Quad Vena II Play Announced

The renowned British audio brand has announced the new Vena II Play. The updated component brings Wi-Fi connectivity to the table via the Play-Fi platform for a £150 premium.

The result is that the Quad Vena II Play now covers all bases from traditional hi-fi sources to wireless streaming via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It also gets the bragging rights to being the first Quad product to embrace Wi-Fi streaming.

Aside from the new wi-Fi skills, the Vena II Play looks pretty much unchanged when compared to its predecessor which, incidentally, will remain available. However, the more eagle-eyed amongst you will spot the word 'Play' on its fascia denoting Play-Fi integration and a 'NET' button.

Also, there's an array of white LEDs around the rotary control to indicate volume level.

Naturally, the well-appointed connectivity options of the Vena II are retained. So, USB, coaxial and optical digital inputs, as well as aptX Bluetooth reception go through a high-res ES9018K2M DAC. Additionally, a range of analogue inputs, including a phono stage for turntables, and dedicated headphone amp circuitry are all present and correct.

Play-Fi Streaming and Multi-Room

However, the main news is the inclusion of Play-Fi. Developed by DTS, Play-Fi is an app-controlled platform enabling high-quality, whole-home wireless audio. Moreover, it enables hi-res music streaming up to 24-bit/192kHz. Also, the platform is supported by a greater range of established audio brands than any other wireless platform.

Play-Fi provides access to a wealth of internet music services – Spotify, Tidal, HDtracks, Deezer, Qobuz, Amazon Music, Napster, TuneIn, iHeartRadio and SiriusXM, to name a few. Users might choose to browse a radio guide listing thousands of internet radio stations and podcasts – favourite stations and playlists can be assigned to preset 'buttons' within the app – or stream from a DLNA-compatible NAS drive or media server.

Alexa Voice Control

Finally, WWA (Works With Alexa) enables voice control of your hi-fi by merely linking your Play-Fi component with any Alexa-equipped device, such as an Amazon Echo or Echo Dot.

Price and availability

Finished in Quad's classic Lancaster Grey, the Vena II Play is on sale from November at an RRP of £799.

Check out our informative piece about DTS Play-Fi.

For more information, go to Quad.