Speakers for Quad Artera Solus - non Quad


Hi,

I'm hoping someone with experience with the Artera Solus can weigh in on a bookshelf or small floor standers. I've had the Solus for a while and really enjoy it. I've been using it with B&W 1NTs...yes, 20 years old now. However, they are breaking down and I want to try something new. I'm not really interested in the latest generations of B&W speakers or Quad speakers ...reasons too long to explain.

The B&W 1 NTs are great match because they have very good low frequency performance, fast, detailed and give a little life (not bright) to music. They indeed induce toe tapping when playing music. For those who know the Artera, it's really too good in that it's very well balanced and doesn't  make any false steps almost to a fault. It can sound straight laced and sometimes boring with the wrong speakers. I tried the Artera with Spendor A2s and while good it was just so, so to me. The A2s seem to have similar characteristics to the Quad.

My space is medium size 16' x 26' and I sit about 8-9' from the speakers, however, I like the music to fill the room. My dac and turntable are up to par with the quality of the Artera.

Any thoughts from owners of the Artera Solus?

lmartinez_02170

I don't have the Solus but I do have the Artera Stereo power amp/Rogue RP-1 pre with Mullards.  I pushed a pair of Focal Aria 926s for several years with satisfaction.   The one attribute that I really liked about the Focals was the ability to "fill the room".   I only sold them recently as I got a good deal on a pair of Quad Z-4 and wanted to try there ribbon tweeter for awhile and match to the Artera Stereo

 

You might consider research the potential match of a Focal product.   Note:  Focal has recently released there EVO line (new suspension material and tweeter advancements)  of Aria's so those are available and there are deals to be had on the elder line. 

I have it on very good information that the US Quad importer is no longer bringing in any the Z series.