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Quad Artera Play+
Artera Play+
CD, Dac, Pre-amp
The Artera Play+ is the latest addition to the Artera range. The Artera Play+ Combines the sleek user interface with the latest high definition audio technology. The CD player and DAC is the perfect match for the high power drive of Artera Stereo, while you enjoy your music with ultra-high resolution playback up to 32bit/384kHz in addition to DSD64/128/256 files through the USB input.
The Artera Play+ is a CD player, DAC and preamplifier combined in a single compact chassis. But while its form is familiar, the ‘plus’ suffix denotes a range of improvements that broadens functionality and enhances sound quality.
The first addition is the inclusion of aptX Bluetooth, enabling users to pair smartphones, tablets and computers and stream music wirelessly. Also new is a front-mounted headphone output, positioned discreetly beneath the fascia and coupled to dedicated circuitry that is designed to do justice to even the most capable of headphones.
But the Play+ isn’t just about adding convenience for music streamers and headphone users. It also enhances the overall sonic performance of the already highly regarded Artera Play.
Despite its attractive simplicity, the Artera Play+ sports cutting-edge sophistication beneath the skin. At its heart nestles an ESS Sabre32 Reference – the eminent 32-bit, eight-channel hybrid multi-bit Delta- Sigma DAC chipset – expertly implemented by QUAD’s renowned electronics engineers. External sources benefit from this DAC’s exceptional quality via a range of digital inputs, handling PCM data up to 32-bit/384kHz as well as DSD64/128/256. This ensures the Artera Solus is fully equipped to make the most of today’s hi-res music formats, as well as future advances in ultra-high-definition digital sound.
For CD replay, a slot-loading mechanism buffers data from the disc before feeding it to the asynchronous DAC section. Four digital filter options enable users to tailor the sound from both CDs and external digital sources, to suit personal taste and the nature of the source material.
In comparison to the original Play, the Play+ improves the post-DAC analogue filter circuit with a refined topology and superior op-amps that were carefully selected for their synergy with the ESS Sabre32 DAC. The power supply circuitry has also been redesigned, with a larger toroidal transformer and independent low-noise power supplies feeding all critical stages to keep interference to a minimum. These changes contribute to greater sonic clarity and expression, with increased dynamic headroom and crisp, engaging musicality.
The Play+ preamp section mixes minimalist design with high-quality components to ensure short, direct signal paths that preserve sonic purity. Volume is digitally controlled in the analogue domain, feeding single-ended RCA and balanced XLR analogue outputs. The signal path between the DAC and XLR output is a further improvement over the original Play, the four-channel volume control and fully symmetrical topology ensuring the Play+ makes the most of the performance advantages that balanced XLR connection to a power amp can bring.
Other cable connectivity options are plentiful. Five digital inputs – two coaxial, two optical and one USB Type B – cater for external digital sources (there’s also a USB Type A socket for software updates) while a pair of RCA phono inputs handle analogue sources. Two digital outputs (optical and coaxial) and a 12V trigger output complete a comprehensive connectivity array.
All Artera Series components share the same compact 32x32cm footprint, with a crisp, clean aesthetic that both evokes QUAD’s past and looks forward to the future. The housing provides a rigid structure that exudes quality and resists interference from external vibrations, with a textured aluminium front panel, thick glass top and CNC-routed heat sinks on either side. The sleek appeal of the Artera components is further enhanced by intuitive touch-sensitive controls built into their circular OLED displays; a fully featured remote control is also provided.
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Quad Artera Play+
The Artera Play+ blends modern versatility with refined musicality, driven by a ESS Sabre ES9018 DAC and revised analogue stages to handle PCM up to 384kHz and DSD256. Reviewers from What Hi‑Fi? and Jay Garrett highlight its detailed, even presentation, energetic transient response and convincing sense of scale. Its beefed-up toroidal transformer, independent low‑noise supplies and improved post‑DAC filter/op‑amps underpin low noise and excellent transparency, while a glass top and solid chassis deliver premium build quality. Connectivity is comprehensive—USB‑B, coax, optical, aptX Bluetooth, front 6.3mm headphone jack, balanced XLR and RCA outputs—making the Play+ an ideal hub for listeners who want a high‑res capable CD player, DAC and preamp in one compact package. Strong features and sonic refinement make it a compelling value proposition.
Pros
- High‑resolution, consistent DAC performance via the ESS Sabre ES9018 with full PCM and DSD support, delivering detailed, even tonality across inputs.
- Robust engineering and fit‑and‑finish: upgraded toroidal transformer, independent low‑noise supplies and refined analogue filtering for low noise and transparency.
- Comprehensive modern connectivity — USB‑B, two coax, two optical, aptX Bluetooth, front headphone output, balanced XLR and RCA — makes it a versatile system hub.
- Engaging, refined musical presentation with strong dynamics and imaging that keep multiple musical strands distinct and enjoyable.
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Cons
- Slightly less punchy low‑bass compared with some class‑leading rivals, which may matter to listeners prioritising heavyweight bass slam.
- Bluetooth streaming shows the expected quality drop versus wired connections—fine for convenience but not a substitute for hi‑res playback.
Transparency
92/100
Reviewers repeatedly highlight the Artera Play+'s clean, even presentation and lack of unwanted coloration (What Hi-Fi: 'detailed and even sounding performer', 'unforced and refined'). Technical specs back this up: ESS ES9018 DAC, >118dB weighted S/N and <0.001% THD suggest a very low noise floor. Improved toroidal transformer and independent low-noise feeds are cited (What Hi-Fi, StereoNET), supporting a high transparency score with no reported hum or hiss.
Sound Quality
88/100
Dynamics
88/100
Reviewers note the unit handles macro swings well and conveys scale and drive (What Hi-Fi: 'capable of strong dynamic swings and a decent sense of scale'). The revised power supply and short, direct signal paths in the preamp section (StereoNET) support dynamic authority. A few rivals are described as slightly punchier in the very lowest bass, so dynamics are excellent though not absolutely reference-busting.
Soundstage Imaging
88/100
The Play+ is credited with good imaging and the ability to keep multiple musical strands distinct ('keeps track of the song's multitude of musical strands' — What Hi-Fi). StereoNET highlights the fully symmetrical topology and four-channel volume control that help the balanced outputs realize spatial advantages. Soundstage width/depth and imaging precision are consistently strong in reviews.
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Build Quality
91/100
Both reviews describe a high level of fit-and-finish ('superbly made', 'glass top panel adds a touch of class' — What Hi-Fi) and a beefed-up toroidal transformer with independent low-noise supplies (StereoNET). The four-channel volume control and symmetrical signal topology imply careful internal engineering. The remote and front-panel ergonomics are also praised.
Features Connectivity
92/100
Very well featured for a preamp/source: ESS ES9018-based DAC (full high-res PCM and DSD support), USB-B, two optical, two coax, aptX Bluetooth, front 6.3mm headphone output on dedicated circuitry, balanced XLR outputs and single-ended RCA outputs, digital outputs and 12V trigger. The Play+ also offers four digital filters and balanced symmetrical topology with a four-channel volume control, so feature set is robust and modern.
Value for Money
90/100
Reviews frame the Play+ as a compelling, versatile proposition in its segment — What Hi-Fi recommends it to buyers seeking a versatile source/hub, while StereoNET highlights an attractive RRP positioning relative to the original Play. Language such as 'deserves its place on the shortlist' and direct buying encouragement indicate that reviewers view the price-performance balance as justified.
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