Quad artera pop/thump

[DavidEdwinAston]

This is mine

 

[Italian Job]

Quad response after showing the video...

"Current dumping does generate a small switch on and off thump and this level is normal."

I think I'll returned it and go with a different brand if that implies that all their amps with current dumping technology have that characteristic.
Although I know it's not the case because @DavidEdwinAston Platinum does do that

 

[Redacted]

My Hypex-based amp is very quiet on turn-on/off.
I do not know if if this is a Class-D characteristic, or if some kind of anti-thump/pop mitigation is deployed.
Amir's test results show turn on noise IIRC....

FWIW, putting design woo-woo and cherry-picked numbers to one side, I can't imagine my next amp not being a quality Class-D....

 

[Italian Job]

My Hypex-based amp is very quiet on turn-on/off.
I do not know if if this is a Class-D characteristic, or if some kind of anti-thump/pop mitigation is deployed.
Amir's test results show turn on noise IIRC....

FWIW, putting design woo-woo and cherry-picked numbers to one side, I can't imagine my next amp not being a quality Class-D....

I know what you mean I only had class d amps, but I want my next to be a class ab

 

[Redacted]

I know what you mean I only had class d amps, but I want my next to be a class ab

Old debate, and I won't reopen it but I'm not sure what real-world advantages there are in AB at a given price point. The Topping units have great numbers on Amir's charts though. Chip-based class-D's are popular on ASR (great value) but may I ask if your last amp was a Hypex or Purifi design (well regarded on ASR), and if so, what drove you to a class AB?

 

[DavidEdwinAston]

Last night, after the meal out with John and Linda, the amps and everything else performed wonderfully!
Half two this morning, my beloved came down and eventually got me to bed! No chance of me climbing on a chair to turn off the system!
So, as I type, Beethovens 6th at 20 on the digital volume which goes to 100. Room filled with perfect music!

 

[Italian Job]

Old debate, and I won't reopen it but I'm not sure what real-world advantages there are in AB at a given price point. The Topping units have great numbers on Amir's charts though. Chip-based class-D's are popular on ASR (great value) but may I ask if your last amp was a Hypex or Purifi design (well regarded on ASR), and if so, what drove you to a class AB?

Not sure really, mainly curiosity about how they sound and if sound any different ( the Arteria did maybe due too high harmonic distortions haha ) but I agree class d are far more superior.
I also think it's a good time to try same class ab, they are getting very cheap surely cheaper than the latest most popular class D. Last time I checked I couldn't find a purifi design under £2000.

 

[DavidEdwinAston]

Will only report back further if the eventual switch off thump is any worse than normal!

 

[Italian Job]

Will only report back further if the eventual switch off thump is any worse than normal!

I don't think it will! Quad also said some models do it more than others, the Platinum is superior.
I guess they did their best with the Artera, within the budget. Also, if I had very low sensitivity speakers the thump wouldn't have been nearly as bad.
I would have definitely kept it!

 

[Purité Audio]

Not sure really, mainly curiosity about how they sound and if sound any different ( the Arteria did maybe due too high harmonic distortions haha ) but I agree class d are far more superior.
I also think it's a good time to try same class ab, they are getting very cheap surely cheaper than the latest most popular class D. Last time I checked I couldn't find a purifi design under £2000.

Boxem 4216/E2 for example,
Keith

 

[Italian Job]

Boxem 4216/E2 for example,
Keith

 

[Italian Job]

Advance Paris X-A160EVO

beautiful isn't it?

 

[DSJR]

Advance Paris X-A160EVO
View attachment 536402
beautiful isn't it?

Can't stand meters but didn't like the Quad 606 *VISUALS* when it came out either - had I done so, I could have saved a fortune in the early 90s!!!

I'm really sorry this tale has turned out in you returning the Artera Stereo amp. To put it into perspective, a 1.5V torch battery is enough to 'bottom out' a speaker cone. In fairness, the vid of your Harbeth cone shows a lot less than this, but i do accept your findings and opinion, especially when modern designs don't do this (earlier current dumpers such as Quad's 306 don't seem to do this and I don't seem to remember my 405-2s doing it either with substantial switch-on thumps.

 

[Redacted]

Not sure really, mainly curiosity about how they sound and if sound any different ( the Arteria did maybe due too high harmonic distortions haha ) but I agree class d are far more superior.
I also think it's a good time to try same class ab, they are getting very cheap surely cheaper than the latest most popular class D. Last time I checked I couldn't find a purifi design under £2000.

While Purifi might have slightly better numbers, I doubt a human will hear much between that brand and a Hypex - here's some:
(Probably depends on which country you are in for price or availability - Buckeye or Apollon use good modules.)

Nord Acoustics - MP Module

MP Module: Discover versatile Mains Powered NCORE® amplifier modules for integrated amps, active speakers, and subs.

nordacoustics.co.uk

or Purifi

Nord Acoustics | Nord Three Purifi Eigentakt

Nord Three Purifi Eigentakt: Revolutionary amp technology. Delivers incredibly clear and detailed sound with minimal distortion and noise.

nordacoustics.co.uk

 

[Italian Job]

Can't stand meters but didn't like the Quad 606 *VISUALS* when it came out either - had I done so, I could have saved a fortune in the early 90s!!!

I'm really sorry this tale has turned out in you returning the Artera Stereo amp. To put it into perspective, a 1.5V torch battery is enough to 'bottom out' a speaker cone. In fairness, the vid of your Harbeth cone shows a lot less than this, but i do accept your findings and opinion, especially when modern designs don't do this (earlier current dumpers such as Quad's 306 don't seem to do this and I don't seem to remember my 405-2s doing it either with substantial switch-on thumps.

Exactly, especially considering it's their last model. I'm not willing to put up with that in 2026.
1.5v! Crazy

 

[Redacted]

Exactly, especially considering it's their last model. I'm not willing to put up with that in 2026.
1.5v! Crazy

It's probably a £1500 amp!
You can get better for less.

 

[Italian Job]

I should get a Benchmark AHB2 or move away from class a/b amps altogether.

 

[Purité Audio]

AHB2 isn’t A/B.
Keith

 

[Redacted]

I should get a Benchmark AHB2 or move away from class a/b amps altogether.

At least £3300 if you are in the UK, for an AHB2.
Good measurements, but only 100W/8 ohm.
A class-D for half the price will have way more power, and have SINAD considerably above anything you are capable of noticing, and not far off the AHB2.
Or, look at the Topping kit if you need something from the top slots in Amir's reviews.

 

[Roland_606]

I should get a Benchmark AHB2 or move away from class a/b amps altogether.

I have a Quad Vena powering a pair of Harbeth P3 esr’s and there is a noticeable pop following a noticeable click of the relays. Using the same monitors with my smsl monos there is total silence on startup.

For the same money as the Artera Stereo power amp, you can get two Hypex nilai 500 diy mono kits from kjf audio in the UK here. If the smsl’s ever go west, then this is where i will sink my cash next.