Quad Vena amp/DAC makes its world debut at Bristol Show 2014

Making its world debut at the Bristol Sound & Vision Show this weekend is the Quad Vena amp with integrated DAC (digital-to-analogue converter). It will be available from May at an expected price of around £600.

The digital-to-analogue conversion is handled using the same 24-bit/192kHz chipset used in Quad's Platinum CD players. The amp also incorporates wireless aptX Bluetooth capability for streaming music from compatible devices.

MORE: Bristol Show 2014 preview

The Class A/B amp delivers a claimed 45W per channel into 8ohms. It is designed to deliver "superb sound from smartphones, tablets, PCs and Macs, as well as traditional hi-fi separates", says Quad. It will be available in three finishes: piano black, piano white and wood veneer.

Also on display at Bristol a Quad's new 9AS active speakers and the Vista 100 Bluetooth soundbar from sister company Wharfedale, costing £150.

By Andy Clough

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Andy Clough

Andy is Global Brand Director of What Hi-Fi? and has been a technology journalist for 30 years. During that time he has covered everything from VHS and Betamax, MiniDisc and DCC to CDi, Laserdisc and 3D TV, and any number of other formats that have come and gone. He loves nothing better than a good old format war. Andy edited several hi-fi and home cinema magazines before relaunching whathifi.com in 2008 and helping turn it into the global success it is today. When not listening to music or watching TV, he spends far too much of his time reading about cars he can't afford to buy.