Quad celebrates 78 years in business this year and with the launch of Vena: a compact integrated amplifier sporting a wide range of digital and analogue inputs, plus wireless streaming over Bluetooth with aptX support.

Just 313mm wide, the diminutive Vena updates the familiar Quad aesthetic, yet remains distinctly ‘Quad’. A row of source-selection buttons and a large volume control adorn its fascia.

Vena’s built-in DAC (Digital-to-Analogue Converter) incorporates the same 24-bit/192kHz chipset used in the company’s flagship Platinum CD plus a Class AB power amplifier section and a headphone source too.

Simplicity is key to Vena’s design say Quad and their engineers selected Bluetooth wireless transmission to ensure compatibility with the widest possible range of devices, and pairing the amp with smartphones, tablets, PCs and Macs is easy.

Inputs for digital source components comprise two optical and one coaxial, plus two asynchronous USB sockets: one Type A, the other Type B. The latter is the type most commonly used for connecting PCs/Macs to audio devices like Vena; the former allows Apple iDevices to be docked, charged and played via a cable connection. Digital outputs are also provided, in optical and coaxial flavours. Analogue signals are catered for by two stereo RCA inputs, while pre-out  sockets permit the addition of an external power amp. In terms of Bluetooth, support for the aptX codec ensures the best possible audio quality when streaming from suitably equipped devices.

Vena’s small footprint (compared to many amps in its class) allows flexible positioning and ensures the amp slips neatly into a range of environments. Vena is finished in Quad’s classic ‘Lancaster Grey’ as standard, and for those with more exotic tastes, three premium finishes are now also available – Piano Black, Piano White and Rosewood – ensuring Vena complements any domestic setting.

The standard Lancaster Grey finish has an RRP of £599.95, while the three premium finish options add £100 to the price tag.