Quad’s Five-Year Masterpiece: The Platina Integrated Amp Redefines British Hi-Fi Excellence
- ducurguz
- Oct 17
- 3 min read
After half a decade of development, Quad unveils its most ambitious amplifier ever — a 200-watt powerhouse blending timeless British heritage with state-of-the-art engineering.
A New Era for a Hi-Fi Legend
After five years of intense engineering, Quad has officially launched the Platina Integrated, calling it its “finest-ever integrated amplifier.”
First teased at High End Munich 2023, this flagship amp represents the pinnacle of Quad’s 90-year legacy, carrying the DNA of classics like the 33/303 pre-power combo from 1967 — but rebuilt from the ground up with 21st-century precision.
According to Quad, the Platina Integrated is designed to be “ideal for driving the world’s finest loudspeakers” — and the specs certainly back that up.
Five Years of Rethinking Everything
The Platina Integrated wasn’t just refined — it was completely re-engineered.
Over half a decade, Quad’s engineers revisited every circuit element, designing bespoke components where off-the-shelf parts wouldn’t do. Working with Würth Elektronik, they created a custom 630VA toroidal transformer, supported by cascaded voltage regulators for both digital and analog sections.
The result is a dual-mono Class AB design delivering 200W per channel into 8 ohms and 300W into 4 ohms, with a maximum output current of 20A — enough muscle to drive even the most demanding speakers with effortless control, realism, and grace.
Custom Components, Pure Sound
To preserve sonic purity, the Platina Integrated employs surface-mount integration and optimized component placement that minimizes electromagnetic interference.
The low-impedance, noise-immune design ensures that every note feels alive, while the analog and digital power regulation maintains a rich, dimensional soundstage even at low listening levels.
This isn’t just about brute power — it’s about musical integrity, refinement, and that unmistakable Quad warmth audiophiles have cherished for decades.
Fully Connected: From Vinyl to HDMI
Quad’s engineers made sure the Platina Integrated plays nicely with everything.
Digital inputs include:
1x USB-C
4x S/PDIF (2 coaxial, 2 optical)
1x HDMI ARC for seamless TV and movie integration
Analog inputs cover:
1x Balanced XLR
2x RCA line-level
1x Phono input (MM & MC support)
Outputs include:
Gold-plated binding posts for speakers
Balanced XLR and RCA pre-outs (for subwoofers or external amps)
6.35mm headphone output for private listening
Hi-Res Digital Engine: Sabre Power and Roon Certification
At the heart of the Platina Integrated’s digital stage is the ESS Sabre ES9038PRO DAC, supported by dual master clocks to eliminate jitter.
It supports hi-res PCM playback up to 384kHz, with upsampling for lower-quality files. Plus, it’s Roon Tested, ensuring seamless integration into any modern streaming setup.
The result? Studio-grade digital audio that rivals standalone DACs — but inside a single integrated chassis.
Analog Lovers, Rejoice: A True Vinyl Stage
For analog enthusiasts, the new Quad phono stage is an unexpected highlight.
It supports both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges, applying precision RIAA equalization for extraordinary depth, texture, and dynamic range.
There are three selectable gain settings (46dB / 52dB / 60dB), allowing users to fine-tune the amp to their cartridge of choice — a thoughtful touch that underlines Quad’s analog heritage.
Designed for Headphones Too
Quad didn’t forget about personal listening. The dedicated headphone amplifier features an ultra-low-noise current-feedback design, ensuring a wider bandwidth, cleaner transients, and greater dynamic responsiveness.
Whether driving high-end planar magnetics or everyday studio monitors, the Platina Integrated promises headphone performance on par with standalone amplifiers.
Industrial Design: Heritage Meets Modern Precision
The Platina Integrated is every bit as stunning as it sounds.
Its steel chassis and anodized aluminum fascia give it weight and authority, while side-mounted heat sinks nod to vintage Quad designs.
The 4.3-inch “sci-fi green” display serves as a modern centerpiece, displaying volume, signal levels, and source logos in Quad’s signature minimalist style.
Add vibration-damping feet and a choice of silver or black finish, and you have a component that looks as serious as it sounds.
Price, Availability, and the Future of the Platina Series
The Quad Platina Integrated launches next month at £3,499 / $5,495 / AU$7,999, with matching components — including the Platina Stream network player and CD transport (arriving Spring 2026) — set to complete the lineup.
This amplifier isn’t just a new product. It’s a statement of intent — a reassertion that Quad is still one of the most respected names in British hi-fi, capable of blending legacy with innovation like no one else.
The Bottom Line
The Quad Platina Integrated is a masterclass in modern amplifier design — meticulously crafted, musically rich, and technically flawless.
It’s the result of five years of obsession, and it shows.For those seeking a true endgame integrated amp, this could be the crown jewel of British engineering in 2025.
💰 Price: £3,499 / $5,495 / AU$7,999
🕒 Availability: November 2025
📍 Made by: Quad, UK
🔗 More info: quad-hifi.co.uk
Comments