Quad Platinum DMP Digital Media Player

Quad Platinum DMP Digital Media Player

The Quad Platinum DMP is the latest cutting edge component from Quad's new Platinum Series.

Designed to make the most of any digital stereo music source, the Platinum DMP incorporates a high-quality CD transport constructed from die-cast aluminium and ABS compound, its CD tray supported by high-grade steel rods running through sintered bronze bearings. This construction reduces noise and vibration through critical damping of the mechanical components, allowing the laser to read the disc with unerring accuracy.

From the CD mechanism, data is passed to twin Cirrus Logic 24-bit/192kHz Delta-Sigma D/A converters. This DAC configuration utilises the D/A converters in double differential mode with a dedicated D/A converter to each channel for optimum stereo performance. A high-precision master clock is placed locally to the DAC circuitry to minimise the occurrence of jitter (a sonically deleterious form of digital distortion).

In addition to CD, the DAC circuit can handle audio data from external digital music sources, converting data of up to 24-bit/192kHz with minimum jitter and maximum accuracy. From dedicated audio devices to computers and tablets, the Platinum DMP’s advanced DAC and output circuitry deliver vast improvements to sound quality from any digital music source. For optimal performance, Quad provides driver software to enable asynchronous data transfer from PCs and Macs.

Connectivity options are plentiful. There are six digital inputs (3x optical; 2x RCA; 1x USB) and four digital outputs (1x optical; 1x RCA; 1x BNC; 1x AES/EBU). Analogue outputs are provided in two forms: balanced XLR and single-ended RCA.
Post-DAC filtering is carried out via linear phase active filters with audiophile-grade FET op-amps. A fully differential signal path feeds the balanced XLR outputs, while both the XLR and RCA outputs can be independently configured for fixed or variable level operation (variable output enables volume level to be controlled via the DMP’s classy, aluminium remote handset).

The Platinum DMP’s sonic performance is reliant upon maintaining the accuracy and precision of the digital signal extracted from a CD or external digital source and the resulting analogue music signal at the output stages. Quad’s engineers have designed a four-layer PCB to minimise electromagnetic interaction between digital and analogue signals and the power supply paths. In addition, the linear power supply is driven from a low-noise toroidal transformer and no fewer than 13 regulated supplies; these deliver optimal power to the individual circuits and help to ensure a high degree of isolation between the digital and analogue domains.

Provides USB 24bit/192 so you can play music from your PC or Mac - installation instructions here.


The DMP allows direct connection to an amplifier or powered speakers.