Quad has launched a new product line called Quad Platina. The first two are the Platina Integrated and the Platina Stream, an integrated amplifier and a network player with modern features. A Platina CD transport is also in the works, but no further information has been released yet.
Quad Platinum
With the new Quad Platina series, the English company Quad Hifi opens a new chapter in its rich history. The Quad Platina Integrated amplifier and the Quad Platina Stream network player combine analog sound culture with state-of-the-art digital technology and modern streaming features. According to the designers, this creates a high-quality combination that unites classic musicality, innovative technology, and elegant design at the highest level.
Quad Platina Integrated: integrated amplifier with analog and digital inputs
The Quad Platina Integrated combines classic Class AB amplifier technology with a new digital architecture. The dual-mono power amplifier delivers a powerful 200 watts per channel into eight ohms, maintaining control even with complex music signals. The power supply features a 630 VA toroidal transformer and a generous filter capacitance of 44,000 μF per channel, ensuring dynamics, stability, and fine detail.
At the heart of the digital section is the ESS ES9038PRO DAC chip, a reference DAC that natively processes digital music signals in linear PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD up to DSD512. Two master clocks minimize jitter, while high-quality digital inputs (S/PDIF optical, S/PDIF coaxial, USB-C, HDMI ARC) and analog connections (XLR and RCA) accommodate virtually any source. Thanks to HDMI ARC, the amplifier can also be connected directly to modern televisions.
The Platina Integrated also features a carefully considered phono amplifier. The adjustable phono amplifier with a JFET input stage supports both MM and MC cartridges. Settings can be adjusted via the front panel.
The colour display with intuitive menu navigation, the robust rotary knobs and the elegant aluminium design complete the concept.
Quad Platinum Stream: digital finesse
The Quad Platina Stream features the ESS ES9038PRO DAC chip and also supports PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD up to DSD512. Flexible digital filters allow for customization, tailored to individual listening preferences and system characteristics, according to the manufacturer.
All common streaming services are supported, of course, including Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, and Apple AirPlay 2, without the need for additional apps or complicated installations. Roon Ready? Yes, it is.
The Quad Platina is controlled via the Quad Platina app, which is available for Apple iOS and Google Android, or directly via the respective streaming service (if the Connect version is supported).
The Quad Platina connects to a network via Gigabit Ethernet or dual-band Wi-Fi. The 4.3-inch color display provides crystal-clear album art, playback data, and even a pair of dancing VU meters. Analog outputs, both XLR and RCA, and digital outputs, both RCA and optical (S/PDIF), are available. The Quad Platina is therefore flexible and can be connected directly to a power amplifier or a pair of active speakers.
Sturdy steel enclosures, milled aluminum front panels, and gold-plated connectors exude the value and durability of the Quad Platina components. Both devices are available in black or silver and follow a clean, timeless design language that blends harmoniously into modern living spaces.
Finally, Quad has announced a third component in the Quad Platina product line: a CD drive called the Quad Platina CDT. Nothing more than an announcement about the Quad Platina CDT is available yet.
