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Quad Artera Solus
CD, DAC, Pre-amp with integrated amplifier
The Artera Solus – a multi-tasking hi-fi system packed into a single sleek and sophisticated box, combining a CD transport, DAC, pre-amplifier, and power amplifier in a single compact chassis, with extensive connectivity options including Bluetooth connectivity.
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Quad Artera Solus — a compact, musical one-box system
The Artera Solus marries a slot-loading CD transport, power amp and an ESS ES9018 Sabre DAC into a single, impeccably finished chassis, offering a rare blend of convenience and high-end sound. Reviewers such as HiFi News and StereoLife Magazine note its rich, full-bodied tonal balance, convincing bass weight and engaging midrange that favour musicality over hyper-analytical presentation. Performance highlights include strong dynamics from the dual-mono Class AB 2x75W stage, detailed imaging and four selectable digital filters for tailoring sound. Build quality is weighty and well engineered, with a glass top, CNC heat-sinks and isolated power supplies. Ideal for listeners who want a turn-key system for a living room, study or holiday home, the Solus is repeatedly praised as an excellent value one-box solution that pairs best with quality speakers.
Pros
- Exceptionally well provisioned: ESS ES9018 DAC, DSD/384kHz USB, multiple digital inputs and four filter options.
- Musical, warm and engaging presentation with strong bass weight and convincing dynamics for a 2x75W integrated.
- Impressive soundstage and instrument separation that outperforms many active speakers in its class.
- Robust, thoughtfully engineered build with isolated supplies, substantial reservoir capacitance and stylish industrial design.
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Cons
- Base model lacks built-in Wi‑Fi streaming (upgradeable option planned), limiting native network streaming for some users.
- Bluetooth/aptX streaming is convenient but described as softer and less dynamic than CD or hi‑res sources.
- Remote control ergonomics criticized for small buttons and unclear labels.
Sound Quality
89/100
Dynamics
89/100
Quad's dual-mono Class AB 2x75W design with 15A current capability, 300VA toroidal transformer and 60,000µF reservoir gives the Solus convincing punch, slam and control (StereoLife: 'maximum current delivery of 15 Amps', HiFi News: 'immediacy and presence, weight and body'). Some reviewers note it is not as forensic as dedicated reference separates, but dynamics are strong and well controlled for its power class.
Soundstage Imaging
90/100
Multiple reviews highlight excellent staging and instrument separation (HiFi News: 'more air and dimensionality', 'discrimination between instruments'; Best of High End: 'holographic detail and grip'), with a stable, well-focused soundstage that in some comparisons outshone listenings with popular active speakers.
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Build Quality
91/100
Build is described as weighty and rugged with thoughtful internal layout: toroidal transformer, large reservoir caps, CNC-routed heatsinks and glass top all cited (HiFi News, StereoLife, Best of High End). The discrete CFB output topology and independent supplies for channels indicate solid engineering and good thermal/ vibration management.
Features Connectivity
95/100
Exceptionally well provisioned: built-in ESS Sabre32 ES9018 DAC (flagship-class chip), CD transport, USB-B (384kHz), two optical, two coaxial, Bluetooth aptX, RCA analogue inputs, balanced XLR outputs, RCA pre-outs and a dedicated 6.3mm headphone amp. This one-box approach plus four digital filters and high-res/DSD support push the feature set to the top of the allowed range.
Value for Money
95/100
Multiple reviewers praise the Solus as a strong value proposition (HiFi News: 'an absolute steal for the money'; StereoLife and Best of High End highlight competitive pricing and one-box convenience). While regional RRP mentions vary, the consensus across reviews is that performance, features and build represent exceptional value in its segment.
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