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First High-End Music Streamer From QUAD Joins The Flagship Platina Party

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3 days ago

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Last week, I brought you news of classic British hi-fi brand QUAD’s new flagship Platina Integrated amplifier. This week, QUAD HI-FI has announced the arrival of the companion Platina Stream, a high-end music streamer bristling with features.

For many, QUAD is the U.K.’s original high-end audio brand. The company has a history of audio innovation stretching back almost 80 years, but until now it’s never produced a high-end streamer. That all changes from today with the launch of the Platina Stream network player, which joins the Platina Integrated amplifier as the first two components in QUAD’s new and flagship Platina Series.

The new Platina Stream matches the Platina amplifier perfectly. It has the same steel chassis and thick aluminum front panel featuring those classic side-mounted heat sinks and anti-resonance feet. It also has the same fascia with just a subtle trio of function buttons, a power button, a rotary control and a 4.3-inch color display.

Top-Tier Streaming

The Platina Stream has its own DAC stage, which means it could be paired with almost any amplifier from any brand. Network connection is via Gigabit Ethernet or dual-band Wi-Fi. The circuitry is based around a top-tier streaming engine and uses a highly efficient ARM processor and Linux-based operating system.

The way the streamer handles audio ensures there is no latency. QUAD has designed its own digital and analog circuitry to ensure the utmost sonic potential. There is a dedicated control app for quick and easy access to services like Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify and TuneIn Radio with an intuitive interface for easy browsing. There are intelligent search functions and users can create multi-source playlists, group albums and organize folders to discover, sort and play music just as they prefer.

The app offers a logical hierarchy and fluid gesture control, while a super-fast indexer toils away in the background, cataloging network shares, USB drives and streaming services, then assembles them as a single, unified library. Simply type a song title, performer, composer, label, year or genre and the app returns results ranked by relevance.

Keeps Music Organized

With its user-customizable functions and settings, the Platina Stream app can build an on-the-fly playlist and save it permanently with a single gesture. Users can create playlists or folders to keep expansive catalogs organized and even collate multi-disc boxsets, remasters or themed compilations into a single location for easy browsing.

QUAD says that, unlike many apps for network streaming hardware, the Platina Stream provides native highlighting of hi-res file types in both Qobuz and Tidal, using icons to indicate their type. Users always know what format they are listening to and whether they are accessing the highest quality stream possible.

Further functionality will be added to the Platina Stream and its app over time by software/firmware updates. Spotify Lossless support was activated on 22 October 2025 and is available via an over-the-air update for units shipped before this date. More updates are in the pipeline as the Platina streaming engine evolves.

The QUAD app isn’t the only way to control the Platina Stream. Qobuz Connect, Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect are all supported, enabling users to stream files directly from these platforms at full quality using the streaming service’s app on a smartphone.

Roon Ready

The Platina Stream is also certified Roon Ready, with Roon Advanced Audio Transport protocol built in. This ensures it works as an endpoint in a Roon-connected audio environment, controlled by the Roon app, the software many audiophiles choose to drive and curate their integrated digital music systems.

The media streaming service Plex is another string to the Platina Stream’s bow. Plex can be considered an alternative to Roon and works as a platform to store, manage and play digital music by using Plex Media Server software on a PC, Mac or NAS drive alongside the Plexamp app. Plex is valued for its flexibility and lower cost because the software is free, with an optional ‘Plex Pass’ subscription that unlocks extra features.

While many premium streamers include integrated Roon support, Plex is less common. By offering Platina Stream owners access to both Plex and Roon, with the option of music management and control using their respective apps, QUAD thinks it delivers the best of all digital worlds for music lovers who want to leverage Platina’s sonic quality.

Apple AirPlay 2

Also included in the new streamer is Apple AirPlay 2 when using Apple devices as the streaming source. There’s also an input for reading local USB storage devices. The Platina Stream is also fully UPnP compliant and can connect with other UPnP devices on a home network, such as NAS drives.

The Platina Stream has been designed for music lovers looking for premium-quality streaming. Under the hood is a quad-core Arm Cortex-A53 chip running at 1.8 GHz per core provides the muscle for fast library handling, album-art caching and stable playback control.

QUAD has also drawn on its decades of experience to ensure the Platina Stream offers top-grade sound. The Platina Stream’s onboard DAC stage mirrors the one on the matching Platina Integrated amplifier. The DAC is built around the ES9038PRO, a premium DAC chip from the top PRO tier of ESS Technology’s Sabre range. The DAC uses eight audio channels to deliver a balanced differential stereo signal, eradicating noise and distortion and works with QUAD’s circuitry, including dual ultraprecision master clocks.

Sabre DAC chips need to be implemented with care to ensure they sound their best. The post-DAC active filter is vital and QUAD has used a Class A circuit tailored to make the most of the ES9038PRO’s excellent signal-to-noise performance and dynamic range specs.

Linear Power Supply

The Platina Stream has a linear power supply with a 50VA toroidal transformer, for clean and consistent power to all sensitive parts of the digital and analog stages. The DAC stage has its own power supply with multiple discrete ultra-low-noise regulators that separately power the left and right channels for each stage of the digital-to-analog conversion process.

The post-DAC analog circuitry in the streamer uses premium components and has a balanced topology that’s designed to eliminate noise and distortion in the signal path. This feeds the unit’s XLR outputs directly, enabling anyone connecting the Platina Stream to an amp with balanced analog inputs — such as the Platina Integrated — to get the full sonic benefits.

The Platina Stream has a wealth of digital music collections at its rear, including a Wi-Fi antenna and Ethernet port for connecting to a network. There are USB-B and USB-A ports for asynchronous PC/Mac connection and USB storage, so it can perform as a USB DAC as well as a network player.

Analog outputs consist of single-ended RCA and balanced XLR with fixed and variable output options, so the Platina Stream’s volume control can perform preamp duties if connected to a power amplifier or a pair of active speakers. There are S/PDIF digital outputs in coaxial and optical options, so the streamer can be connected to an external DAC. Finally, there is a USB update port, 12V trigger connections and a WPS button for easy Wi-Fi set-up.

Hi-Res Digital Audio

When it comes to Hi-Res audio, the streamer can handle PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and native DSD up to 22.5MHz (DSD512), whether over Wi-Fi, Ethernet cable or USB. Every significant hi-res and lossless audio format is supported, including FLAC, Apple Lossless (ALAC), WAV and AIFF, as well as native DSD in DSF and DIFF form.

Lower quality audio streams can be upsampled to 352.8kHz/384kHz or users can apply one of five DAC reconstruction filters to tune the sound from digital sources, which can be especially useful given the variable quality of audio formats and streaming services.

QUAD says the Platina Stream has a solid build quality and a clean and assured look. This unfussy fascia echoes subtle echoes of QUAD’s illustrious past and is augmented by a 4.3-inch full color IPS LCD, the same screen used on the Platina Integrated amp and it can display album artwork.

The display is also the gateway to the Platina Stream’s menu system, providing options for digital upsampling and filter settings, fixed or variable analog output, left/right channel balance, time idle before entering standby, volume curtailment upon power-up and Wi-Fi diagnostic data.

Like the Platina Integrated, the streamer’s screen can be set to display a VU-style meter showing real-time signal levels for the left and right channels. For those who prefer their displays to be simple and less intrusive with animations turned off or the display disabled completely.

Pricing and Availability.

The QUAD Platina Stream network player launches alongside the Platina Integrated amplifier, with shipping starting in November. It comes in a choice of silver or black front panel and is priced at $4,495 / £2,999 / €3.599.

Tech Specs:

  • Streaming system: Linux-based platform.
  • Streaming services support: Qobuz, Spotify, Tidal, TuneIn Radio.
  • Streaming platform/protocol support: Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Roon Ready, Plex, AirPlay 2, UPnP.
  • Supported file formats lossless PCM: FLAC, Apple Lossless (ALAC), WAV, AIFF.
  • Supported file formats lossless DSD: DSF, DIFF, DoP.
  • Maximum file resolution: 32-bit/768kHz PCM, native DSD512.
  • DAC stage: ES9038PRO 8-channel 32-bit DAC in balanced differential configuration.
  • PCM upsampling: To 352.8kHz/384kHz (can be switched off).
  • Digital filter settings: 2 x linear phase, 2 x minimum phase, 1 x hybrid.
  • Proprietary audio circuitry: Includes DAC master clock, post-DAC circuitry and power supply circuitry.
  • Network connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet.
  • Digital audio inputs: 1 x USB-B (PC/Mac), 1 x USB-A (USB storage).
  • Analog audio outputs: 1 x stereo balanced XLR; 1 x stereo RCA (line-level fixed or variable).
  • Digital audio outputs: 1 x optical; 1 x coaxial.
  • Other connections: 12V trigger in/link; USB-A for firmware updates.
  • Display: 4.3-inch, 800×480 pixels, full color IPS LCD.
  • Dimensions (WxHxD): 445 x 134.5 x 348mm.
  • Weight: 11.8kg.



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15 New Apple iPhone 17 And iPhone 17 Pro Cases To Protect Your Phone

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11 minutes ago

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October 26, 2025

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Now that the latest iPhones are out, you may want a case to go with it. After all, although the price increases predicted didn’t properly materialize, the iPhone is a valuable piece of kit.

Before you ask, last year’s cases don’t fit, and anyway, do you really want a year-old case on your brand-new phone?

Here are a dozen of the newest releases, and they come in varying styles, from wraparound wallets to high-protection sleeves. Choose from leather, Apple’s new TechWoven or a transparent case to show off the colorful phone within. Unless otherwise stated, all cases here are available for iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Look out for whether the case has an open section where the Camera Control sits, or a cover that still allows the pressure-sensitive and capacitive control to work.

The deals highlighted in this post were independently selected by the Contributor and do not contain affiliate links.

Smooth Leather Case

Nomad Modern Leather Case with Horween Leather

$75 from nomadgoods.com

Camera Control: Cover

California-based Nomad makes a wide range of products, including iPhone cases and a just-released Apple Watch Band. Horween leather is one of the options for the back cover of the Modern Leather case, though other leather options are also available, and are $20 cheaper.

Horween leather, especially, gains a unique patina the more it is used. The case is strong enough to survive an eight-foot drop, the company says. The bumpers are 2.2mm thick and they rise above the display at the corners for further protection. The edges have a concave finish, designed for extra grip.

Slim Protection

Pitaka Aramid ProGuard Case

$59.99 from ipitaka.com

Camera Control: Cover

Protection on the Pitaka cases partly comes from cushioning on the rear corners and partly from what’s described as aerospace-grade aramid fiber. The back is textured, to add extra grip.

Unlike some cases which have dealt with the complex needs of the Camera Control capacitive button, Pitaka has developed a cover that’s slim but responsive when you press or slide your finger on it.

Fashion-Forward Protection

Beats Rugged MagSafe Case

$79 from beatsbydre.com

Camera Control: Cover

Beats, the other brand that Apple owns, has a case that doesn’t look rugged. Rugged usually means bulky but the choice of colors, such as Sierra orange makes this case more style-focused. If orange is too much for you, Everest black and rocky blue will suit quieter tastes.

There’s a big lip over the edge of the display designed to keep it safe. The bottom half of the case, including the back and edges, is rougher to make it stay in your hand, while the top half is completely smooth.

Transparent Protection

Mous Clarity MagSafe

$69.99 from mous.co



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Is The Mystery iPhone Update Nearly Here?

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23 minutes ago

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October 26, 2025

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More than a week ago, the news was clear: the next iPhone update (the content of which remains a mystery) would be iOS 26.0.2 and would land in the week beginning Oct. 20. But it’s nowhere to be seen. What’s happening, you might ask.

It’s not that there were no Apple software updates last week. Anyone who bought the new iPad Pro, which went on sale on Wednesday, Oct. 22 alongside the latest MacBook Pro and Apple Vision Pro, had to update to a new version of iPadOS. But that was iPadOS 26.0.1 and was a new build for the latest model only.

ForbesApple iPhone 16 Pro Prices Slashed Further In New SaleBy David Phelan

The iOS 26.0.2 update (and presumably iPadOS 26.0.2 if needed) could have arrived on Thursday, Oct. 23 or Friday, Oct. 24 — several reports thought that was likely.

Since it didn’t, we’re now in different territory. The next big update, until the rumor of iOS 26.0.2 had reared its head, was thought to be iOS 26.1. That’s so far into beta that it’s thought the release candidate will be available on Monday, Oct. 27 or Tuesday, Oct 28, with the general release expected the week after.

There are two options, it seems. Either Apple will kill off iOS 26.0.2 before it sees the light of day and instead go straight to iOS 26.1 on or around Monday, Nov. 3, or iOS 26.0.2 will appear first.

Which really only leaves Monday, Oct. 27 or Tuesday, Oct. 28 as likely days for release.

It’s not known exactly what will be in iOS 26.0.2, though it’s thought to address bugs and flaws, not launch new features which will be part of iOS 26.1.

So the fate of iOS 26.0.2 may rest on how urgent those fixes are and which handsets they affect.

My guess is that we will almost certainly see iOS 26.0.2 on Tuesday, Oct. 28, a day after the release candidate for iOS 26.1. I’d further guess that the fixes will mostly affect the iPhone 17 series or iPhone Air rather than all models.

If there’s no sign of it then, it looks like iOS 26.1 will be the next update, likely on Monday, Nov. 3. Look at it this way, there will probably be a new iPhone update in the next eight days at most.

I’ll update this post as soon as there’s more news, so please check back.

ForbesApple iPhone 18 Could See Major Change To Free Satellite Features, Report SaysBy David Phelan



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X Issues November 10 ‘Account Will Be Locked’ Twitter Security Warning

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4 hours ago

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October 26, 2025

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Given the continuing popularity of Elon Musk’s X social network, and the swathing staffing cuts made when the world’s richest man bought what used to be (and still is in my mind) Twitter, it doesn’t make the cybersecurity headlines as much as you might have thought. With PayPal users currently warned of ongoing attacks, ditto WordPress website owners, and even LastPass password manager customers, all being in the threat actor crosshairs, this is a good thing. However, X users have now been warned that unless they make a change to a legacy Twitter security setting, they will be locked out of their accounts from November 10. Here’s what you need to know.

ForbesAct Now — Microsoft Issues Emergency Windows Update As Attacks BeginBy Davey Winder

The X Safety Team Issues Clarification After Warning Of Twitter Account Lockouts

Whatever you call it, X or Twitter, the social network isn’t immune to security threats. This year alone, I have reported on outages caused by a claimed DDoS attack and a warning for 650 million X users not to change their passwords. Sometimes, though, the perceived security threat comes from inside the building. Such was the case after the X safety team tweeted on October 24: “After November 10, if you haven’t re-enrolled a security key, your account will be locked until you: re-enroll; choose a different 2FA method; or elect not to use 2FA.”

This, rather unsurprisingly if you ask me, created a wave of concern amongst both ordinary users and security experts on the social media platform. One asked whether not using 2FA meant their account would remain active; another asked whether there had been a security breach; and another asked whether this only impacted passkey users?

ForbesGmail Account Lockout Warning — Users Must Check This 1 Setting NowBy Davey Winder

The confusion sat with X warning that “all accounts that use a security key as their two-factor authentication method to re-enroll their key to continue accessing X,” and adding that users could “re-enroll your existing security key, or enroll a new one.” A typical example of someone who knows what they are talking about but not how to communicate that in such a way to people who do not. Translating tech-speak into ordinary language is an essential skill and one that the X safety team appears to have misplaced on this occasion.

What X should have said, and ended up being forced into actually saying a day later, was: “To clarify: this change is not related to any security concern, and only impacts Yubikeys and passkeys – not other 2FA methods (such as authenticator apps). Security keys enrolled as a 2FA method are currently tied to the twitter.com domain. Re-enrolling your security key will associate them with x.com, allowing us to retire the Twitter domain. If this relates to you, you’ll be prompted automatically to re-enroll.”

ForbesOrganizations Can’t Deploy Passwordless, Declare Victory And Walk AwayBy Davey Winder





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