Quad Vena II (Lancaster Grey) is rated
out of
5 by
20.
Quad Vena II (Lancaster Grey)
Stereo Amplifier
£699
Disabled assistance
All products that are available to purchase on the Richer Sounds website can be delivered free to blind, partially sighted or those with a disability. Find out more
Please contact web after sales for more info.
For delivery of in-store only deals, please contact your local store for more details.
Ts&Cs apply - see our delivery page.
For delivery of in-store only deals, please contact your local store for more details.
Ts&Cs apply - see our delivery page.
Disabled assistance
All products that are available to purchase on the Richer Sounds website can be delivered free to blind, partially sighted or those with a disability. Find out more
Please contact web after sales for more info.
For delivery of in-store only deals, please contact your local store for more details.
Ts&Cs apply - see our delivery page.
For delivery of in-store only deals, please contact your local store for more details.
Ts&Cs apply - see our delivery page.
“Quad’s fine little amplifier now sounds bigger and better, while adding extra features, too.” ‘Hi-Fi Choice’ ‘Editor’s Choice – 5-star review’.
The compact amp that does it all
Packed inside the understated Vena II, you’ll find everything you need in a modern day amp. A built-in DAC (Digital to Analogue Convertor) provides digital inputs and outputs. Analogue inputs include a connection dedicated to your turntable. Wireless music streaming from your smartphone or other device is also possible, thanks to the Bluetooth link. There’s also a top quality headphone output. Everything you need in an amp is right here.
Quad quality sound
With decades of top quality audio experience, the Quad Vena II sounds every bit the award-winner it is. An upgraded toroidal transformer and high output capacitors give the Vena II firm control and excellent dynamic range. Whatever the music, the Quad’s 45 watts per channel delivers a ‘wall of sound’ that makes you feel the performers are in the room with you.
Playback your Hi-Res music files
With the superb ESS Sabre32 Reference DAC at its heart, the Vena II effortlessly handles your hi-res music files. Use the USB digital input and the Vena II decodes right up to studio quality 32-bit/384kHz and DSD256. With the optical and coaxial inputs, the hi-res music capacity is a still impressive 24-bit/192kHz – the usual standard for most hi-res music files.
Full digital connectivity
Helping you make the most of your hi-res and digital components, the Vena II features a class-leading array of digital socketry. Choose between USB, coaxial and two opticals for your inputs – ideal for your computer, TV, Blu-ray/DVD/CD player, network streamer and many other devices with a digital output. There are also optical and coaxial digital outputs, making this amp perfect for digital recorders or multi-room feeds.
Bluetooth for wireless sound
For wireless streaming, the Vena II also comes with built-in Bluetooth. Compatible with aptX, the Vena II offers the potential for high quality Bluetooth streaming. Simply pair with your smartphone, tablet or other device and stream your stored music and favourite music services, such as Spotify, Deezer and Apple Music.
Connect analogue sources
The Vena II hasn’t forgotten about your analogue sources. Twin RCA inputs are perfect for plugging in sources such as a tuner, cassette player or any other source with an analogue output. With its pre-amp outputs, you can also connect up a more powerful, larger power amp, should you choose.
Vinyl doesn’t take a back seat
Quad have fitted with the Vena II with a phono input; letting you connect up Moving Magnet cartridge equipped turntables. This isn’t just any old phono input, though. The low-noise, JFET-based circuit with precise RIAA equalisation gets the very best from your turntable’s sound. Low distortion and a wide frequency response mean you get to hear the most subtle details with crystalline clarity.
Superior quality headphone output
Like the phono pre-amp, the headphone output is carefully and skilfully developed in its own right, rather than being an afterthought. The Vena II features a dedicated headphone amp with current-feedback circuitry and wide bandwidth. This gives you a sound that’s much more powerful and three-dimensional than you’d usually get with most standard headphone outputs. It also drives a wide range of headphones with ease – even if they’re current-hungry designs.
Smart good looks
Striking the perfect balance between retro and minimalism, the Vena II is a design classic. The standard ‘Lancaster Grey’ blends with a wide range of components and speakers. At just 313mm wide, it also has a smaller footprint than most of its rivals, making it easier to fit tighter spaces.
Get an amp that handles it all and sounds great into the bargain – the Quad Vena II is the perfect all-rounder.
The compact amp that does it all
Packed inside the understated Vena II, you’ll find everything you need in a modern day amp. A built-in DAC (Digital to Analogue Convertor) provides digital inputs and outputs. Analogue inputs include a connection dedicated to your turntable. Wireless music streaming from your smartphone or other device is also possible, thanks to the Bluetooth link. There’s also a top quality headphone output. Everything you need in an amp is right here.
Quad quality sound
With decades of top quality audio experience, the Quad Vena II sounds every bit the award-winner it is. An upgraded toroidal transformer and high output capacitors give the Vena II firm control and excellent dynamic range. Whatever the music, the Quad’s 45 watts per channel delivers a ‘wall of sound’ that makes you feel the performers are in the room with you.
Playback your Hi-Res music files
With the superb ESS Sabre32 Reference DAC at its heart, the Vena II effortlessly handles your hi-res music files. Use the USB digital input and the Vena II decodes right up to studio quality 32-bit/384kHz and DSD256. With the optical and coaxial inputs, the hi-res music capacity is a still impressive 24-bit/192kHz – the usual standard for most hi-res music files.
Full digital connectivity
Helping you make the most of your hi-res and digital components, the Vena II features a class-leading array of digital socketry. Choose between USB, coaxial and two opticals for your inputs – ideal for your computer, TV, Blu-ray/DVD/CD player, network streamer and many other devices with a digital output. There are also optical and coaxial digital outputs, making this amp perfect for digital recorders or multi-room feeds.
Bluetooth for wireless sound
For wireless streaming, the Vena II also comes with built-in Bluetooth. Compatible with aptX, the Vena II offers the potential for high quality Bluetooth streaming. Simply pair with your smartphone, tablet or other device and stream your stored music and favourite music services, such as Spotify, Deezer and Apple Music.
Connect analogue sources
The Vena II hasn’t forgotten about your analogue sources. Twin RCA inputs are perfect for plugging in sources such as a tuner, cassette player or any other source with an analogue output. With its pre-amp outputs, you can also connect up a more powerful, larger power amp, should you choose.
Vinyl doesn’t take a back seat
Quad have fitted with the Vena II with a phono input; letting you connect up Moving Magnet cartridge equipped turntables. This isn’t just any old phono input, though. The low-noise, JFET-based circuit with precise RIAA equalisation gets the very best from your turntable’s sound. Low distortion and a wide frequency response mean you get to hear the most subtle details with crystalline clarity.
Superior quality headphone output
Like the phono pre-amp, the headphone output is carefully and skilfully developed in its own right, rather than being an afterthought. The Vena II features a dedicated headphone amp with current-feedback circuitry and wide bandwidth. This gives you a sound that’s much more powerful and three-dimensional than you’d usually get with most standard headphone outputs. It also drives a wide range of headphones with ease – even if they’re current-hungry designs.
Smart good looks
Striking the perfect balance between retro and minimalism, the Vena II is a design classic. The standard ‘Lancaster Grey’ blends with a wide range of components and speakers. At just 313mm wide, it also has a smaller footprint than most of its rivals, making it easier to fit tighter spaces.
Get an amp that handles it all and sounds great into the bargain – the Quad Vena II is the perfect all-rounder.
Connectivity
Analogue RCA Inputs
2
Bluetooth
Yes
Coaxial Digital Inputs
1
Coaxial Inputs
1
Coaxial Outputs
1
Headphone Output
Yes
Optical Digital Inputs
2
Phono Input
Yes - MM
Pre Output
Yes
Speaker Sets
1
Speaker Sets FILTER
x 1
USB Input
1 x USB Type B (Type A for updates only)
General
Manufacturer's Warranty
3 years
Audio
Frequency Response (Hz)
20 - 20,000
High Resolution Audio
Yes
Power Output
45 x 2
Power Output - Watts per CH
30 - 59
Dimensions
Dimensions WxHxD (mm)
313 x 94 x 302
Weight
Weight (KG)
6.1
Accessories
Remote Control
Yes
Make the most of your amplifier. View our hottest deals on hi-fi furniture.
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Chris stax man 007t from
Quad vena 2
I've been a hl fi enthusiat over many decades, even talked to Peter walker quad at hi fi shows in the past. I have owned many amps ,speakers etc. Having downsized recently needed a much less powerful amp, after reading many reviews I decided to purchase quad vena2. Richersounds were extremely helpful full marks to them. As for the amp quad does it for me brilliant little amp and I have many years experience of equipment. CHRIS.
Date published: 2022-08-22
Rated 5 out of
5
by
jhc166 from
Quality in the Quad Tradition
I needed to replace my much loved 20 year old system with a more versatile amplifier. Having owned Quad amplifiers since the 1960s, I was delighted to find the Vena II which lives up to all my expectations and performs well with both digital and analogue sources.
Date published: 2022-08-19
Rated 4 out of
5
by
A2021 from
Sounds superb, panel LED's quite annoying
I am using my Vena with a Roon endpoint via USB, Roon Rock as my music server and also for TV sound via one of the optical inputs. My daughter connected to the BT and used that during a recent visit. It works exactly as described, I have experienced no functional issues at all and even at relatively loud playback levels it becomes only slightly warm.
Streaming audio via the USB, coupled with a pair of Revel M106's the sound quality is superb. Soundstage is precise, high frequencies sweet and never strained. The little M106's can produce audio down to quite low frequencies (for their size) and the Vena has no problem to deliver it, remaining in tight control of bass. I recall that the M106's have a relatively complex crossover, so likely present a challenging load to the Quad. I mention this as it suggests that it would work very well with a wide range of loudspeakers - even the ones reviewers sometimes refer to as difficult.
Why not 5 stars? Three reasons; firstly that no battery is supplied for the remote is just silly, there is a slip of paper that explains the reason, but I don't see why Richer couldn't just tape a coin cell to the box! Secondly, the panel LED's are white, VERY bright and light bleeds from the selected jewel to the ones for the sources either side. My Vena sits under the TV and the LED's actually distract from the picture and are even more annoying when listening to music in dimmed lighting conditions. Thirdly the LED's flash annoyingly every time digital lock is lost (such as when changing track or when the TV is turned off). I will be voiding my guarantee making a mod to reduce the indicator LED's brightness when I have moment!!
That said, it's definitely a keeper. It looks cute, sounds excellent and has a really good range of inputs, you just need to prop a coaster up in front of it if you a facing it straight on.
Date published: 2021-11-27
Rated 4 out of
5
by
hth24 from
good perfomance
Bought two weeks ago. Units all operating satisfactorily
Date published: 2021-11-26
Rated 5 out of
5
by
SuspectDevice from
Unbelievable amplifier A+++
I bought this amplifier as a replacement for my Kenwood 3020SE as the next step in upgrading my set up. Having replaced my old Tannoy speakers for Monitor Audio Silver 500s and being blown away by the clarity I wasn't convinced the amplifier upgrade would be as worthwhile but thought it deserved a try. With a much improved phono stage and an onboard DAC I removed my Musical Fidelity XLP and used a digital coax from my CD63SE. I still can't believe the difference in terms of clarity and detail in tracks I thought I knew. If you're thinking about this amp, don't hesitate. The only downside is it reveals the poor quality of some recordings. I'll live with that though.
Date published: 2021-11-09
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Pam007 from
Virtually Every Note Astounds !! [Lancaster Grey]
The Quad Vena ll has beautifully solid build quality and even before being plugged in gives the impression that it won’t disappoint.
Driving KEF LS-50 speakers [bought after auditioning back to back with KEF Blade Two’s at £18k] through good quality cables, it unlocks their real potential.
I’ve tried it with Monitor Audio Radius 270 floor standers, which are perfectly fine in my home cinema set-up with a Yamaha Aventage receiver, but the Vena ll exposes their weaknesses when compared against the LS-50’s.
Both sets of speakers may be in a similar price bracket, but the KEFs just punch substantially above their cost. So if you don’t already own really capable speakers, I’d advise you to treat yourself to a pair to hear the Vena ll at it’s very best, it deserves to be partnered with good quality components.
The measure of an amplifier is a combination of how it sounds and how accurate that sound is. It’s important to ‘like’ the sound being delivered to you, but the listener should also be able to say “yes” to these questions:
Does the piano sound like a piano ?
Can you hear notes decay ?
Does it sound like the vocalist is in the room with you ?
Can you feel the atmosphere of the recording ?
Does the sound engage you ?
I’ve listened to High Resolution files from my Mac using USB, a range of CD’s using the Coax and Auxiliary inputs, streamed TIDAL Masters and watched BluRay films including “The Shape of Water”.
Everything has been detailed and thoroughly engaging.
I’m expecting to be equally impressed when I listen to my Vinyl collection.
I waited a month before posting this review so that it wasn’t just based on my initial impressions, but on detailed listening to a wide range of music.
In short my only slight criticism of the Quad Vena ll would not be of the unit itself, but simply that I should have treated myself to one sooner.
Date published: 2021-02-21
Rated 3 out of
5
by
Kit7audio7enthusiast from
Good for money
I own it almost one year. Quad serves me in my home office room connected to bookshelves Dali speakers (Zensor 3). The source is either my laptop or iPhone. Both devices work smoothly with Quad Vena II. Since it is my second system or, in fact, the third one, I do not complain. The job is done. I do not like the sound quality. Quad’s bass is packed with thick cotton shawl, high frequencies are a bit odd with laudable coloring. No beat pace and slow, slightly muddy presentation. On and on, it is a fine system with great connection set and doing well with low quality sources.
Date published: 2020-10-23
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Gerald H from
Quad amp is superb
Purchased to replace my Denon mini HiFi. I wanted a quality unit that would connect to my iMac to listen to internet radio and stored music files the Quad fulfils this requirement. It sounds brilliant on all inputs, phono, coaxial etc., playing into my Dali Oberon 1 speakers. Very compact and good build quality, I am pleased with my purchase. First class service from Richer Sounds online.
Date published: 2020-10-06
Representative example
- Representative 21.9% APR (variable)
- Purchase rate 21.9% p.a. (variable)
- Assumed credit limit £1,200
Pay in 3 interest-free payments so you can spread the cost. No fees when you pay on time.
- Add item(s) to your cart (up to £1500)
- Go to checkout and choose Klarna
- Enter your debit or credit card information.
- To check your eligibility, Klarna will perform a soft search with a credit reference agency. This will not affect your credit score.
- Spread the cost in 3 interest-free payments. The first payment is made at point of purchase, with the remaining 2 payments scheduled automatically every 30 days. No fees when you pay on time.
You must be 18+ to use this credit offer. Credit subject to status. T&Cs apply. Klarna uses soft searches with credit reference agencies. These do not affect your credit rating. Missed payments can affect your ability to use Klarna. Pay in 3 installments complete terms.