Get ready to elevate your listening experience – Quad is shaking up the audio world with its latest addition to the premium Platina line, and it’s a game-changer for music lovers. But here’s where it gets exciting: the new Platina Stream network player isn’t just another music streamer; it’s a meticulously crafted masterpiece designed to redefine high-fidelity sound.
Quad, a brand synonymous with cutting-edge audio technology (https://www.whathifi.com/tag/quad), is boldly expanding its Platina series, claiming it’s “the finest range of solid-state audio electronics the company has ever produced.” And they’re not stopping there. Just days after unveiling the highly anticipated Platina Integrated amplifier (https://www.whathifi.com/hi-fi/stereo-amplifiers/meet-the-quad-platina-integrated-an-amp-five-years-in-the-making), they’ve introduced the Platina Stream – a network player that promises to deliver unparalleled audio performance.
At its heart lies a state-of-the-art DAC stage powered by the ES9038PRO Sabre DAC chip. And this is the part most people miss: this DAC isn’t just about high-resolution audio; it’s engineered with eight audio channels specifically designed to minimize noise and distortion. Quad’s proprietary circuitry and precision clock technology further enhance its capabilities, ensuring every note is delivered with crystal clarity.
But what truly sets the Platina Stream apart is its Class A post-DAC circuit stage, fine-tuned to maximize the potential of the ES9038PRO chip. Whether you’re streaming PCM files up to 32-bit/768kHz or DSD512, this streamer handles it all with ease. Here’s the controversial part: in a world where streaming quality is often debated, Quad is making a bold statement by supporting such high-resolution formats, leaving some to wonder if it’s overkill – or the future of audio.
Connectivity is seamless, with options for both Wi-Fi and Ethernet. Native support for popular streaming services like Tidal (https://www.whathifi.com/tidal/review), Qobuz (https://www.whathifi.com/qobuz/review), Spotify (https://www.whathifi.com/tag/spotify), and TuneIn Radio ensures you’re never short of music to enjoy.
Aesthetically, the Platina Stream is a stunner, designed to complement its sibling, the Platina Integrated amplifier. Its sleek steel chassis, aluminum front panel, side-mounted heat sinks, and anti-resonance feet not only look premium but also contribute to its exceptional performance.
Up front, you’ll find a user-friendly interface featuring a power button, rotary control, and a vibrant 4.3-inch color display, making navigation a breeze.
Priced at £2999 / €3599 / $4495 / AU$6899, the Quad Platina Stream will be available from November 2025 in silver or black front panel options. But here’s the question: is this the ultimate music streamer, or just another high-end gadget? Let us know your thoughts in the comments – we’d love to hear if you think Quad has hit the mark or gone too far.
While you’re here, don’t miss out on other exciting updates in the audio world. Bang & Olufsen is celebrating a century of innovation (https://www.whathifi.com/hi-fi/bang-and-olufsen-is-celebrating-100-years-of-making-noise-but-its-biggest-achievement-is-about-more-than-hi-fi), and the What Hi-Fi? Awards 2025 have crowned Fyne Audio as a standout in floorstanding speakers (https://www.whathifi.com/speakers/hi-fi-speakers/what-hi-fi-awards-2025-fyne-audio-makes-a-splash-in-the-floorstanding-speakers-category-with-two-talented-winners). Plus, CD players are proving they’re far from obsolete (https://www.whathifi.com/hi-fi/cd-players/what-hi-fi-awards-2025-new-faces-meet-old-favourites-as-five-star-cd-players-keep-the-humble-disc-alive-and-kicking).
Written by Harry McKerrell, a senior staff writer at What Hi-Fi?, whose expertise spans everything from floorstanding speakers to portable DACs. When he’s not crafting insightful reviews, you’ll find him on the hockey field, at the piano, or charming strangers’ dogs.
