The Quad Artera Solus is a sophisticated, all-in-one hi-fi system designed to deliver exceptional performance with elegant simplicity. Housed in a sleek, understated chassis, it combines a CD transport, DAC, preamplifier, and power amplifier into a single compact unit—offering a complete, high-quality audio solution without the clutter of separate components.

Beneath its minimalist exterior lies advanced engineering. At its core is the renowned ESS Sabre32 9018 DAC—a 32-bit, eight-channel hybrid multi-bit Delta-Sigma converter widely regarded as one of the finest DAC chips available for stereo audio. This ensures outstanding clarity, detail, and musical accuracy across all sources.
For CD playback, the Quad Artera Solus employs a precision slot-loading mechanism that buffers disc data before feeding it asynchronously to the DAC. This process significantly reduces timing errors, commonly known as jitter, resulting in a cleaner and more stable sound.

The system offers four selectable digital filter options, allowing listeners to tailor the sound profile to suit their preferences and the characteristics of both CDs and external digital sources. Its preamp section features a balanced Class A output stage, ensuring low distortion and high signal purity. Connectivity is extensive and versatile:

Two coaxial and two optical inputs for digital sources
USB input supporting PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD64/128/256
RCA analogue inputs for traditional sources

Outputs are equally comprehensive, including both single-ended RCA and balanced XLR, alongside optical and coaxial digital outputs and a 12V trigger for system integration.

As Quad’s first component to utilise the ESS Sabre DAC, the Quad Artera Solus is fully equipped to handle today’s high-resolution audio formats—and is ready for future advances in ultra-high-definition digital sound. With built-in Bluetooth connectivity, it also offers convenient wireless streaming for modern listening.

Technical Specifications 

General Description: CD Player, DAC, Pre-Amp, Integrated amplifier and Bluetooth Connectivity
Key Technology & Features: DSD (up to DSD256 Compatible) BIuetooth (aptX)
Audio File Formats: ALAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, WMA, MP3, AAC, AAC­HE, AAC+, DSD64, DSD128, DSD256
D/A Converter: ESS ES9018 32bit DAC
USB Input: USB B (PC / MAC)
Digital Audio Inputs: 2 x Optical TOSI ink, 2 x RCA(DIG1, DIG2)
Digital Audio Outputs: 1 x Optical TOSI ink, 1 x RCA (DIG)
Analogue Inputs: 2 x RCA (AUX1, AUX2)
Analogue Outputs: 2 x RCA, 2 x Balanced XLR, 6.3mm Headphone Jack
Speaker Outputs: 2 x Speaker Binding Post Terminals
Sample Rate (USB B): 44.1 kHz, 48kHz, 88.2 kHz, %kHz, 1 76.4kHz, 192kHz, 384kHz
Sample Rate (Digital Inputs / Outputs): 44.1 -192kHz
Standby Power Consumption: <0.5W
Pre-Amplifier Section:
Output Level (1 kHz): Variable Output 0 – 4 Vrms (Pre Outputs), 0 – 8 Vrms (Balanced Outputs)
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz, 1 kHz (± 0.2dB)
Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.002% (20Hz-20kHz)
Signal to Noise Ration(S/N): > 103dB (1 kHz), > 11 0dB (A Weighted, 1 kHz)
Channel Separation: > 1 00dB (1 kHz)
Power Amplifier Section: Rated Power Output: 2 x 75W (8(2)
Frequency Response: ± 0.5dB (20Hz-20kHz, 1 kHz)
Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.009% (1 OW 20Hz-20kHz)
Signal to Noise Ration(S/N): > 100dB (A Weighted,ref.75W)
Channel Separation: >82dB (A Weighted,ref.1 W)
Dynamic Range: A-wtd 98dB
Power Requirement: 230V-50-60Hz
Dimensions (W x D x H): 320 x 320 x 105mm
Net Weight: 11.84kg