Audio T Verdict
The QUAD Artera Solus manages to fit an unusually complete Hi-Fi system into one beautifully understated box. Add a pair of suitable passive loudspeakers and you have CD playback, high-resolution digital conversion, computer audio, Bluetooth, analogue sources, headphones and 75W-per-channel amplification ready to go.
What makes it more interesting than a conventional all-in-one is how much flexibility remains underneath that simplicity. The ESS ES9018 DAC can be used by external digital sources, there are both RCA and balanced XLR variable pre-outs if you later want to add separate power amplification, and coaxial and optical digital outputs are provided if you decide to use another DAC.
For someone with a substantial CD collection who also wants high-resolution computer audio and straightforward Bluetooth without committing to a built-in network-streaming platform, the Artera Solus remains an elegant and remarkably comprehensive system hub.
QUAD Artera Solus
The QUAD Artera Solus combines a CD player, high-resolution DAC, analogue preamplifier and stereo power amplifier within a single compact chassis.
It is designed as a complete 'just add speakers' Hi-Fi system while still providing enough inputs and outputs to accommodate external streamers, computers, televisions with suitable digital audio outputs, other analogue sources, headphones and future power-amplifier upgrades.
- All-in-one CD and amplifier system
- Slot-loading CD mechanism
- Electronic CD data buffering
- ESS ES9018 Sabre32 Reference DAC
- 32-bit DAC architecture
- 75W per channel into 8 ohms
- USB-B computer audio input
- PCM playback up to 32-bit/384kHz via USB
- DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256 support
- Two optical digital inputs
- Two coaxial digital inputs
- aptX Bluetooth
- Two stereo RCA analogue line inputs
- Variable RCA preamplifier outputs
- Variable balanced XLR outputs
- Optical digital output
- Coaxial digital output
- 6.3mm headphone output
- Four selectable digital filters
- 12V trigger output
- Touch-sensitive front controls
- Compact aluminium and glass enclosure
- Aluminium Black or Aluminium Silver
A Complete Hi-Fi System in One Chassis
The Solus brings together functions that would traditionally require several separate components.
CD Player
- Slot-loading transport
- Electronic data buffering
- Internal ESS DAC
- No separate CD player required
High-Resolution DAC
- ESS ES9018 Sabre32 Reference
- USB PCM to 384kHz
- DSD256 support
- Optical and coaxial inputs
Preamplifier
- Two analogue line inputs
- Volume control
- RCA pre-outs
- Balanced XLR outputs
Power Amplifier
- 75W per channel into 8 ohms
- Stereo loudspeaker outputs
- Dedicated internal amplification
- Passive speakers connect directly
Just Add Speakers
Unlike the Artera Play+ or Artera Pre, the Solus contains its own stereo power amplifier.
That means you do not need a separate Artera Stereo, Artera Mono or other external power amplifier to build a complete system.
Connect a suitable pair of passive loudspeakers to the rear binding posts and the Solus can operate as a complete source and amplifier system.
75W Per Channel
QUAD rates the internal amplifier at 75W per channel into 8 ohms.
This provides significantly more useful loudspeaker-driving capability than many lifestyle-style music systems while retaining the compact 320mm-wide Artera format.
QUAD specifies amplifier frequency response within ±0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz, with a signal-to-noise ratio greater than 110dB A-weighted referenced to 75W.
Is 75 Watts Enough?
That depends on your loudspeakers, room and listening habits. Speaker sensitivity and impedance, listening distance and desired playback level are more useful than wattage alone when deciding whether an amplifier is suitable. Audio T can help match the Solus to appropriate speakers before you buy.
Dedicated Stereo Speaker Outputs
A conventional stereo pair of loudspeaker binding posts allows the Solus to drive passive speakers directly.
Correct polarity should be maintained between amplifier and loudspeaker connections to preserve bass performance and stereo imaging.
ESS ES9018 Sabre32 Reference DAC
The digital heart of the Artera Solus is the ESS ES9018 Sabre32 Reference, an eight-channel 32-bit hybrid multi-bit Delta-Sigma DAC.
The same converter handles the internal CD source and compatible digital signals arriving from an external computer, streamer, television audio output, CD transport or other digital source.
This means an external digital component can take advantage of the Solus DAC rather than necessarily relying on its own digital-to-analogue converter.
USB Audio up to 32-bit/384kHz
The rear USB-B input is designed for direct computer audio from a compatible PC or Mac.
QUAD specifies PCM support up to 32-bit/384kHz, considerably beyond conventional CD's 16-bit/44.1kHz format.
That makes the Solus suitable for high-resolution music libraries and compatible computer playback software as well as ordinary CD-quality files.
USB-B Is the Audio Connection
Computer audio connects through USB-B. Do not confuse this with any service or update connection intended for firmware maintenance.
DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256
USB playback also supports Direct Stream Digital.
QUAD lists compatibility with:
The Solus can therefore act as a high-resolution computer DAC as well as a CD-based music system.
Two Optical Digital Inputs
Two TOSLINK optical inputs allow external digital equipment to use the internal ESS DAC.
Possible sources include:
- Network streamers
- Televisions with compatible PCM optical output
- Games consoles
- CD transports
- Other digital audio sources
QUAD specifies digital S/PDIF operation from 44.1kHz to 192kHz.
Two Coaxial Digital Inputs
Two RCA coaxial S/PDIF inputs provide an electrical alternative to optical connection.
These also support compatible sample rates from 44.1kHz to 192kHz.
For coaxial digital connection we recommend using a purpose-designed 75-ohm digital cable rather than treating the socket as an ordinary analogue RCA input.
Five Wired Digital Inputs
In total, the Solus provides five wired digital inputs:
- 2 x optical TOSLINK
- 2 x coaxial RCA
- 1 x USB-B
This makes it possible to build a surprisingly extensive digital system around a single amplifier chassis.
Digital Outputs Too
The Solus is not restricted to using its internal ESS converter.
It also provides:
- 1 x optical TOSLINK digital output
- 1 x coaxial RCA digital output
These can be useful where a digital signal needs to be passed to another compatible DAC, recorder or processor.
Buffered Slot-Loading CD Mechanism
Physical CD playback remains a major part of the Solus design.
The slot-loading transport electronically buffers the data recovered from the disc before passing it asynchronously to the DAC stage.
This helps separate the mechanical process of reading the disc from the timing requirements of digital-to-analogue conversion.
Why Buffer CD Data?
A compact disc is a mechanical optical medium. The laser and servo system must follow a rotating disc while recovering the digital information stored in its track.
Buffering creates a degree of separation between that mechanical retrieval process and the precisely timed digital signal presented to the DAC.
QUAD specifically identifies reduction of time-domain errors such as jitter as one of the aims of this arrangement.
Four Selectable Digital Filters
The ESS DAC implementation provides four selectable digital-filter options.
These allow the reconstruction behaviour of the DAC to be altered subtly for both CD and suitable external digital sources.
The effect is considerably subtler than a conventional bass or treble control, so we recommend starting with the default setting and experimenting only after becoming familiar with the system.
What Does a DAC Filter Change?
A digital reconstruction filter affects how the DAC deals with information around the upper limit of the digital audio bandwidth, including roll-off and time-domain behaviour. It does not change the recording itself and there is no single setting that every listener must prefer.
aptX Bluetooth
Bluetooth provides an easy wireless connection for compatible smartphones, tablets and computers.
QUAD specifies support for the aptX codec where the transmitting device also supports it.
This makes the Solus convenient for casual listening and guests without needing another wireless receiver.
aptX, Not aptX HD
QUAD's current specification states aptX for the Artera Solus. It does not specify aptX HD, so Audio T does not advertise aptX HD compatibility for this model.
Bluetooth Is Not Network Streaming
The standard Artera Solus does not contain DTS Play-Fi, Wi-Fi or Ethernet network streaming.
If you want app-controlled network streaming built into the chassis, the QUAD Artera Solus Play is the network-enabled version.
If you prefer to choose your own streamer, the standard Solus makes that straightforward through its optical, coaxial or analogue inputs.
Why Choose the Standard Solus?
Not everyone wants their streaming platform permanently built into an amplifier.
Using an external streamer means that network functionality can be changed independently as services and technologies develop, while the CD player, DAC and amplifier remain in place.
The standard Solus therefore makes particular sense for customers who primarily value CD, digital connectivity and Bluetooth but prefer to choose their own network source.
Two Analogue Line Inputs
AUX1 and AUX2 provide two stereo RCA line-level inputs.
These are suitable for sources including:
- A network streamer using its own DAC
- A tuner
- An external phono stage
- A cassette deck
- Another analogue source
There Is No Built-In Turntable Phono Stage
AUX1 and AUX2 are line-level RCA inputs. A conventional turntable requires an external MM or MC phono stage unless the turntable itself provides a suitable line-level output.
Connect a Turntable
Adding vinyl is straightforward even though there is no phono stage inside the Solus.
Connect the turntable to an appropriate external phono stage, then connect that phono stage to AUX1 or AUX2.
This also allows you to choose a phono stage specifically matched to your cartridge rather than being tied to a fixed internal implementation.
Variable RCA Preamplifier Outputs
The Solus provides stereo RCA preamplifier outputs with level controlled by the Solus volume setting.
QUAD specifies a variable output range of 0 to 4Vrms at 1kHz.
This makes it possible to add an external power amplifier while retaining the Solus as your CD player, DAC, Bluetooth receiver and system controller.
Balanced XLR Preamplifier Outputs
Balanced XLR outputs are also provided.
QUAD specifies a variable balanced output range of 0 to 8Vrms at 1kHz.
Balanced connection can be particularly useful with suitably designed external power amplifiers or longer analogue cable runs.
A Genuine Upgrade Path
The preamplifier outputs mean buying an all-in-one system does not trap you inside the original power-amplifier section forever.
You can begin with the internal 75W-per-channel amplifier and later introduce:
- A separate stereo power amplifier
- A pair of monoblock amplifiers
- Suitable active loudspeakers
- Another system requiring a variable analogue feed
The Solus can then continue to perform source selection, CD playback, digital conversion and volume control.
Partner the Artera Stereo
The QUAD Artera Stereo is an obvious upgrade if you want to retain matching Artera styling while moving loudspeaker amplification into a separate chassis.
It provides 140W per channel into 8 ohms and accepts both RCA and balanced XLR signals.
Or Move to Artera Mono
A pair of QUAD Artera Mono Power Amplifiers provides an even more substantial upgrade route.
Each Artera Mono drives one loudspeaker channel and delivers 300W into 8 ohms or 400W into 4 ohms.
The Solus can continue to provide the source and preamplifier functionality while the external monoblocks handle loudspeaker power.
Headphone Listening
A front-mounted 6.3mm headphone socket allows private listening without adding a separate headphone source.
QUAD's current Solus specification confirms the headphone output but does not publish a numerical recommended headphone-impedance range or rated output power, so those figures are deliberately not assumed here.
Preamp Performance
QUAD specifies the variable preamplifier section with:
- Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz within ±0.2dB
- Total harmonic distortion: less than 0.002% from 20Hz to 20kHz
- A-weighted signal-to-noise ratio: greater than 104dB, referenced to 1V at maximum volume
- Channel separation: greater than 100dB at 1kHz
These figures are particularly relevant if the Solus is eventually used primarily as a source and preamplifier feeding external power amplification.
Power-Amplifier Performance
The built-in amplifier section is specified with:
- Rated output: 75W per channel into 8 ohms
- Frequency response: ±0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz
- Total harmonic distortion: less than 0.009% at the manufacturer's stated 10W test condition
- Signal-to-noise ratio: greater than 110dB A-weighted, referenced to 75W
- Channel separation: greater than 82dB A-weighted, referenced to 1W
- A-weighted dynamic range: 98dB
Use the Solus as a DAC
You do not have to use the internal CD player to benefit from the ESS converter.
An external streamer, computer or other compatible digital source can connect through USB, coaxial or optical and use the ES9018 DAC instead of its own analogue stage.
This is particularly useful if the source is primarily a digital transport.
Use an External DAC
The reverse is also possible.
The coaxial and optical digital outputs allow compatible digital information to leave the Solus for processing by another DAC or digital component.
That flexibility means the Solus can remain useful even if the digital side of your system evolves.
Connect a Television
The Solus does not have HDMI ARC, but many televisions provide an optical digital audio output.
A compatible TV can therefore be connected to one of the Solus optical inputs, provided the television is configured to output a supported two-channel PCM signal rather than an incompatible surround bitstream.
Connect an External Streamer
A standalone network streamer can be connected in several ways:
- Coaxial: use the Solus ES9018 DAC
- Optical: use the Solus ES9018 DAC
- RCA analogue: use the streamer's own DAC
This allows you to choose which digital-to-analogue conversion stage you prefer.
Solus or Solus Play?
The two models share the same broad all-in-one philosophy, but there is one fundamental difference.
Artera Solus
- CD player
- ESS ES9018 DAC
- 75W-per-channel amplifier
- aptX Bluetooth
- USB, optical and coaxial inputs
- No built-in network streaming
- Add the streamer of your choice
Artera Solus Play
- CD player
- ESS ES9018 DAC
- 75W-per-channel amplifier
- aptX Bluetooth
- USB, optical and coaxial inputs
- DTS Play-Fi network streaming
- Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity
Choose the standard Solus if you are happy with CD, Bluetooth and external digital sources or prefer to select your own network streamer. Choose Solus Play if integrated network streaming is a priority.
Solus or QUAD 3?
Both are compact QUAD integrated amplifiers, but they take different approaches to system building.
Artera Solus
- 75W per channel into 8 ohms
- Built-in slot-loading CD player
- ESS ES9018 DAC
- USB up to 384kHz
- DSD256
- aptX Bluetooth
- No built-in phono stage
QUAD 3
- 65W per channel into 8 ohms
- No built-in CD mechanism
- ESS ES9038Q2M DAC
- USB up to 768kHz
- DSD512
- aptX HD Bluetooth
- MM phono input
- HDMI ARC
The Artera Solus makes particular sense if physical CD playback is central to the system. The QUAD 3 is the newer connectivity-led alternative if HDMI ARC and an integrated MM phono stage matter more.
Solus or Artera Play+?
Artera Solus
- CD player
- DAC
- Preamplifier
- 75W-per-channel power amplifier
- Drives passive speakers directly
Artera Play+
- CD player
- DAC
- Preamplifier
- No internal power amplifier
- Requires external power amplification
If you want the simplest possible Artera system, the Solus is the obvious choice. The Play+ makes more sense if you already own or specifically want separate power amplification.
Compact Artera Design
The Solus measures 320 x 320 x 105mm and weighs 11.84kg.
Its compact footprint hides a considerable amount of electronics: disc mechanism, digital conversion, analogue preamplifier, power amplification, Bluetooth and multiple input/output interfaces all share the same enclosure.
Aluminium and Glass Construction
The Artera design combines a textured aluminium front panel with sculpted side sections and the substantial glass top associated with the range.
The clean fascia and touch-sensitive controls allow the Solus to retain a much simpler appearance than its feature list would suggest.
Black or Silver
The Artera Solus is available in:
- Aluminium Black
- Aluminium Silver
Key Features
- QUAD Artera Solus
- Complete all-in-one Hi-Fi system
- CD player
- ESS ES9018 Sabre32 Reference DAC
- Analogue preamplifier
- Built-in stereo power amplifier
- 75W per channel into 8 ohms
- Slot-loading CD transport
- Electronic CD data buffering
- 32-bit DAC architecture
- USB PCM up to 384kHz
- DSD64 support
- DSD128 support
- DSD256 support
- aptX Bluetooth
- Two optical digital inputs
- Two coaxial digital inputs
- USB-B computer audio
- Two RCA analogue inputs
- Optical digital output
- Coaxial digital output
- Variable RCA pre-outs
- Variable balanced XLR outputs
- 0 to 4Vrms RCA pre-output
- 0 to 8Vrms balanced output
- 6.3mm headphone socket
- Four selectable digital filters
- S/PDIF up to 192kHz
- Stereo loudspeaker binding posts
- 12V trigger output
- Less than 0.5W standby consumption
- Touch-sensitive controls
- Aluminium and glass enclosure
- Aluminium Black finish
- Aluminium Silver finish
- 11.84kg net weight
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the QUAD Artera Solus still current?
Yes. QUAD continues to list the Artera Solus in its current Artera Series and product navigation.
What is the QUAD Artera Solus?
It is an all-in-one Hi-Fi system combining a CD player, ESS DAC, analogue preamplifier, Bluetooth and 75W-per-channel stereo power amplifier.
Can it drive passive speakers directly?
Yes. The Solus contains its own stereo power amplifier and conventional loudspeaker outputs.
How powerful is it?
QUAD rates the Solus at 75W per channel into 8 ohms.
Does QUAD publish a 4-ohm power figure?
QUAD's current Solus specification does not publish a separate 4-ohm rated output, so Audio T does not quote one.
Does it have a CD player?
Yes. A slot-loading CD mechanism is built in.
Does the CD mechanism buffer the data?
Yes. QUAD states that recovered disc data is buffered before being fed asynchronously to the DAC section.
What DAC does it use?
An ESS ES9018 Sabre32 Reference 32-bit DAC.
What is the maximum USB PCM resolution?
Up to 32-bit/384kHz via USB-B.
Does it support DSD?
Yes. QUAD specifies DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256 compatibility.
Does it have Bluetooth?
Yes. Bluetooth with aptX support is built in.
Does it support aptX HD?
QUAD specifies aptX rather than aptX HD for the standard Artera Solus.
Does the Artera Solus have Wi-Fi?
No network Wi-Fi streaming is specified for the standard Solus.
Does it have DTS Play-Fi?
No. DTS Play-Fi is the key additional network-streaming feature of the Artera Solus Play.
Can I add an external streamer?
Yes. A streamer can connect through optical, coaxial or analogue RCA depending on which component's DAC you want to use.
How many digital inputs are there?
Five wired digital inputs: two optical, two coaxial and one USB-B.
What resolution do the optical and coaxial inputs support?
QUAD specifies digital input and output sampling rates from 44.1kHz to 192kHz.
Does it have digital outputs?
Yes. One optical and one coaxial digital output are provided.
How many analogue inputs are there?
Two stereo RCA line inputs, AUX1 and AUX2.
Does it have a turntable phono stage?
No. A conventional turntable requires a suitable external phono stage unless the turntable itself provides line-level output.
Can I connect a turntable?
Yes. Connect the turntable through an external MM or MC phono stage to AUX1 or AUX2.
Does it have a headphone socket?
Yes. A 6.3mm headphone jack is fitted.
Which headphone impedances are supported?
QUAD does not publish a numerical recommended headphone-impedance range in the current Solus specification, so Audio T does not quote one.
Does it have RCA pre-outs?
Yes. Variable RCA preamplifier outputs are provided.
What is the maximum RCA pre-output?
QUAD specifies a variable range from 0 to 4Vrms at 1kHz.
Does it have balanced outputs?
Yes. A stereo pair of balanced XLR outputs is provided.
What is the maximum balanced output?
QUAD specifies a variable range from 0 to 8Vrms at 1kHz.
Can I add an external power amplifier?
Yes. The variable RCA or balanced XLR preamplifier outputs can feed a suitable external power amplifier.
Can I use the Artera Stereo with it?
Yes. The Artera Stereo is a natural matching external power amplifier and accepts both RCA and balanced XLR signals.
Can I use Artera Monos?
Yes. A stereo system requires two Artera Monos, one for each loudspeaker.
Does the Solus have selectable DAC filters?
Yes. QUAD specifies four digital-filter options.
Can the Solus work with a television?
There is no HDMI ARC, but a compatible television can be connected to an optical input if it provides a suitable two-channel PCM digital output.
Does it have a 12V trigger?
Yes. QUAD's Artera Series documentation specifies a 12V trigger output as part of the Solus connectivity.
What is the preamplifier frequency response?
20Hz to 20kHz within ±0.2dB.
What is the preamplifier THD?
Less than 0.002% from 20Hz to 20kHz.
What is the power-amplifier frequency response?
20Hz to 20kHz within ±0.5dB.
What is standby consumption?
Less than 0.5W.
How big is the Artera Solus?
320mm wide, 320mm deep and 105mm high.
How much does it weigh?
11.84kg net.
What finishes are available?
Aluminium Black and Aluminium Silver.
What is the difference between Artera Solus and Solus Play?
Both combine CD, DAC, preamplifier, Bluetooth and 75W-per-channel amplification. Solus Play additionally incorporates DTS Play-Fi network streaming with Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity.
Related QUAD Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy the QUAD Artera Solus From Audio T?
An all-in-one amplifier still needs to be matched properly to the rest of the system. Loudspeaker sensitivity and impedance, room size, external digital sources, turntable requirements and even whether you are better served by the standard Solus or network-enabled Solus Play can all affect the right choice.
Audio T can demonstrate the Solus with suitable loudspeakers, help integrate an external streamer or turntable and advise on future upgrades through its RCA and balanced XLR preamplifier outputs.
- In-store demonstrations
- Loudspeaker matching
- Speaker sensitivity and impedance advice
- CD playback demonstrations
- USB audio setup guidance
- External streamer integration
- Optical and coaxial digital setup
- Bluetooth pairing guidance
- External phono-stage advice
- Turntable integration
- Digital-filter guidance
- RCA versus balanced XLR advice
- External power-amplifier upgrade planning
- Artera Stereo and Artera Mono demonstrations
- Solus versus Solus Play comparison
- System installation advice
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss whether the QUAD Artera Solus is the right one-box system for your CDs, digital sources and loudspeakers.