Quad Artera Stereo
Quad’s Artera Stereo combines timbral accuracy and finely resolved detail with the high-current control needed to keep demanding multi-way speakers composed. Its refined Current Dumping design delivers a clean, low-noise presentation alongside powerful dynamics and expressive microdynamic shading. Stereo Index also highlights its resonance-resistant, heat-dissipating chassis—an assured foundation for revealing systems.
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Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
91/100
Build Quality
89/100
Value for Money
85/100
Pros
Clean, nuanced sound with strong detail retrieval and timbral fidelity.
High-current delivery and Current Dumping circuitry provide authoritative control of complex, reactive loudspeaker loads.
Powerful macrodynamics and excellent microdynamic expression under demanding musical peaks.
Rigid ribbed side panels serve as heatsinks while helping suppress chassis resonances.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 91/100
The available review describes a notably clean, nuanced and powerful presentation, combining timbral accuracy with strong microdynamic expression. It also credits the amplifier with low perceived distortion and secure control when music becomes demanding.
Transparency Resolution
92/100
Stereo Index describes an exceptionally pure musical sound, rich in nuances and details. Its comments on a high signal-to-noise ratio and reduced distortion further support a clear, low-noise presentation.
Tonal Balance Musicality
91/100
The reviewer specifically praises timbral accuracy alongside musical purity, suggesting a convincing and naturally coloured presentation rather than a merely analytical one. There is no reported tonal imbalance or listening fatigue.
Dynamics
93/100
The review calls the sound powerful and dynamic, with excellent microdynamics. It also reports high-current delivery, reliable control and the ability to handle large-amplitude signals, all of which point to confident headroom under load.
Soundstage Imaging
88/100
The review's emphasis on purity, low noise and fine detail suggests good conditions for stable spatial presentation. However, it offers little direct description of stage width, depth, image focus or layering.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
89/100
The Artera Stereo uses precision-machined ribbed side panels that serve as heatsinks, add chassis rigidity and are intended to suppress resonances. Its 140W output, balanced XLR and RCA inputs, and substantial 15kg chassis indicate a thoughtfully specified power amplifier, though the review provides limited detail on internal construction and long-term durability.
Value for Money
85/100
At about $1,650, the Artera Stereo offers substantial rated power, balanced connectivity and a review-described combination of detail, control and dynamics. None of the supplied reviews directly compare its asking price with rivals or make a firm value judgment.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
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Forum Mentions
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Specifications
- Model
- Artera Stereo
- General Description
- Power Amplifier
- Rated Output Power
- 140W 8 ohm (<1% THD,1kHz)
- Total Harmonic Distortion
- <0.003% (100W, 1kHz) <0.03% (100W, 20Hz-20kHz)
- Frequency Response
- -0.5dB (20Hz-20kHz, ref. 1kHz) -3dB (20Hz-70kHz, ref. 1kHz)
- Input Sensitivity
- 980mV(RCA line in)
- Input Impedance
- 10kohm (Balanced) 15kohm (Unbalanced)
- Signal to Noise Ration(S/N)
- 115dB (A weighted, ref. 140W)
- Maximum Power Consumption
- 750W
- Inputs
- 2 x XLR, RCA
- Outputs
- Speaker A+B
- Standby Power Consumption
- <0.5W
- Dimensions (W x H x D)
- 320 x 158 x 338mm
- Weight
- 15kg
Manufacturer's Description — Quad
Power Amplifier
From the transformer to the input terminals, each section of the Artera has been engineered from the ground up to ensure power, musicality and stability. The Artera Stereo produces 140 Watts RMS per channel – ample power for driving first-class loudspeakers, unfaltering even under high dynamic and transient conditions thanks to the patented Current Dumping technology. Special attention has also been paid to the newly developed balanced XLR inputs. The robust connections are yet another string to the Artera Stereo’s bow, with an incomparable signal to noise ratio.
This compact yet potent power amp sports the latest iteration of QUAD’s famous Current Dumping topology, first introduced in the legendary QUAD 405 – one of the most lauded British audio components of all time and still the only amp design to have earned a Queen’s Award for Technological Achievement.
Current Dumping is essentially a method of marrying the superior sonic purity of Class A amplification with the greater efficiency of Class AB. An extremely high-quality, low-power Class A amplifier provides the signal quality, while a high-power current dumping section delivers the muscle to keep the speakers under control. These two amp circuits are combined via a precision network to perfectly impose the finesse of the Class A output onto the power of the current dumper. The result is a relatively compact and cool-running power amp capable of delivering a captivating combination of dynamic power, vice-like grip and sumptuous sonic detail.
The Artera Stereo’s power output is conservatively rated at 140W per channel into eight ohms and 250W into four ohms, ensuring any speakers – including QUAD’s classic ESL electrostatic designs – can be driven with ease. Connectivity options comprise single-ended RCA and balanced XLR inputs, a 12V trigger input and high-quality speaker binding posts. Simple, solid and classy on the outside and devilishly clever within, the Artera Stereo maintains QUAD’s traditional place at the forefront of modern amplifier design
Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Quad Artera Stereo
- Holt Hill — online and in-store — Andover, Massachusetts, United States (website)
- Acoustic Technologies — online and in-store — Montréal, Québec, Canada (website)
- Acton Gate Audio — online and in-store — Cymru, United Kingdom (website)
- Alen Audio — in-store — Extramurs, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain (website)
- Alma Music & Audio — online and in-store — San Diego, California, United States (website)
- Alpha Audio Pte — online and in-store — Singapore, Singapore (website)
- Analogue Seduction — online and in-store — Whittlesey, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Area Hifi — online and in-store — L'Eixample, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain (website)
- Aris Audio — in-store — Salt Lake City, Utah, United States (website)
- Art & Voice — online (website)
and 102 more verified dealers