Switzerland’s Nagra Audio kicks-off the new Series II product line with the PREAMP II-S with trickle down technology derived from the highly regarded Reference and HD series products.
The PREAMP II-S two-chassis valve-based preamplifier takes up the baton from its Classic series predecessors with new valve technology and a host of enhancements. For the new preamplifier, Nagra Audio engineers have selected special valves, with the circuit comprising two 12AX7/ECC83 and a single 12AT7/ECC81 in an adaptation befitting the PREAMP II-S’s circuit topology. The “new generation” of valves has also been employed in Nagra Audio’s Classic Phono stage and the upmarket Reference series products. The valves are said to have been selected for their dynamic expression, improved micro-detail, and transparency.
Returning to PREAMP II-S is Nagra Audio’s iconic ‘Modulometer’, both a functional and design element unmistakingly synonymous with the company. The Modulometer was first introduced on the famed reel-to-reel field recorders as used by many of the world’s most acclaimed professional audio engineers. The PREAMP II-S is packaged with the company’s Nagra Compact PSU external power supply which is designed to deliver a stable, low-noise 12V/2A supply. The PREAMP II-S can also be purchased without a power supply for owners of Nagra Audio’s MPS or Classic PSU, both of which are compatible with the new unit.
Onboard connectivity includes one balanced XLR and four unbalanced RCA inputs, one unbalanced RCA and two balanced XLR outputs (one of each connection type can be configured as a bypass). There’s a gold plated ground post and a dedicated power supply socket for the external power supply. The PREAMP II-S’s chassis enjoys the traditional Nagra Audio solidity, however, that has now been improved with an enhanced top panel featuring a phenolic damping layer for additional vibration control.
The unit’s front panel features an OLED display (same as used on HD Phono and Reference DAC) while a precision rotary encoder handles the input switching. The input control is derived from HD Phono and features a “finely fluted” aluminium knob said to exude mechanical precision and quality.
The PREAMP II-S’s frequency response spans from 10 Hz to 50 kHz (+0/-0.5 dB), its dynamic range is stated as 125 dB (with gain selection at +6 dB), the Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) is given as under 0.01% at 1 kHz/1 V RMS with no load. Output impedance is a very low 9 ohms with gain set to 0 dB, while the 6 dB setting (front panel switch-activated) sees an 18 ohms output impedance. At 0 dB, the preamplifier is said to operate like a passive device. The combination of gain settings and low output impedance makes for compatibility with a wide selection of power amplifiers.
The new Nagra Audio Series II products are available via distributor Advance Audio Australia.
Nagra Audio PREAMP II-S Series II Preamplifier
Price: AU$29,995, AU$33,995 with Compact PSU
Australian Distributor: Advance Audio Australia
+61 2 9561 0799
www.advanceaudio.com
