Audiolab 8300CDQ vs Quad Artera Play+ CD/Preamp/DAC

[Mark Dunlop]

I currently have an Audiolab 8300CDQ running through an Audiolab 8300 XP power amp. The Quad Artera (same idea - combined cd player, DAC and pre-amp) is coming in about £1300 - the Audiolab is currently selling for about £200 less than that. Anyone with any experience of both? I'm wondering if trading up is worth it, or whether I'd be better to save for something like an Audiolab 9000Q and use the CDQ as a standalone cd player?

m.d.

 

[manicm]

I currently have an Audiolab 8300CDQ running through an Audiolab 8300 XP power amp. The Quad Artera (same idea - combined cd player, DAC and pre-amp) is coming in about £1300 - the Audiolab is currently selling for about £200 less than that. Anyone with any experience of both? I'm wondering if trading up is worth it, or whether I'd be better to save for something like an Audiolab 9000Q and use the CDQ as a standalone cd player?

m.d.

I can't remember but the 9000Q analogue only?

 

[abacus]

Get down to a dealer and try them out, as your ears and preferences are unique to you, thus only you can decide.

Bill