The Quad Artera Stereo power amplifier is fully balanced, although on the rear panel in addition to the XLR inputs there is also a pair of RCA and an inconspicuous push-button input type selector. The path is divided into four boards (input, two power amplifiers, a stabilizer with buffer capacities of 2 x 10,000 μF in each channel), the connections are optimized so that the power wiring is as short as possible. All this stuffing is powered by a large torus, which accounts for the bulk of the device.
The Quad Artera Stereo topology has been developed anew, although it retains the proprietary circuit design feature that allows an amplifier operating in class AB to achieve class A linearity. The description also mentions the presence of Current Dumping, a technology that Quad first used in the 405 amplifier (the only one, by the way, to win the Queen’s Prize in the Technological Achievement nomination). In the Artera Stereo, this circuit is implemented in an improved version and provides, along with solid power (140 watts), the best control of a complex reactive load, which is any multi-band speaker system.
The Quad Artera Stereo amplifier is capable of delivering 140 watts per channel at an 8-ohm load. The proprietary Current Dumping technology combines two parallel amplification circuits in each channel of the power amplifier. One of them belongs to class A and allows you to get an exceptionally clean musical sound filled with nuances and details, and the second operates in class B, provides high efficiency and reliable control of the speaker system, copes with signals with a large amplitude, and also delivers a large current to the load. Both circuits are matched with each other using additional circuits. As a result, it is possible to get rid of distortions typical of the usual AB class and get a powerful dynamic sound with timbre accuracy, purity and excellent microdynamics.
The strict industrial design of the case with an aluminum textured front panel and an unusual removable glass cover installed on its upper platform deserves special attention. The ribbed sides of the amplifier, which have undergone high-precision processing, act as cooling radiators, and also increase the rigidity of the entire structure and eliminate resonances. A stylish narrow indicator built into the center of the facade reminds you of leaving the standby mode and the readiness of the Quad Artera Stereo for work.
Right behind the front of the amplifier is a large toroidal transformer of the power supply unit, behind which are four high-capacity electrolytic capacitors. The boards of each channel are separated and fixed on opposite walls of the case to avoid mutual interference. At the rear of the power amplifier are two inputs – a regular RCA and a balanced XLR. A push-button switch installed next to them is used as an input selector. Two pairs of screw terminals are provided for connecting acoustic systems.
The Quad Artera Stereo delivers a high signal-to-noise ratio and is a perfect match for the Quad Artera Play CD player/preamplifier. The components of this combination complement each other perfectly. However, this “powerhouse” is a universal device that will work well with virtually any high-quality signal source.
Quad Artera Stereo Specifications
Power 2 x 140 W (8 Ohm, THD less than 1%, 1 kHz)
Harmonic Distortion 0.003% (100 W, 1 kHz), 0.03% (100 W, 20 Hz – 20 kHz)
Frequency Response 20 Hz – 20 kHz (- 0.5 dB), 20 Hz – 70 kHz (- 3 dB)
Input Sensitivity 980 mV (RCA)
Input Impedance 10 kOhm (XLR), 15 kOhm (RCA)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio 115 dB (A-weighted, 140 W)
Inputs balanced XLR, unbalanced RCA
Other Switching trigger input
Speaker Outputs 2 pairs of screw terminals
Power Supply large toroidal transformer, four high-capacity capacitors
Power Consumption 750 W (maximum), less than 0.5 W (standby)
Dimensions (WxHxD) 320x158x338 mm
Weight 15 kg
