Pre/Power Amplifiers

Vertex AQ was formed in 1999 by John Cheadle and Steve Elford, with the focus of its products being to minimise the impact of RF interference and mechanical vibration (microphony) on the performance of audio circuits. The company made a range of cables and mains conditioners and, towards the end of its existence, introduced the Aletheia DAC-1 outboard converter.

In 2017, the company shifted more towards making a range of electronics that incorporated updated versions of Vertex AQ’s technology, and the decision was taken to re-brand as Quiescent. Steve Elford departed, leaving Quiescent in the hands of technical lead Cheadle, alongside MD Nigel Payne.

Today, despite its interest in audio separates, Quiescent still markets accessories and cables that appear to maintain the theme of Vertex AQ’s products. All items still focus on the effects of both vibration and RFI, and steps to ameliorate this throughout its designs are key. The company claims to have pioneered new approaches to reducing the influence of EMI/RFI and unwanted mechanical vibrational throughout the reproduction chain. To this end, it has succeeded in obtaining a UK patent specifically relating to the design of its in-house ‘absorption modules’. Researching this patent (GB2604725), as part of our review process, indicates that Quiescent is employing Shungite granules of various sizes as part of a layered EMI rejection scheme.