Quad Artera Pre

The Quad Artera Pre is a preamplifier of uncompromising intent — the command centre of Quad's flagship Artera range, and the component around which a world-class analogue and digital system can be built. Designed to sit at the apex of a signal chain that demands the highest standards of resolution, channel separation and tonal accuracy, the Artera Pre handles every source with equal authority, from phono cartridge to high-resolution digital stream.

The Artera Pre accepts a comprehensive array of inputs, managing them through a circuit architecture that prioritises signal purity at every stage. The volume control, input switching and gain stages are engineered to add nothing and subtract nothing — preserving the full dynamic range and low-level detail of the finest source components without colouration or compression. Balanced XLR outputs connect directly to the Quad Artera Stereo power amplifier with an incomparable signal-to-noise ratio, or to the Quad Artera Mono monoblocks for those seeking the ultimate in current delivery and channel separation.

The Artera Pre shares the distinctive aesthetic of every component in the Artera family — a compact 32×32cm footprint housing a textured aluminium front panel, a thick glass top and CNC-routed heat sinks on either side. The touch-sensitive controls are built into a circular OLED display, giving the Artera Pre a minimalist, considered appearance that evokes Quad's long history of industrial design restraint while looking entirely contemporary. A full-function remote control is included.

The Artera range is conceived as a coherent system. The Artera Pre pairs naturally with the Quad Artera Stereo for a compact and extraordinarily capable stereo amplification system, or with the Quad Artera Mono monoblocks for a no-compromise approach to power delivery. For those whose system includes a CD source, the Quad 3CDT CD transport completes the picture with the same engineering integrity and visual coherence.

Buying from Martins Hi-Fi

Martins Hi-Fi has been in Norwich since 1968. Elizabeth Gould runs the business today, and we stock only brands we have heard properly and stand behind. The Quad Artera Pre is available to hear in our Norwich showroom — speak to Dave or Chris to arrange a full Artera system demonstration at your convenience.

Contact us at info@martinshifi.co.uk, call 01603 627010, or WhatsApp on 07554 687137. You can read more about how we work on our Why Martins Hi-Fi page. We are at 85–91 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY.