Quad Artera Play+The Quad Artera Play+ is a CD player, DAC and preamplifier of the highest order — a single component that brings together every facility required to build a world-class digital source and system control centre, without compromise or concession. Designed to sit at the heart of a serious Artera system, the Artera Play+ combines the most refined optical disc playback with a DAC of extraordinary resolution, handling every digital format from standard CD to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256 with the precision and low noise floor that Quad's engineering philosophy demands.ESS ES9018 32-Bit DACThe DAC at the centre of the Artera Play+ is built around the ESS ES9018 32-bit converter — a device of unrivalled measured performance, capable of resolving the finest low-level detail from any digital source with a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 110dB and total harmonic distortion below 0.001% across the full audio bandwidth. Channel separation exceeding 100dB at 1kHz ensures that left and right channels remain entirely discrete, producing a soundstage of genuine width, depth and precision imaging that transforms high-resolution recordings into a truly immersive listening experience. Linearity of ±0.01dB from 20Hz to 20kHz guarantees that every frequency is reproduced with absolute fidelity — a specification that sets a new standard at the Artera Play+'s price point.High-Resolution Digital ConnectivityThe USB input accepts high-resolution PCM at sampling rates up to 384kHz and native DSD files at DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256 — making the Artera Play+ one of the most capable DACs available at any price, and an ideal partner for a computer audio source or dedicated music server. Two optical TOSlink and two coaxial RCA digital inputs accommodate additional digital sources, while the digital output — available on both optical and coaxial — allows the Artera Play+ to serve as a high-quality transport feeding an external DAC. Two analogue RCA inputs complete the connectivity, enabling the Artera Play+ to function as a fully specified preamplifier for an analogue source such as a phono stage. Both balanced XLR and single-ended RCA preamplifier outputs are provided, with the balanced outputs delivering up to 5Vrms for an incomparable signal-to-noise ratio when connected directly to the Quad Artera Stereo power amplifier.The Heart of an Artera SystemThe Artera Play+ is the definitive source component for an Artera system. Paired with the Quad Artera Stereo or Quad Artera Mono monoblocks, it forms the nucleus of a system capable of extracting every last detail from a lifetime's record collection. Those seeking a complete Artera preamplification solution may also wish to consider the Quad Artera Pre — a dedicated preamplifier that partners the Artera Play+ with a comprehensive analogue input stage and the same uncompromising signal path integrity.Technical Specifications Specification Detail D/A Converter ESS ES9018 32-bit DAC Output Level (1kHz) 0–2.5Vrms (PRE outputs); 0–5Vrms (Balanced outputs) L/R Channel Difference ±0.02dB (1kHz) Frequency Response –0.2dB (20Hz–20kHz) Total Harmonic Distortion 110dB (1kHz); >118dB (Weighted) Channel Separation >100dB (1kHz) USB Input Sampling Rates 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 384kHz USB DSD DSD64, DSD128, DSD256 Digital Audio Inputs 2 × Optical TOSlink; 2 × RCA Coaxial Digital Audio Outputs 1 × Optical TOSlink; 1 × RCA Coaxial Digital I/O Sampling Rates 44.1–192kHz Analogue Inputs 2 × RCA Analogue Outputs 2 × XLR, 1 × RCA (PRE) Dimensions (W × D × H) 320 × 320 × 105mm Weight 8.5kg Buying from Martins Hi-FiMartins Hi-Fi has been in Norwich since 1968. Elizabeth Gould runs the business today, and we stock only brands we have heard properly and stand behind. The Quad Artera Play+ is available to hear in our Norwich showroom — speak to Dave or Chris to arrange a full Artera system demonstration at your convenience.Contact us at [email protected], call 01603 627010, or WhatsApp on 07554 687137. You can read more about how we work on our Why Martins Hi-Fi page. We are at 85–91 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY.
