Quad VENA II, integrated audio amplifier

The Quad VENA II is a stylish and compact integrated amplifier designed for music lovers who value high-quality sound and versatility. From vinyl and CDs to wireless streaming, this model adapts perfectly to modern music collections.

Output power: 2 x 45 W (8Ω) / 2 x 65 W (4Ω)
Frequency range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.5 dB)
DAC chip: ESS Sabre32 ES9018K2M
USB support: 384kHz PCM; DSD256

Building on the strengths of its predecessor, the Vena II is an exceptionally neat and convenient way to bring true high-fidelity sound to the varied nature of modern music collections – from vinyl and CD to digital streaming and hi-res files – via all manner of playback devices.

Technology

SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS

The Class AB power amp section now has an upgraded power supply, a new 200VA toroidal transformer lying at its heart. This is followed by 2x15000uF reservoir capacity (30000uF in total), helping the amp to maintain firm control of the music while enabling excellent dynamic range.

Vinyl lovers will appreciate the addition of a phono stage for moving magnet cartridges – a high-quality, low-noise, JFET-based circuit with precise RIAA equalization.

Headphone users are also better catered for. The original Vena included a headphone output, but this was connected to the amp's main output stage rather than to a specialized headphone amp circuit. The Vena II incorporates a dedicated headphone amp with current-feedback circuitry, its gain bandwidth and high slew rate deliver a more dynamic, detailed and engaging performance with all manner of headphone types.

Simplicity is key to the Vena II's exterior design. QUAD's design team selected Bluetooth wireless streaming, with support for the aptX codec, to ensure easy pairing with all manner of smartphones, tablets, PCs and Macs – expertly implemented to deliver an adroit balance of quality and convenience. The Vena II feels like a traditional hi-fi amplifier, with its uncomplicated front-mounted controls and simple remote, yet its specification is state-of-the-art.

Copious cable connections enhance the amp's flexibility. Inputs for digital sources include asynchronous USB and three S/PDIF sockets (one coaxial and two optical), while digital outputs are provided in optical and coaxial flavors. Analogue signals are catered for by three stereo RCA inputs – two line-level plus the new MM phono input for turntables – while pre-out sockets allow the addition of an external power amplifier.

Model VENA II
Preamplifier Section
Analogue Inputs 2x line-level RCA / 1x MM phono
Analogue Outputs 1 x RCA (pre-out)
Analogue Input sensitivity 450mV (line-level) / 4.1mV (MM phono)
Analog Input impedance 10kΩ (line-level); 47kΩ / 100pF (MM phono)
Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz (+/- 0.5dB)
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) < 0.002%
Signal-to-Noise > 110dB (A-weighted)
Power Amplifier Section
Power Output 2x 45W RMS (8Ω) / 2x 65W RMS (4Ω)
Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz (+/- 0.5dB)
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) < 0.005% (30W, 8Ω)
Signal-to-Noise > 108dB (A-weighted)
Digital Section
DAC Chip ESS Saber32 ES9018K2M
Digital Inputs 2x optical; 1x coaxial; 1x USB Type A; aptX Bluetooth
Max Sampling Frequency - USB 384kHz PCM; DSD256
Max Sampling Frequency – Optical/Coaxial 192kHz PCM
Digital Outputs 1x coaxial; 1x optical

User manual (EN)