Quad PA-One+
The Quad PA-One+ blends tube-driven headphone amplification with an ESS-based DAC and high-resolution PCM/DSD playback in a compact, connection-rich hub. Audiophilepure used it with ambitious planar headphones and found especially convincing synergy with Quad’s ERA-1, making it a particularly compelling match for listeners building a refined desktop system.
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Kinda Soggy
Sound Quality
53/100
Build Quality
50/100
Features Usability
93/100
Value for Money
85/100
Pros
Demonstrated compatibility with several premium planar headphones, including Audeze, MrSpeakers, HIFIMAN and Quad models.
Especially strong pairing synergy with Quad’s ERA-1 planar-magnetic headphones.
Internal ESS DAC was used successfully with PCM up to 192kHz in the review, plus DSD64/128 and streaming material.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 53/100
The available review documents the PA-One+'s use with several high-end headphones, but provides very little direct commentary on its clarity, tonal character, dynamics or background noise. Its most specific listening observation is particularly good synergy with Quad's ERA-1 planar headphones.
Transparency Resolution
50/100
The reviewer used PCM, DSD and streaming material through the internal DAC, but does not describe detail retrieval, separation, openness or resolution. There is not enough listening commentary to draw a stronger conclusion about transparency.
Tonal Balance Musicality
55/100
The review identifies real synergy between the PA-One+ and Quad's ERA-1 planar magnetic headphone, which suggests a pleasing pairing. It does not otherwise characterize the amplifier's tonal balance, tube character, timbre or long-term listening appeal.
Dynamics
50/100
The reviewer listened with headphones including the LCD-2 Classic, Aeon Closed and HE1000se, but offers no direct observations on punch, transient speed, headroom or control. How the amplifier handles demanding dynamic swings is therefore unclear from the supplied review.
Noise Floor
50/100
No supplied review comments on hiss, hum or background silence. Sensitive-IEM behavior and the practical effects of the PA-One+'s tube circuitry are not addressed.
Headphone Compatibility
58/100
The reviewer tried a varied group of planar headphones, including Audeze, Dan Clark/MrSpeakers, HIFIMAN and Quad models, and specifically found strong synergy with the ERA-1. However, there is no reported comparison of drive authority across these headphones, nor evidence concerning sensitive IEMs or headphones outside the stated 32-300 ohm output range.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
50/100
The supplied review does not discuss chassis construction, controls, connectors, tube sockets, heat management or long-term reliability. There is too little direct ownership evidence to characterize its build quality further.
Features Usability
93/100
This is a notably well-equipped tube DAC/headphone amplifier, with USB, optical, coaxial, RCA and balanced analogue inputs, plus RCA line output. It supports PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD256 through USB, and provides both standard single-ended and four-pin balanced headphone outputs.
Value for Money
85/100
At $1,199, the PA-One+ combines a tube headphone amplifier, ESS-based DAC and extensive digital and analogue connectivity in one component. None of the supplied reviews directly compare its asking price with competing amplifiers or offer a clear verdict on value.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
No reviews found yet
Forum Mentions
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Specifications
- Model
- PA-One+
- Input Impedance
- 50kΩ
- Output Power
- 500mW (@ 32Ω )
- Output Impedance
- 32Ω縭300Ω
- Input Sensitivity
- 300mV
- Frequency Response
- 20Hz縭20kHz (+0dB,-0.5dB)
- Distortion
- 0.5% at 1kHz
- Channel Balance
- ±0.5dB
- S/N Ratio
- 90dB
- Vacuum Tubes
- 2x 6SL7, 2x 6SN7
- Digital Input Sampling Frequencies
- 44.1kHz-192kHz, 384kHz(USB), DSD256(USB)
- Input Jack
- 3-pin balance, 1xRCA, 1xUSB, 1xCOAX, 1xOPT
- Output Jack
- 1xstandard headphone jack ; 4-pin balance headphone jack; 1xRCA output
- Size (W⁾D⁾H)
- 180mm x 260mm x 170mm
- Net Weight
- 180mm x 260mm x 170mm
Manufacturer's Description — Quad
Overview
We've Come A Long Way
The landscape of how we consume and listen to music has radically changed. Over-ear headphones have seen a massive rise in popularity and that's because put simply – they sound better than ever. With over-ear headphones, bigger is better. Larger drivers, larger headband, more detail, a wider frequency response and all-around better performance – you can finally enjoy a high-end hi-fi sound in a completely personal experience.
However, there's one weak link. The devices we're enjoying our digital music collections with cannot perform to the same high standard. While ultra-thin laptops and super-fast computers are a more than a convenient host for online streaming services, unfortunately, their headphone inputs are not equally matched…
Get The Best Out Of Your Headphones
…A whole host of connections, both analogue and digital-driven by hi-fi amplifier valves bring an exciting detail to your music.
With a nod to Peter Walker's styling and topology of his original valve amplification and superior quality from aesthetics to audio make a truly exquisite amplifier. The sound is full of life, yet without the unwanted colouration, many would expect from such amplifiers. The genuine heritage of QUAD has been preserved with all the features to enjoy modern audio mediums.
What's new?
Re-engineered board for improved output power – 500mW into 32ohms, wider frequency response and vastly improve S/N ratio. Improved DAC – now with ESS Sabre 9018 K2M DAC for PCM playback up to 384 kHz and DSD256.
Redesigned internal QUAD valve circuitry for more efficient performance.
Classic Meets Contemporary
QUAD engineers have relied on valve technology for our trademark sound. Referencing the high standards set by the QUAD II, valve amplifier as a benchmark, we're sure you can enjoy a level of audio fidelity which we have consistently delivered since 1936, this time packaged into a personal hi-fi experience.
Carefully selected hi-fi amplification valves; 2 × 6SL7 and 2 × 6SN7
allow the PA-One+ to deliver the latest technology in perfect harmony with traditional hi-fi.
True to tradition, the front panel is dominated by a large volume and balance control, while input select and impedance mode controls are in keeping with the rest of our product range for a perfect match.
The valves and electronics are housed in a new smoother, Lancaster Grey steel chassis which is compact enough for a stand-alone space-saving setup, while it can also be an integral part of a high-end, large-scale system.
Connect With Your Music
An amazingly wide variety of digital and analogue sources are on hand. Balanced, RCA, Coaxial, Optical and USB, makes it easy to listen to music without ever having to ponder on decoding different formats. Simple and effective. Additionally, low impedance and high impedance modes enable connection to a plethora of modern, popular headphones.
With the increased popularity of computers as the source, the PA-One+ USB DAC allows you to enjoy listening to digital music sources from a computer or laptop (Windows or Mac) via USB connection.
The USB 1.1 and 2.0 compliant and supports sampling frequencies ranging from 35kHz to 384kHz and DSD256 file formats – a real treat for any hi-fi enthusiast.
With dedicated gold-plated RCA outputs, it is a pre-amp in its own right and can be integrated into part of a larger hi-fi system, too.
Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Quad PA-One+
- 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