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Nagra Classic Phono Stage – The new phono stage in the Nagra Classic Series

Inspired by the legendary Nagra PL-P and based on the Nagra VPS, the new Nagra Classic Phono Stage is said to have been designed to replace the Nagra VPS. This solution is of course once again aimed at particularly demanding vinyl enthusiasts, after all, the Swiss company is promising nothing less than a reference solution.


The Swiss company Audio Technology Switzerland S.A. is one that has always gone its own way and has been setting standards with its solutions for years. The company’s philosophy of pursuing its own paths alone, of uncompromisingly implementing its own ideas, perhaps even against possible trends in the market, is already reflected in the design of the solutions offered by the Nagra brand from Audio Technology Switzerland S.A. After all, the company consistently refuses to accept conventional guard dimensions and design concepts. A strategy that is also strictly adhered to in the technical design of the solutions – only the best is good enough…

It is therefore not surprising that, when developing new solutions, existing own products are used as a reference, which must be surpassed. This is also the case with the latest solution aimed at the most ambitious vinyl enthusiasts, the new Nagra Classic Phono Stage.

As the name suggests, it is the latest addition to the Nagra Classic Line, a line of products designed to evoke the legendary Nagra brand recording solutions and pay homage to traditional, classic design. Form follows function, the Swiss company’s motto for this product line. Features that are naturally particularly appreciated by lovers of this brand.

Until now, the Nagra Classic Line has featured the Nagra VPS as a dual input valve phono preamplifier in addition to various amplifiers, D/A converters and a CD player, but this is now being replaced by the new Nagra Classic Phono Stage. The Nagra VPS was modelled on the Nagra PL-P Phono Stage, which was the first of its kind. With the new Nagra Classic Phono Stage, it is hoped to have made further significant improvements in order to set a new standard.

The Swiss company promises that the impressive quality of the new Phono Stage will be an immediate hit. They have made every effort to achieve precise equalization for an exact reproduction with a fascinating sound stage. In addition, and this is really essential, they want to provide the user with all the possibilities to adapt the phono preamplifier optimally to the most diverse pickup systems.

As one of the key features of the new Nagra Classic Phono Stage, the manufacturer highlights a new generation of Nagra Custom Made Input Transformers. According to the company, these are derived from the development of the Nagra HD Preamp. This phono preamp is designed as a Class A tube-only preamp, using two E88CC/ 6922, plus one ECC81/ B739 and one ECC83/ B759 each.

Of course, the new Nagra Classic Phono Stage also has two inputs, one for MC pick-up systems and one for drives equipped with MM pick-up systems. Naturally, all the essential parameters can be set for optimum adaptation to the respective pick-up systems, and equalization can also be carried out in accordance with RIAA, TELDEC and Columbia standards, so that even sound carriers from the 1950s and early 1960s can be reproduced optimally. Even mono cartridges can be used, and in true mono mode, as the manufacturer points out. The corresponding switch can be found directly on the front panel. In addition to setting the level between 38 and 64 dB, the gain can also be adjusted separately by means of a toggle switch, namely between 54 dB and 64 dB for MC cartridges and between 38 dB and 48 dB for MM cartridges.

In addition to the two inputs mentioned above, the new Nagra Classic Phono Stage offers an unbalanced output with RCA connectors and a balanced output with XLR connectors.

The Nagra Classic Phono Stage is equipped with a new integrated power supply, which of course already guarantees impeccable results. However, if you wish to make an additional upgrade, the Nagra Classic Phono Stage can also be upgraded with the Nagra Classic PSU.

The new Nagra Classic Phono Stage will be available from September 2020, according to the Swiss high-end hi-fi manufacturer. There will be plenty of time to put a few euros aside for the new Nagra Classic Phono Stage, which is priced at US$ 19,750.

Getting to the point

Until now, the Nagra Classic Line has featured the Nagra VPS as a dual input valve phono preamplifier in addition to various amplifiers, D/A converters and a CD player, but this is now being replaced by the new Nagra Classic Phono Stage. The Nagra VPS was modelled on the Nagra PL-P Phono Stage, which was the first of its kind. With the new Nagra Classic Phono Stage, it is hoped to have made further significant improvements in order to set a new standard.

Manufacturer:Audio Technology Switzerland S.A
Distribution:Audio Technology Switzerland S.A
Price:US$ 19.750,-
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Michael Holzinger

Michael Holzinger, founder and editor-in-chief of HiFi BLOG and sempre-audio.at, has been working for years as a journalist in the fields of IT, photography, telecommunications and consumer electronics.

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