Quad has expanded its high-end Platina Series with the introduction of the Platina Stream, a network streamer designed to complement the previously announced Platina Integrated amplifier. This marks Quad’s first foray into high-end network audio players, showcasing the brand’s commitment to premium audio components.
The Platina Stream is engineered to match the aesthetic and performance standards of the Platina Integrated. It features a robust steel chassis, a thick aluminium front panel with side-mounted heat sinks, and anti-resonance feet, all contributing to its signature Quad style. The streamer’s interface is minimalist, with a trio of function buttons, a power button, a rotary dial, and a 4.3-inch colour display.
Under the hood, the Platina Stream boasts impressive specifications. It includes a high-end ES9038PRO 8-channel, 32-bit DAC in a balanced differential configuration with dual master clocks. The streamer supports ultra-high-resolution audio formats, including 32-bit/768kHz PCM and native DSD512, over Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi, and USB. Powering the device is a quad-core Cortex-A53 chip running at 1.8GHz per core, ensuring smooth and efficient operation. Additionally, a post-DAC Class A active filter is incorporated to eliminate noise and distortion in the signal path, feeding the XLR outputs directly.
The Platina Stream is equipped with a comprehensive range of streaming services. It supports Tidal Connect and Qobuz Connect for high-resolution audio streaming, alongside Spotify Connect and Spotify Lossless. The streamer is also Roon Ready with Roon Advanced Audio Transport, features built-in Plex, and supports UPnP and AirPlay 2. Quad emphasizes that every significant Hi-Res and lossless audio format is catered for, including FLAC, Apple Lossless (ALAC), WAV, AIFF, native DSD in DSF and DIFF form, and DoP (DSD over PCM).
The Quad Platina Stream will be available from November 2025 with a recommended price of £2,999 (approximately $3,997 / €3,437 / AU$6,144).
This launch is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it underscores Quad’s strategic move to consolidate its position in the high-end audio market by offering a cohesive range of premium components. The Platina Series, with its integrated amplifier and now the network streamer, sets a new benchmark for audiophiles seeking top-tier performance and design.
Moreover, the introduction of the Platina Stream signals a broader trend in the audio industry towards integrating advanced digital streaming capabilities into high-end hardware. As consumers increasingly demand high-resolution audio streaming, manufacturers are responding by developing products that not only deliver superior sound quality but also offer seamless integration with popular streaming services.
The Platina Stream’s support for a wide array of audio formats and its compatibility with various streaming platforms make it a versatile choice for discerning listeners. This versatility is likely to drive further innovation in the sector, as other manufacturers may feel compelled to match or exceed the features offered by Quad.
Additionally, the Platina Stream’s design and engineering highlight the growing importance of aesthetics and build quality in high-end audio products. The attention to detail in its construction and the use of high-quality materials reflect a broader industry trend towards creating products that are not only technologically advanced but also visually appealing and durable.
In conclusion, the launch of the Quad Platina Stream is a pivotal moment for the high-end audio sector. It demonstrates Quad’s commitment to innovation and quality, while also setting a new standard for network streamers. As the audio industry continues to evolve, the Platina Stream is poised to influence the development of future products, driving the sector towards greater integration, higher resolution, and superior design.
