Quad VENA Amplifier

I decided to buy this amplifier partly because of the features and mostly because it is a Quad design. If you read the reviews of this amplifier in the HiFi press they are positive but have reservations about the "finesse" of the design. There's no need to worry, the reviews are wrong, this is an outstandingly good amplifier. I have a pair of Tannoy studio monitors, and the first impression is that the Vena made no difference to the sound. This is a good thing because my previous amplifier was a Mission Cyrus One and I liked the sound but wanted an amp that could cope with optical inputs, Bluetooth and iPod and an iPhone. In truth amplifiers should contribute anything to the sound, but I've found one aspect that some amplifiers fall down on is control of the bass. The Cyrus is very good in this respect and the Vena is the same.The build quality is excellent, much better than the Cyrus. Connectivity to my devices is brilliant and I can stream from my TV, media box, phone etc through Bluetooth or optically via an Airport. The remote is simple and feels rugged, the volume control is motorised so the volume knob moves as you press the remote buttons. The input switching uses relays and is accompanied by a satisfying click as the new input source is selected. Everything feels smooth and well engineered in use. Although the design is restrained, it's recognisable as a Quad product and is clearly designed for people who just want to listen to and enjoy music.The best thing I can say about it is that I tried my favourite music from a number of sources and just lost myself in the music. The amplifier is just a solid presence doing a competent job and not getting in the way at all, yet when you have to use either the remote or the amplifier controls it is a pleasure to use.

Bought the amp despite a few rumours about reliability and was very happy with it. Unfortunately now after two and a half years it has stopped working. Outside warranty so I will probably not bother trying to have it fixed. At this price I will be buying something from a different manufacturer.

I have bought many Quad products over the years. There is something about a Quad product that is consistent and it is mainly about the quality of sound. You will love their products so buy one of these amplifiers you will not be disappointed. They are a sturdy build with a good after sales service should you Need it. They are the closest approach to the original sound as Peter Walker the genius founder said all those years ago.

Look, it's made by Quad - how many stars do you think I'm going to give it - duh.Even though it lacks a balance control (which meant rearranging the furniture) it's still the best possible upgrade from my 303.

I bought the Vena2 with S1 speakers.Very occasionally it has a mis-step with very intense bass. Fussball by William Orbit for example. Aside from that, it's like silk pouring into your ears. It has a smooth, relaxed sound but pinpoint accuracy. It's beautifully musical and graceful.

Quad are well-known British hi-fi company with a generally eccentric attitude. The colour they chose for their early products was unusual - to say the least - and was one of the reasons I was attracted to them years ago. I used one of their FM4 tuners for more than thirty years, and it gave exemplary service, but now the local transmitters have been changed and so I have been forced to go computer. Thus, a requirement for Bluetooth. This works reasonably well, I've found in my short ownership of the Vena, but it does "spit" a lot, and advice regarding the overcoming of this would be welcome. My only complain regarding the Vena, so far, is the colour scheme on the front. (Red mahogahny version.) The lettering is dark grey on even darer grey - which makes things difficult to see. Also, the marking on the volume knob is so fine it is almost impossible to see where the volume is at.

Firstly I must confess I didn't purchase this through Amazon but from my local Hi-Fi dealer.I am a great fan of Quad equipment so I suppose I'm biased but if this amplifier cost double the price I would still call it a bargain.Used with my new Quad S5 speakers the sound is clear with great bass, excellent mid range and pin point stereo imaging.I suppose some would call it basic with no tone controls or displays apart from the indicator lights, but it is easy to set up and a pleasure to use and listen to with both music and TV. The blue-tooth connection to my phone is also great and allows me to listen to the BBC iplayer radio including "listen again" services and my all of my Amazon Prime library. My only negative comment would be that the volume control is not quite fine enough as it operates in steps and it is sometimes difficult to get it just right. That aside, if you are looking for a quality versatile amplifier/DAC to connect to various digital sources then don't hesitate!