It looks like United Kingdom hi-fi stalwart, speaker, and amplifier designer/manufacturer legend Quad has been busy indeed. Jonathan Derda of MoFi Distribution gave me a heads-up this morning that Quad will be making their North American debut of the VA-One EL-84-based integrated amplifier at CES in Las Vegas next week. What made this valve amp catch my eye immediately was it’s modern design, and small footprint. An integrated amp that doesn’t take up much space is a boon for urban music lovers with apartments where square footage is scarce. Quad will be demoing a number of products in Vegas so I’ll be following up for readers with some hands-on time with the VA-One when I hit Nevada for Part-time Audiophile starting next Thursday.
–Rafe Arnott
Below is information from Mofi, and Quad:
The VA-One utilizes two EL-84 valves per channels in a push-pull configuration, and delivers 15 watts x 2, enough power to drive most modern speakers to a healthy volume while delivering musical detail and rich tone. The preamp stage uses a pair of 12AU7s and one 12AX7 triode. Sources can be connected to the VA-One via analogue RCA, USB, optical, coax digital, or via wireless aptX Bluetooth. This versatile integrated drives both speakers and headphones, and features a built-in DAC with support for 24/192 high-resolution audio.
The VA-One chassis and removable tube cage is finished in classic Lancaster Grey. The motorized volume knob and all input functions can be controlled by the included remote. Its compact size lends it to becoming the heart of a high performance desktop system, yet it is equally suited to running a traditional HiFi in a living room.
The VA-One will be demonstrated at CES January 5th – 8th, in the TAD / MoFi Distribution room Venetian Suites 30-139.
Specifications:
Type: Integrated amplifier
Rated power output: 2 x 15W RMS (6Ω), 2 x 12W RMS (8Ω/4Ω)
Frequency response: 20Hz – 50kHz (-3dB)
Total harmonic distortion: .50%
Signal-to-noise ration: 90dB
Inputs: 1 x RCA, 1 x OPT, 1 x COAX, 1 x USB-B, aptX Bluetooth
Valves: 1 x ECC83, 2 x ECC82, 4 x EL84EH
External Dimensions (inches): 7.09 (W) x 7.05 (H) x 13.19 (D)
Weight: 23.81 pounds
I didn’t see anything about where it is built? I’m assuming at the price it is British design and China built? Feature set is solid for price. Love to see the inside
Says made in china on the back directly below the serial number box.
Wade, If you look carefully at the image of the rear, you can see the “Made In China” text under the speaker binding posts.