Compact amplifiers now in vogue. Models such as the Monitor Audio Airstream A100 and NAD D 3020, brought a fresh approach to the world of Hi-Fi, revealing a brilliant combination of smart design, smart features, and great sound. They really helped out those who listen to music from a variety of sources – for example, CD-player, computer, and smartphone.

Model company Quad, one of the most respected companies in the Hi-Fi-market, is also very good. We amplifier Vena less graceful design than that of NAD and more restrained design than the Monitor Audio, but it looks fine: excellent workmanship, design common with other brand models.

Dark gray matte finish called «Lancaster Grey» gives it a classic look; if you are attracted to more spectacular options, you can select one of the other three colors – black or white piano lacquer and sapele mahogany kind.

The front panel contains a motorized volume control and a range of buttons corresponding inputs, among which, however, do not enter the missing phono stage for turntable.

Rear USB-ports are located types A and B: the first allows you to charge your Apple device and play music with them, and the second is used to connect to a computer. The kit is completed by the optical and coaxial digital inputs and outputs. Amplifier supports high definition formats with sample rates up to 24 bit / 192 kHz.

Bluetooth provides convenient connections and protocol aptX – translation of a higher quality with a compatible smartphone or tablet.

Due to the aluminum casing and its impact on the wireless signal is necessary to use an external antenna, which is included in the kit. It’s not the most elegant solution, but it can loosen away. In three other embodiments finish aluminum casing is not used and, therefore, no slot antenna.

We started with the composition Up Is Down from the soundtrack to the film “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” and were absolutely amazed by her performance. It is not comparable to character sound familiar to us with other models Quad – powerful, strong and even, one might say, outrageous. Wave after wave rolls on the listener might orchestral soundtrack.

CD-copy songs Already Home rapper Jay-Z admire impeccable control Quad. Vena is easy to hold in subjection juicy, rich bass line, showing equally both the depth and the ability to manage. All the elements of a wide sound stage are at their intended locations. String expressive vocals soar focused exactly where it is necessary.

After listening to your music through the headphone output, we found that it is inherent in a lively character.

In the composition of Led Zeppelin Kashmir Vena has skillfully elastic and powerful blows on the drums between the energetic guitar riffs.

When you connect your smartphone via Bluetooth inevitably some drop in sound quality, as well as reducing the scale and dynamics compared to a wired signal transmission between the sound becomes more rigid and a loose, as often happens when using Bluetooth.

However, if the content requires more restraint and delicacy, Quad is not quite manage to fulfill this requirement. Hora song Take Me To Church sounds a bit more aggressively than we would like. Despite the organization of the music scene, high detail and excellent attack at the beginning of the chorus, we lack the sophistication and sensuality.

It seems that the Quad is always moving at the same speed, unable to add speed or slow down when you need it. Emotional and soulful sound piano and vocals on the song Take Me To Church is not touching the heart, as in the performance of the leaders in its class.

Nevertheless amplifier Vena very good, partly because of the sheer Quad bias towards more powerful and exciting sound. Whether this trend in future models, it is not clear; but at the moment Vena has a good chance of success in this competitive market segment.

Price: $ 1,500

Rating: 4

PROS: Workmanship; aptX Bluetooth; powerful, compelling sound; depth and bass control; focused soundstage

CONS: lacking refinement

VERDICT: very good; with a little study of the best would be great

Source:  Quad-Hifi

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Frankly, this unit immediately intrigued us – its design (the wife of the head of the company – a professional architect) is very different from most unpretentious boxes, even in this relatively expensive price group. Inside you will find Mighty push-pull transistor amplifier class AB with composite Sanken output transistors, switching volume and input with high quality relays. At first glance – nothing special, but, like many European manufacturers in the construction of a school feels, and hence we can expect in the sound of something interesting.

Unlike most amplifiers, this unit does not seek to be neutral: in its original, slightly old-fashioned handwriting has a unique charm – this is the strength and sometimes weakness The Tune. Accented lower middle gives the performance of “motet” Bach special penetration – it seems that you are personally present in the premises of the Academy of Ancient Music Berlin, where he was executed this album.

Collective voice RIAS-Kammerchor unusually lively and expressive, they do not have that abstraction and conventions to which we are accustomed to listening to music in the record. At the same time the sound is present small gulkost and high frequencies, while beautiful, are not different crystal clarity, but, strictly speaking, it does not interfere. Somewhat less convincing amplifier in symphonic music: lyrical fragments of “Pictures at an Exhibition” by Mussorgsky passed surprisingly gentle, but loud – without the desired coherence and transparency.

But jazz or blues recordings sound fantastic. Patricia Barber concert in Paris carries a combination of live, filled with numerous shades of the singer’s voice, and bright, juicy accompaniment of guitars and drums. Amplifier perfectly cope with the transcendent rhythm album and deep, accented bass.

Behind the back

It is a pity that the amplifier is not equipped with connectors XLR. By choosing to connect all the cables, including the power cord, it is worth special attention. Do not recommend using a surge protector. Plug hiding place to install the DAC board, but it is not yet ready.

It is worth noting that The Tune very sensitively reveals the peculiarities connected components and cables. Once we try to connect it to a power strip PS Audio, as a record of E. Clapton and Jay DzheyKeyla immediately disappeared analog noise, and with it all the charm of this acoustic recording; with a network cable Nordost Blue Heaven sound was bright, energetic, but too expressive. Any changes to the settings of the digital filter in an Esoteric The Tune with more visible than any other usilitilem.

Touch control was cheaper to produce than metal handles. Unusual but elegant and pretty handy, especially since in addition you have a pretty remote to switch inputs, volume control and the Mute button

We recommend this machine to those who are not satisfied with the spinelessness of modern amplifiers (especially when working with digital sources) and who is willing to spend forces on a thin selection of system components. Einstein reward them unique, truly analog sound.

Price: $ 8700

Pros: Sleek design; sensitive, penetrating performance

Cons: sound peculiar coloring that can interfere with academic genres

Verdict: Amplifier with original appearance and unique, intriguing sound handwriting; great for jazz and acoustic music

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