 465 x 465 x 220mm
  • Net weight: 11.5kg
  • Gross weight: 13.8kg
  • Standby power consumption: Less than 0.5W

DTS Play-Fi Network Streaming

  • Network platform: DTS Play-Fi
  • Wireless network streaming: Yes
  • Wired network streaming: Ethernet
  • Multi-room playback: Yes, with compatible DTS Play-Fi products
  • Spotify Connect: Yes
  • Compatible network music servers: Yes
  • Alexa control: Supported with compatible Play-Fi / Alexa equipment

Play-Fi Audio Quality

  • Standard / multi-room playback: Up to 16-bit / 48kHz bit-perfect for supported material
  • Critical Listening Mode: Up to 24-bit / 192kHz
  • Critical Listening transcoding / downsampling: None for supported files
  • Critical Listening playback: One compatible Play-Fi product

Current DTS Play-Fi File Support

  • MP3
  • AAC / M4A
  • Apple Lossless in compatible M4A files
  • FLAC
  • WAV
  • AIFF

QUAD Published Audio Format Compatibility

  • ALAC
  • WAV
  • FLAC
  • AIFF
  • WMA
  • MP3
  • AAC
  • AAC HE
  • AAC+
  • DSD64
  • DSD128
  • DSD256

Bluetooth

  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Published codec: aptX
  • aptX HD: Not specified by QUAD

CD Player

  • Mechanism: Slot loading
  • Disc data handling: Electronic buffering
  • DAC feed: Buffered data passed asynchronously to DAC section
  • Internal digital-to-analogue conversion: Yes

Digital-to-Analogue Converter

  • DAC: ESS ES9018 Sabre32 Reference
  • Resolution: 32-bit
  • Architecture: Eight-channel hybrid multi-bit Delta-Sigma
  • Selectable digital filters: 4

USB Audio

  • Connection: USB-B for PC / Mac
  • PCM sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 and 384kHz
  • Maximum PCM resolution: 32-bit / 384kHz
  • DSD: DSD64 / DSD128 / DSD256

Digital Inputs

  • Optical: 2 x TOSLINK
  • Coaxial: 2 x RCA S/PDIF
  • USB: 1 x USB-B
  • Network: Ethernet / DTS Play-Fi Wi-Fi
  • Optical / coaxial sample-rate range: 44.1 - 192kHz

Digital Outputs

  • Optical: 1 x TOSLINK
  • Coaxial: 1 x RCA S/PDIF
  • Published S/PDIF sample-rate range: 44.1 - 192kHz

Analogue Inputs

  • AUX1: Stereo RCA line input
  • AUX2: Stereo RCA line input
  • Phono stage: None

Variable Analogue Outputs

  • RCA preamplifier output: 1 x stereo pair
  • RCA variable output level at 1kHz: 0 - 2.3Vrms
  • Balanced XLR output: 1 x stereo pair
  • Balanced variable output level at 1kHz: 0 - 4.6Vrms
  • Balanced volume architecture: Four-channel volume control preserves balanced DAC-to-XLR path

Preamplifier Performance

  • Frequency response: 20Hz - 20kHz, ±0.2dB
  • Total harmonic distortion: Less than 0.002% at 1kHz, 20Hz - 20kHz measurement bandwidth
  • Signal-to-noise ratio: Greater than 110dB A-weighted, referenced to 1V
  • Channel separation: Greater than 100dB at 1kHz

Power Amplifier Architecture

  • Configuration: Dual-mono Class AB
  • Output topology: Complementary Feedback with emitter-follower current stage
  • Maximum stated current capability: Approximately ±15A into complex loads
  • Current limiting: Microprocessor controlled
  • Power transformer: 300VA toroidal
  • Transformer secondary windings: Separate for left and right amplifier channels
  • Reservoir capacitance: 30,000µF per channel
  • Total reservoir capacitance: 60,000µF

Power Amplifier Performance

  • Rated output: 2 x 75W into 8 ohms
  • Frequency response: ±0.5dB, 20Hz - 20kHz
  • Total harmonic distortion: Less than 0.003% at 1kHz, 50W / 8 ohms, 20Hz - 20kHz measurement bandwidth
  • Signal-to-noise ratio: Greater than 108dB A-weighted, referenced to 75W
  • Channel separation: Greater than 82dB A-weighted, referenced to 1W
  • Dynamic range: Greater than 98dB A-weighted

Loudspeaker Outputs

  • Speaker output: 1 x stereo pair
  • Connection: High-quality loudspeaker binding posts

Headphone Output

  • Connection: Front-mounted 6.3mm stereo jack
  • Headphone amplifier: Dedicated circuit
  • Published impedance range: Not specified by QUAD
  • Published maximum headphone power: Not specified by QUAD

System Control

  • 12V trigger output: Yes
  • Front controls: Touch sensitive
  • Remote control: Supplied

Power

  • UK mains requirement: 220 - 240V AC, 50 - 60Hz
  • Standby consumption: Less than 0.5W