Quad has been designing and making high-quality amplifiers for decades, the Quad Vena 2 is one of them, with significant sonic improvements over its predecessor. Built with newer components and features, the Quad Vena 2 is made to cope with the modern demands of today’s music listenings. Are you a proud owner of this Quad Vena 2 and are currently on the lookout for the best speakers which you can go for and match them with this talented amplifier? If is yes, then please continue to read on.
We will be introducing the best speakers to match with the Quad Vena 2 but first, we need to find out more about the integrated amplifier. We need to learn more about their sonic strengths and characteristics, also if they have any limitations where a speaker can help to complement or overcome. Without further ado, let’s start, shall we.
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Sonic Characteristics and Performances of Quad Vena 2
The Quad Vena 2 is a compact integrated amplifier with a small footprint that allows it to fit nicely in small listening rooms with little available space. The sleek minimalistic design and the various color options to choose from also helps the amplifier to blend in nicely with most speakers. The Quad Vena 2 may be small in size but they have a hefty amount of power to boot. The Class AB amplifier has an upgraded and new 200VA toroidal transformer, with plenty of reservoir capacity (Total: 30,000uF). The RMS power output is 45 Watts into 8 Ohms and 65 Watts into 4 Ohms per channel, these specs indicate that the Vena 2 can handle most bookshelf speakers with ease.
They also have very low distortion, the total harmonic distortion (THD) is only <0.005% (30 Watts, 8 Ohms) which is terrific. The frequency response of Quad Vena 2 is very stable at 20Hz-20kHz (+/- 0.5dB). It will be quite pointless to get speakers that go way too above the 20kHz frequency range though thus filtering out some of the potential loudspeakers. This integrated amp comes built-in with a powerful DAC, ESS Sabre32 ES9018K2M with maximum sampling frequency via a USB connection, 384kHz PCM; DSD256, and Optical/Coaxial input, 192kHz PCM. Allowing you to play high-res audio files from your digital source.
More Details at Amazon – QUAD Vena II
There is also aptX Bluetooth, where you can stream your music from your mobile devices and PC/MAC at high audio quality. Turntable users will be delighted to know there is a new MM phono input for some high-quality vinyl playbacks. The Quad Vena 2 is really packed with a lot of useful features. The clean sound quality is excellent, with the quietest of background, even when played at high volumes, there are no real audible noises. The handling of the music transients and peaks are class-leading, this compact amplifier really packs a punch as it sounds bigger than expected.
The bass can be a little tighter though but still performs well with the rest of the frequency. If you want a little more impact on the low frequency, you might want to add an active subwoofer via the pre-out, as it will also ease the load off from Quad Vena 2 when producing deep bass. The stereo imaging is good as well. The overall sound reproduction is smooth and natural sounding with a warmth that makes it very pleasing to the ears. The rich full sound quality really makes the Quad Vena 2 sound refined and musical, still, a little more details will be even better. At this price point, we shouldn’t nitpick and it was really an enjoyable music listening experience.
The Quad Vena 2 may be compact in size and modest in power, but the way they deliver your favorite tunes is not lightweight at all. It is a worthy successor of the original Vena, and if we were to choose, we will definitely pick the Vena 2. Now, all it needs are matching speakers to show off its sonic prowess and with all this data, we can finally introduce to you the list of the best speakers to pair with the Quad Vena 2 integrated amplifier.
Quad Vena 2 Specifications
- Power Outputs: 45 Watts RMS into 8 Ohms and 65 Watts RMS into 4 Ohms per channel
- Frequency Response: 20Hz– 20kHz (+/- 0.5dB)
- DAC: ESS Sabre32 ES9018K2M, 384kHz PCM; DSD256 (USB) and 192kHz PCM (Optical/Coaxial)
- Total harmonic distortion: <0.005% (30 Watts, 8 Ohms)
- Inputs: 2x RCA, 1x MM phono, 2x optical, 1x coaxial, 1x USB Type A, aptX Bluetooth
- Outputs: 1x coaxial, 1x optical, 1 x RCA (pre-out), headphone socket
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 95mm x 301mm x 313mm (3.7″ x 11.9″ x 12.3″)
- Weight: 6kg (13.2lbs)
Best Speakers to pair with Quad Vena 2
The Wharfedale Linton are classic loudspeakers that are very matching with your Quad Vena 2 amplifier. The bass performance of this combination is spectacular and very detailed as well, the power of the Vena 2 amp really punches above its weight and is simply impressive. The scale of the sound is large and full-bodied, with a spacious soundstage, and along with the impeccable imaging of the Wharfedale Linton speakers, you got one amazing sonic performance unfolding in front of you. The sonic characteristics of both the amp and speakers will provide you with warm clean sound quality.
More Details at Amazon – Wharfedale Linton with Stands
The compact Quad S-1 is another suitable speaker match to pair with the Quad Vena 2 since both are from the same company and the engineers would most likely need to ensure there’s synergy when partnering them together. The small footprint of both Quad S-1 and Quad Vena 2 makes them the ideal choice for a desktop stereo sound system. The S-1 bookshelf speakers have very detailed highs and midrange sound reproduction, not to mention, the smooth delivery of the music with a touch of warmth. Along with the insight of the Quad S-2, which also makes them great speakers for near-field listening.
More Details at Amazon – Quad S-1
The Q Acoustics Concept 20 is another top speaker choice, it has won multiple awards and garnered plenty of accolades since they were first introduced. The exceptional sonic performance and sound quality they deliver are impressive, one of the best bookshelf speakers in their price range. Concept 20 is definitely a worthy speaker match for your Quad Vena 2 integrated amplifier. The musicality of them both will provide countless hours of refined and pleasing music listening experience without compromising the details. You should make the effort to hear them out when you have the opportunity.
More Info at Amazon – Q Acoustics Concept 20 Compact Bookshelf Speaker
For a more energetic performance and entertaining music presentation of your favorite tunes, the Bowers & Wilkins 685 S2 will be the bookshelf speakers for you. The 685 S2 is a solid performer, able to project a large soundstage with impressive details and clarity. The pacing of the speakers goes well with the class-leading control of the Quad Vena 2, handling each music transient with ease and an impactful crescendo, giving such an engaging music listening experience. For nearfield listening, you probably could go without a subwoofer, in this case, these standmounters are pretty excellent in digging out deep bass with authority.
The Quad S-2 will be a slightly bigger bookshelf speaker model than the Quad S-1 which shares a similar sound signature and characteristics. The S-2 is an excellent speaker choice to match with the Quad Vena 2, as just like the S-1, they have the synergy to deliver a seamless sonic performance that produces high sound quality. Since they have bigger drivers and speaker cabinets, the Quad S-2 can move more air and fill a larger room when compared to the smaller S-1 speakers. We will suggest doing a side-by-side comparison during the audition, using the exact listening distance between you and the speakers, so to identify which loudspeakers sound better to you.
Spendor will be another brand to check out, their speakers not only have amazing sound quality and musicality, but they are also well-match with Quad amplifiers. Klipsch speakers with their bright-sounding nature and astonishing clarity are also suitable for Quad Vena 2 amps as they can easily drive and play them at high volumes due to the speakers’ high efficiency. The livelier frequency response of the Klipsch speakers may not be suitable for listeners who are used to listening to warm-sounding audio systems though. Tannoy speakers will be a superb choice for the Quad Vena 2 as well, you might want to start with their bookshelf speaker with their signature Dual Concentric driver, the Tannoy Revolution XT 6. The warm and fuller sound quality of the Vena 2 complements the Revolution XT 6 speakers really well too.
More Details at Amazon – TANNOY Revolution XT 6
To Conclude
These are some of the best speakers that you can partner with the compact and talented Quad Vena 2 integrated amplifier. You can shortlist a few of them and arrange for an audition to hear them out, see which speakers’ sound quality you really like. You can also use this list as references when looking for other speaker brands/models. You might also want to get an active subwoofer into the mix, as bookshelf speakers are not really built to deliver powerful subterranean bass levels.
