Nagra Compact Phono MC/MM Phono Stage
Phono reproduction was at the heart of Nagra's very first hi-fi product, the Nagra PL-P. Inspired by the legendary microphone preamplifier in the Nagra IV-S reel-to-reel tape recorder, the phono section of the PL-P received worldwide acclaim.
Since then, the phono section has evolved through the Nagra VPS, BPS, Classic Phono, and most recently, the HD Phono. While each version uses different technologies and components, all remain faithful to the original design, centered around a Nagra-made step-up transformer.
The latest evolution is the Compact Phono. It shares the same chassis as the Nagra Streamer, with a solid, vibration-resistant construction. Despite its compact size, no compromises were made in sound quality. The settings have been simplified, and signal paths shortened to achieve exceptional performance at a fraction of the cost of competing products.
Features of the Nagra Compact Phono
- Vibration-controlled housing machined from a solid aluminum block
- MC input using a 10 dB step-up transformer, identical to the one in the Nagra VPS
- Selected transistors operating in Class A
- Fully discrete component topology
- Dual-mono layout
- Selectable gain of 62 or 47.5 dB
- RIAA equalization
- 100 ohm load (other values available from Nagra dealers)
- External 12V DC power supply
- Internal power supply with ultra-high rejection ratio regulators and dual-stage filtering
The Compact Phono can be upgraded for even higher performance using either the Nagra MPS or Classic PSU power supplies. A Lemo to DC cable is required for this upgrade.
To further reduce vibrations, it can be placed on a VFS platform or on the upcoming Compact VFS, currently in development.
The Nagra turntable and cartridge system set a new benchmark that influenced the development of both the HD Phono and now the Compact Phono. While the Compact Phono’s modest size and pricing may suggest otherwise, it is a highly ambitious product and proudly carries the Nagra logo on its front panel.