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Dealers selling Quad near you
Authorized dealers for Quad VENA II
- 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 — 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 100 more verified dealers
Quad VENA II — compact amplifier with surprisingly big musicality
The Quad VENA II packs a warm, rich sound and modern digital flexibility into a small chassis, marrying musicality with up-to-date connectivity. Reviewers at HiFi News, HiFi Choice and Audiophilepure highlight its mature tonal balance, convincing imaging and punchy dynamics despite a modest power rating. The implementation of the ESS Sabre DAC, asynchronous USB (384kHz/DSD256), aptX Bluetooth, and a new low-noise JFET MM phono stage make it a flexible hub for vinyl, high-res files and desktop systems. Physically it benefits from a beefed-up 200VA toroidal transformer, isolated supplies and an ALPS motorised volume control, giving sensible engineering and finish. Ideal for compact listening rooms, desktop rigs and headphone use, the VENA II delivers class-leading features and musical performance for its price band.
Pros
- Musical, warm and detailed sonic character with convincing imaging and musicality.
- Comprehensive connectivity and high-res digital section (ESS ES9018K2M DAC, USB up to 384kHz/DSD256, optical/coaxial, aptX Bluetooth) plus MM phono.
- Improved dynamics and control for a compact amp thanks to a beefed-up 200VA toroidal transformer and careful power-supply/layout.
- Versatile as a desktop hub and headphone amp with dedicated headphone stage and pre-outs for system expansion.
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Cons
- Bluetooth streaming is described as relatively soft or vague compared with wired inputs.
- Quoted 45W/channel output is modest on paper and may limit headroom with very inefficient or large speakers at high volumes.
Sound Quality
88/100
Dynamics
88/100
Despite modest 45W/channel rating, multiple reviewers note impressive punch, grip and control ('big, mature sound', 'slick and punchy', 'more than capable of delivering a big, room-filling sound'). Upgraded 200VA toroidal transformer and current-feedback headphone stage are referenced as helping transient drive and control.
Soundstage Imaging
88/100
Imaging and sense of musicianship are praised ('sense of the musicians sitting in a group... is palpable', HiFi News), with good detail and air that place instruments and vocals convincingly in space.
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Build Quality
90/100
Solid engineering and component choices are documented: beefed-up 200VA toroidal transformer, isolated power supplies for critical areas, high-quality ALPS motorised volume control and attention to circuit layout (HiFi News / HiFi Choice). Overall fit-and-finish described as excellent for the class.
Features Connectivity
95/100
Very well featured for the price: ESS ES9018K2M DAC, USB/optical/coaxial inputs, aptX Bluetooth, MM phono stage, dedicated headphone amp, and an analogue pre-out. Reviewers call it 'comprehensively equipped' and a great desktop hub.
Value for Money
91/100
Multiple reviewers highlight strong value for the money at the stated price (~£/€/$900): 'highly attractive as an all-day listening companion', 'very impressive considering its flexibility and price', and 'continues to show that it really is something a little extra special.'
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