Nagra Launches PREAMP II-S – Quick Look
All Image Credit: Nagra
Nagra has announced the introduction of Series II, a new product family positioned between its Classic and HD ranges. The first component in this new line is the Nagra PREAMP II-S Preamplifier. The Nagra PREAMP II-S Preamplifier is a valve preamplifier that combines design elements from the company’s professional recording background and its current domestic HiFi products. This new preamplifier combines visual elements associated with earlier Nagra products and more recent designs from the HD and Reference ranges. It features a high-contrast OLED display for system information and a rotary encoder for input selection. The control layout and external styling reflecting its similarity with earlier Nagra preamplifiers. Seated control is also available using the supplied RCU III IR handheld remote.
The PREAMP II-S brings back Nagra’s Modulometer level display that provides visual monitoring of left and right channel levels during playback, while a high-contrast OLED screen handles other display duties. Input selection, displayed on the OLED, uses a rotary encoder fitted with a fluted aluminium knob, two other rotary controls give access to volume and on/off options while gain, line out and modulometer backlight intensity are available using small switches.
Construction methods used in the Nagra PREAMP II-S are derived from those used in Nagra’s Reference electronics. A phenolic damping layer is fitted beneath the aluminium top cover to help manage vibration and resonance. According to Nagra, this damping is claimed to support consistent operating conditions for the circuitry. Inside we find a new generation of tubes, 2 x 12AX7/ECC83 and 1 x 12AT7/ECC81, that are also found in the Classic Phono, HD and Reference series. Two gain settings are provided, 0dB setting for standard system configurations, while a +6dB option is available when higher output is required. Nagra specifies a dynamic range of 125dB.
Power comes from an external chassis, keeping noise and interference at a distance. The standard Compact PSU delivers 12V/2A via a LEMO connector. Owners of the MPS or Classic PSU can order the preamplifier without a power supply included.
Finally, rear panel analogue signal connectivity includes; 1 x XLR and 4 x RCA stereo inputs and 1 x XLR stereo bypass plus 2 x XLR and 1 x RCA stereo outputs.
Specifications:
- ELECTRONICS:
- Output impedance:
- 18 Ω – Gain selection switch @ +6 dB
- 9 Ω – Gain selection switch @ 0 dB
- Frequency response: 10 Hz – 50 kHz (+0 / -0.5 dB)
- Dynamic range: >125 dB (Gain selection switch @ +6 dB)
- Input level to reach 0 dB (Modulometer): 1 V rms (Gain at +12 dB) (Gain selection switch @ 0 dB, volume potentiometer @ 0 dB)
- Total harmonic distortion (THD): <0.01% @ 1 kHz, 1 V rms out, no load
- Crosstalk: >85 dB @ 1 kHz, 1 V rms out, no load
- Vacuum tubes (selected by Nagra Laboratory): 2x 12AX7/ECC83, 1x 12AT7/ECC81
- Power consumption: PMAX 12.6 W
- Power supply: 12 – 12.6 V DC / 1 A
- Output impedance:
- CONNECTIONS:
- Inputs: 1 x XLR, 4 x RCA
- Outputs: 2 x XLR, 1 x RCA
- GENERAL:
- Dimensions: 380 x 280 x 76 mm (15 x 11 x 3 inches)
- Weight: 4.8 Kg (10.6 lbs)
MSRP – with compact power supply:
- UK: £21,998.00
- US: $27,900.00
For more information visit the Nagra web site.
Related posts:
