QUAD Artera pre/power: Why this is a hidden gem

Ever so often, a piece of equipment seems to go under the radar. Sometimes it's down to the timing of its launch (when too many excellent products come on line at the same time), other times it's for a whole variety of reasons: too modern, too unconventional, too low priced, lack of shelf space in local retailers, to name but a few. For me, The QUAD Artera Pre and Stereo / Mono blocks are a very good example of this. In this video, I explore this duo and try to give them context in a very crowded market.

Topics covered:
00:00 - Intro
03:35 - A Short History of QUAD
09:23 - The QUAD Artera Pre
19:05 - The QUAD Artera Mono / Stereo

Content Links:
Spotify Link to intro & outro music: ‘Philia’ taken from The Four Loves, by Stefan Meylaers:

Video recording
Sony FX30
Sound Recording:
Sennheiser ME-2 lavalier microphone with XSW-D wireless kit, coupled to a Zoom H6 with MSH-6 capsule activated
About Pearl Acoustics:

Erratum: At 07:42 the photo shown is of Peter J Walker with Lord Gowrie and not his son, as mentioned in the video.

Disclosure: All comments and claims in this video are the opinion of the presenter and are given independently of any external company or organisation. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the presenter does not receive any payment, gifts or other incentives from any of the companies featured in this video. All equipment in this video has either been purchased by the presenter or is on loan to him expressly for the making of this video. Please note: all facts, figures, prices and technical specifications are quoted on a best-efforts basis for accuracy, no liability can be accepted for any errors therein. Thank you.

[RobertBlane-lwkn]

Sir, with the greatest of respect, I would like to point out that you are one of the best audio equipment reviewers on the planet, your reviews are always informative, accurate, articulate and your quiet/calm demeanor and exceptionally polite manner make listening to your reviews very interesting, entertaining therewith compulsive viewing. Between the very respected Tarun Sharma (A British Audiophile) and yourself, Mr Lovegrove, YouTube is well catered for in possessing solid, dependable and trustworthy benchmark reviews courtesy of honest ambassadors for this enthralling hobby. As always, we enjoy not only the music but also benefit from your brilliant wisdom and experience. Thank you so much Sir. Sincerest regards from a fellow audio enthusiast, Robert Blane. (Edited for a typo and to add a couple of extra words.)

[richardparnell]

Many thanks for the review and the background on Quad. Your enthusiasm for music and for audio is a delight!

[paulmorrison]

Thank you Harley, it's a real joy to listen to your calm and informative reviews - no swearing, no click bait, and no silliness; you are a rare treat on YouTube these days!

[colinmaynard]

I’m loving the Artera Stereo in my system. It sits between the Edge NQ and Spendor D7.2’s very nicely. Previously running a 909, but this lacked XLR inputs (has the Quadlink) is band limited and broke down to a roaring hiss after n20years. Still just drove round to the Quad Huntington IAG House, rang the back door bell and handed to an engineer, now have a fully repaired “spare” for £75+parts. Great guys to chat with and yes they were servicing esl57’s etc. Apparently one of their problems is obtaining quality analogue test equipment.

[peterraj]

In today's world, Harley is a gem. I recently learned of this channel as I am making by way back in hi-fi after a brief move away to the world of IEMs and portable audiophile gear. I binge-watched every video this gentleman has put out in the last week or so. You will be hard-pressed to obtain this kind of knowledge coupled with real-world experience that spans decades. A lot of information has been passed along in this industry tainted with personal opinion, which has gone on later to be a source of authority. Harley is one of the few who can simplify and present relatively complex matters (audio-related) in a more digestible form to the masses. I felt compelled to say this of him because these are things that lay the foundation of one's sound understanding of this subject matter.

I have a modest setup comprising a pair of Focal speakers and a Primare Pre Amplifier feeding into a vintage NAD 208 THX power amplifier. I was considering the Quad Pre Amps before going with the Primare. As Harley has said, the Quads are built like tanks. I won't be surprised at all if the NAD 208s(The only ones that were made in England) were manufactured by them as well. If I get the opportunity, I will pair the Quad Pre with the Nad 208s in the near future.

Thank you very much for your contribution to this community, Harley. When I am in UK, I will stop by to audition your speakers. Till then, take care my friend.

[ianorigbo]

Just at the right time. I made an order of the Artera stereo power amp a week ago based on recommendation from a few friends online. Should get it in a few days, can't wait.
Brilliant review as always.

[peterbriggs]

Aaagh why I didn't go back and revisit Quad before purchasing a Naim. The value for money and build quality. I loved the quad sound. 😮

[TonySciame]

Harley, thanks again. I bought the pre a few weeks ago based upon your video, and it hasn't disappointed me at all. It paired very nicely with my old VTL Compact 100's. The Artera mono's are on my wish list... 😊

[raymondallo]

I am so happy that Quad gets a good review. I started with the QUAD 33/303 when I was 21 and I have been a QUAD fan ever since. I had brief affair with a Luxman set on the side, but QUAD has always been my comfort. As you say there are better sets but price wise it goes nuts. I had my 66/606 upgraded internally and sounds even better now. I will be buying the Artera pre and power this year. My 66/606 will go to my study. QUAD was always the right fit for me personally. And as they say when you are on good wicked, why change. QUAD has been in my house now for 47 years. Enough said.

[DonHamlin]

Your reviews are absolutely the most enjoyable and informative I’ve seen on YouTube. You always seem to pick gear that I’m interested in as well.

[Trebor]

Excellent video! It’s a joy to watch and listen to Harley!

[ronniecramer]

I watch all your videos, even though I probably won't ever buy any of the items you review, because I'm very happy with my current system. I love your delivery and honesty.

[rongreen]

A welcome change from the brashness and hyperbole of most reviewers, particularly American . Thank you for an interesting and informative video, it’s much appreciated.

[artzivon]

Damn that was a good review ! I truly enjoyed it and have lot's of good insight of those product. Thanks .

[andreasmarx]

Maybe You can call me a QUAD Nerd😅.I have them nearly all: 22, 33, 44, Artera, Quad II, 303, 405, FM 2, 3, 4, and The New 33, and, of course the ESL 57 (and some more speakers from Rogers, Dynaudio and Dali) Actually my absolute favorite combination on my main system is the new 33 pre with the Quad II amps and the ESL 57 loudspeakers. Turntable is a EMT 938 and CD is a McIntosh 7009 which also sounds amazing on the new 33. so Í am very excited on your Video about the comparaison of the old and new 33/303 systems.

[dbert]

harley, you're reviews, for me are so sybaritic ! greetings from connecticut, USA!

[jos]

Happy to see Harley again😊 with this video! I love this old English brand, but fortunately, I still love my Yamaha A-S2100 amplifier too. Thanks for this very informative video!

[isnerdy]

The qualities that you laud about this combo (aside from tone controls) are very much what drew me toward my Naim NAC-82 & NAP-250.2 combo. Now of course the NAC-82 has been discontinued for many years, as is recently the case with its successor, the NAC-282. An updated version of the NAP-250 is still being made, and the current equivalent preamplifier is the NAC-332. These are now well out of the price range of the Quad components, but for those who are willing to look for used previous models, the current prices are astonishingly good for the level of performance you get.

[hamidrezahabibi]

Thank you 🙏🏼 for yet another amazing review of magnificent pieces of audiophile art 🖼️

[harrisedgar]

Just wonderful as usual..!!! Thank you.