QUAD Artera Pre...

[cube-tube]

I'm on the hunt for a new preamp as I just sold my Schiit Freya+.

I'm wanting to know if anyone here has any personal experience with this QUAD preamp. The main concern is the sound of the unit obviously.

There's not a lot in the way of any kind of reviews on this preamp unfortunately, which is why I'm posting my questions about it here.

Many thanks in advance.



https://i0.wp.com/theaudiophileman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Screenshot-2019-09-26-at-10.20.50.jpg

https://i0.wp.com/theaudiophileman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Screenshot-2019-09-26-at-10.20.38.jpg

[Enossification]

I was very interested in one of these last year but was put off by the comments of the output being very high. It put me back in time to when I had Croft preamps and their output was very high also. I decided not to get involved with the Quad but I love the way it looks and the sound quality is apparently very good.

[CageyH]

Have you seen this?

https://www.quad-hifi.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Quad-Artera-Pre-HFW_Dec19.pdf

[cube-tube]

I was very interested in one of these last year but was put off by the comments of the output being very high. It put me back in time to when I had Croft preamps and their output was very high also. I decided not to get involved with the Quad but I love the way it looks and the sound quality is apparently very good.


Have you seen this?

https://www.quad-hifi.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Quad-Artera-Pre-HFW_Dec19.pdf

Just got home from work. Thanks for the replies.

Judging from that review, it seems that the high output doesn't seem to be an issue anymore. Maybe it was resolved with a firmware update? Or maybe it's just from setting gains on the various inputs.

As for the actual sound signature of the unit, seems that it's quite refined and smooth while still being open and clear.

And yes, I really do appreciate the looks of this preamp. It's a very unique design.

[hifi_dave]

It's a lovely pre-amp with a range of very useful facilities. It has been very popular with my customers.

[zanash]

I run the Artera play it acts as a very good line level pre ... I expect the artera pre has more facilities but is basically the same unit

[hifi_dave]

The Pre has phono input and tone controls.

[MartinS]

I've got both a Play and a Pre in separate systems, can't fault either of them operationally or by virtue of sound quality. The output level is adjustable plus/minus 8db so any power amp should be able to be accommodated with ease. Highly recommended by me, all be it not inexpensive.
Regards
Martin

[cube-tube]

It's a lovely pre-amp with a range of very useful facilities. It has been very popular with my customers.


I run the Artera play it acts as a very good line level pre ... I expect the artera pre has more facilities but is basically the same unit


The Pre has phono input and tone controls.


I've got both a Play and a Pre in separate systems, can't fault either of them operationally or by virtue of sound quality. The output level is adjustable plus/minus 8db so any power amp should be able to be accommodated with ease. Highly recommended by me, all be it not inexpensive.
Regards
Martin

Thanks again for all the replies so far.

What other preamps have you guys compared the Artera to, and what are your thoughts between this and whatever other one you compared to? Just curious.

I'm more interested in just using this preamp balanced and without the use of the tone controls (Tilt). However, I do like that it accommodates both MM & MC cartridges, as I do plan on getting my old Technics SL-1700 MkII back in the system at some point.

Also, if I understand correctly, the Artera utilizes a relay-switched volume control, just like the Freya+ I had. I like that feature a lot. Though I don't see mention of how many steps it is. The Freya+ was a 128 step, so very good resolution from quiet to loud.

[RockAddict]

+1 for the Artera Pre ( "QAP"). I was looking for a headphone amp, preferably with a phono stage and came mighty close to getting a Schiit Lyr. However, a couple of things happened to delay a potential purchase - it was as if fate intervened.

Short story is the QAP reappeared on my radar, having first been there a couple of years ago, and the functionality/spec seemed to fit what I wanted. Trigger pulled Sep 2021 and zero regrets. IMO, audio character is clean but musical.

A bit more... Although intended as a standalone h/phone amp, I put it in my main system chain where it has been ever since. Very pleased with the SQ via the main system speakers and with headphones. In response to a query, Quad advised the QAP will work with 300 & 600ohm headphones, although I haven't yet run my Senn HD600s on the QAP - too happy with Grado Hemps to experiment (so far) :) .

[cube-tube]

+1 for the Artera Pre ( "QAP"). I was looking for a headphone amp, preferably with a phono stage and came mighty close to getting a Schiit Lyr. However, a couple of things happened to delay a potential purchase - it was as if fate intervened.

Short story is the QAP reappeared on my radar, having first been there a couple of years ago, and the functionality/spec seemed to fit what I wanted. Trigger pulled Sep 2021 and zero regrets. IMO, audio character is clean but musical.

A bit more... Although intended as a standalone h/phone amp, I put it in my main system chain where it has been ever since. Very pleased with the SQ via the main system speakers and with headphones. In response to a query, Quad advised the QAP will work with 300 & 600ohm headphones, although I haven't yet run my Senn HD600s on the QAP - too happy with Grado Hemps to experiment (so far) :) .

Yet another great report on the "QAP". Thank you very much for your input.

At this point, I think I'm pretty much sold on the Artera Pre. It's just a matter of waiting on funds to clear so that I can put in the order for it. I'm going for the silver version.

[zanash]

the artera is better than quap 99cdp ...naim nac 92.... audio synthesis dax decade [used as a digital hub ] but the beard ca 506 with psvane valve set is more musical but not as " focused[?]"...

the artera is not as good as my MFA classic v2 ..but its not a million miles off

[cube-tube]

The Artera has been ordered.