Quad Platina Integrated Amplifier

Bold in design and substantial in form, the QUAD PLATINA INTEGRATED delivers reference-grade sound, exceptional power, and peerless finesse. Typically QUAD, yet offering a new timeless form, reimagined with crisp, modern intent, the PLATINA series retains the soul of its heritage while embracing today’s clean geometry, refined materials, and purposeful simplicity. An exercise in restraint and refinement, tactile machined aluminium knobs and subtle buttons flank a crisp TFT display, providing a tactile and visual focal point. The disciplined rear panel layout, with gold-plated connectors, speaks to both form and function, ensuring a premium user experience at every touchpoint. The result is strikingly contemporary.

Amplification And Internal Architecture

The engine of the flagship series, the PLATINA INTEGRATED boasts a massive new power amplifier section, setting out its stall as a powerhouse of precision. A ‘dual mono’ class AB design offers 2 x 200W into 8 ohms (300W into 4 ohms) and delivers effortless authority with vast headroom and dynamic control. Engineered to drive even the most demanding loudspeakers, it combines muscular output with audiophile finesse, resolving the finest musical details with scale, grip, and composure. Developed over a rigorous five-year period, the PLATINA INTEGRATED was engineered from the ground up by QUAD's trusted design team, using meticulously specified, high-grade components. Every element and configuration was selected or approved by ear to ensure the amplifier remained true to its concept and QUAD DNA. Notably, bespoke capacitors—developed exclusively for this model in collaboration with renowned specialist Wurth Elektronik—form an integral part of its distinctive design architecture.

Power Supply And Component Efficiency

A custom-designed 630VA high-power toroidal transformer with a large filter capacity in the power supply (44,000uF per channel) and cascaded voltage regulators in the analogue and digital sections upholds QUAD’s renowned reputation for musical integrity. From the subtlest harmonic overtones to the full force of a dynamic crescendo, the PLATINA INTEGRATED delivers music with extraordinary realism, dimensionality, and grace. The amplifier’s design leverages extensive SMD component integration to achieve a compact, low-impedance, noise-immune design with thermal stability and added manufacturing efficiency. These sophisticated and short connection lines mean lower parasitic inductance and resistance, which translates to lower impedance in signal and power paths, reduced susceptibility to noise and oscillations, and improved high-frequency performance and stability. Optimised component placement also ensures minimal loop areas—important for current paths—reducing electromagnetic interference and improving both thermal and electrical symmetry for enhanced fidelity and long-term reliability.

Digital Capabilities And Roon Integration

A fully-fledged and truly modern amplifier solution, at the heart of the PLATINA INTEGRATED's digital capabilities lies a state-of-the-art DAC featuring an ES9038 PRO chip. A hallmark of high-end DAC design, this implementation uses two high-precision master clocks—one for 44.1kHz and one for 48kHz families. The result is astonishingly low jitter levels with improved transparency and imaging, reproducing digital sources with lifelike clarity and emotional realism. The DAC supports formats up to PCM 768kHz and DSD512, with the ability to upsample lower-resolution PCM to either 352.8kHz or 384kHz. Users can choose from five DAC filter settings to tailor sound character to preference and source. As a Roon Tested product, the PLATINA INTEGRATED seamlessly integrates with Roon’s audio ecosystem. QUAD’s direct collaboration with Roon ensures reliable compatibility and an optimal user experience, making this amplifier an ideal choice for serious digital audio enthusiasts.

Usability And Interface

Despite its considerable performance capabilities, the PLATINA INTEGRATED is remarkably user-friendly. Like all PLATINA components, it features an expertly crafted graphical user interface (GUI), tactile controls, and a full-colour TFT display. The GUI streamlines interaction by making complex features and settings intuitive and easily accessible. Users can view system status at a glance, configure inputs, and adjust detailed parameters with clarity and efficiency. Connectivity options are expansive, including balanced XLR, RCA, MM/MC phono inputs, optical and SPDIF inputs, and PC USB audio. HDMI ARC further supports seamless integration with home entertainment systems. A fully functional remote control provides instant access to core functions and offers command across the entire PLATINA series.

Analogue Inputs And Audio Outputs

For analogue sources, the PLATINA INTEGRATED offers two RCA inputs, balanced XLR inputs, and a dedicated high-performance MM/MC phono stage. Each input has selectable sensitivity via the GUI, with the phono stage offering three gain levels (46dB, 52dB, 60dB) and switchable impedance (MM or MC). This advanced JFET-based phono stage provides exceptionally low noise performance, ideal for handling the delicate signals of MC cartridges. On the output side, the amplifier supports speaker binding posts as well as RCA and balanced XLR outputs—ideal for integration with subwoofers or external power amplifiers. The built-in current-feedback headphone amplifier delivers ultra-low distortion and a dynamic, responsive character, revealing subtle musical details even through high-end headphones. The result is an engaging, open sound that maintains clarity and immediacy across every listening environment.