Quad Artera system - the glass “lid”

[Westyman]

After a couple of decades I am changing my Cyrus/Ruark based system - CD, turntable, stream - to a Quad Artera/PMC Prodigy one. With the system on loan from the dealer, I am happy to purchase.

The Artera system components have this slab of glass on the top. Does this, in anyone’s opinion, add any sonic benefit? Or is it a thermal benefit?

The components will sit inside a cabinet, so only the front panel is visible.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Why not get in contact with Quad, they designed it, so they should have a decent idea of why it's there in the first place. If it's detachable, why not do some listening experiments and see if it sounds better with or without. Report your findings back to forum and we all learn something new.

[Macca]

It's just cosmetic, cooling is via heatsinks on the sides of the unit.

[hifi_dave]

Makes not a scrap of difference. Just enjoy the Artera as it is and stop worrying.

[ianlenco]

The Artera pre is an excellent choice. I had one until I decided to reduce my box count. As has been said, the glass is a cosmetic feature.

[Westyman]

After a week’s loan of the Artera and Prodigy5 speakers I decided to go for it and spend the £5k on new stuff. The glass lids are on top but being in a cabinet they are irrelevant.
Loving the new and improved sounds.
Now debating on XLR pre/power interconnects instead of RCA. Glad my 70+ year old ears can still hear better sounds.

I have to admit the Quad thing was nostalgia really. I was brought up on Quad 22/II and ESL57 then 33/303 with Garrard 301 SME/V15 III

I recall a few trips to Huntingdon when the ESLs needed care.
Happy bunny

[Barry]

Kerry,
You are a similar age to me and I too was brought up with Quad gear. Took me a few years before I was able to enjoy their products for myself, but in my time I have used 22/II, 33/303, 44/405 and I still use my 50 year old ESL57s (now powered by Quad 510 monoblocks).

The use of balanced line cables is questionable for short cable lengths, but I would encourage you to try some. You don't have to spend silly money.

[zanash]

I was told by my dealer, the addition of the isolated slab of glass is to mass damp the cabinet. Its also aesthetically pleasing to the eye imo.
I have never used the item without the glass in place so Ive no idea if its effective, the unit also sits on a vibration isolated stand so effectively making it redundant.

[Pete The Cat]

I got the Play+ three years ago, from Radlett Audio as it happens, and have been very content with it. I'd been weighing it up against the Cyrus equivalent. I'd previously enjoyed the warmth and listenability of a Linn Karik + Numerik for years and so found the Quad easier on the ear than the more 'digital' Cyrus sound. Plus the Cyrus seemed to have more negative feedback for faults/after sales service than I felt comfortable with. The Quad obviously benefits from a chip that's a couple of decades more advanced than the Numerik DAC so is more detailed and felt like a definite upgrade. I reckon most people would describe the Play+ as smooth/sophisticated.

I can't say that ever thought much about the Play+ glass lid though, I was more struck by the white gloves that they provide which make you look like a snooker referee. Or Michael Jackson :eek:

Another happy bunny.

Pete