Quad's highly-regarded 99 Series components, launched in 1999, are set to be replaced over the next few months by an all-new Elite Series. Six models will be available, with the first two arriving in shops later in the Summer, and the line-up is similar to that of the 99 range.

There'll be an Elite CD-S CD player, using a Sony mechanism and Crystal 24-bit/96kHz digital to analogue conversion with upsampling, and an Elite CD-P CD player/preamplifier. This uses the same mechanism with 24-bit/192kHz Crystal conversion, and has three optical and three electrical digital inputs.

The Elite Pre preamplifier has three line-ins, one tape loop and a moving magnet phono input, with moving coil available as an option: it can be used with either the 90W per channel Elite Stereo power amplifier or a pair of the 150W Elite Mono moboblocs. Connection between preamplifier and power amplifier(s) is via conventional RCA  sockets or Quad's AmpBus system.

Completing the range is the Elite FM radio tuner.

Quad says that while the Elite range takes some of the elements of the outgoing 99 Series, it has 'updated internal audiophile-class components, highly specified transformers, multi-layer circuit boards and the latest, most advanced software available.'

This, the company says, allows the new range to build on the classic Quad sound, but with added clarity and definition.

The new models are housed in high-quality cast alloy casework, in dark grey with a matt black front panel, and are designed to work together via an integrated system ensuring 'ease of use, seamless connectivity, fully balanced audio signals and intelligent control systems that allow complete control via the remote handset.'

The Quad Platinum  system, seen at shows over the past couple of years, remains in prototype form, the company saying that when launched it will slot into the range above the new Elite models.

Prices are yet to be announced for the Elite Series.

Also on the way from Quad is a new compact speaker design: the 11L Classic will also be available later this Summer.