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Nagra Audio Nagra Classic PHONO
After many years of success and esteem, the Nagra VPS is replaced by the Classic PHONO
The VPS, itself inspired by the legendary Nagra PL-P, is a very respected phono stage.
The VPS was the base we used and the obvious product to benchmark the new design.
Design
New generation Nagra custom made input transformers
Full tube in Class A totalizing four triodes
Featuring two inputs, one MC / MM and one MM
Adjustable and customizable cartridge loading
Selection of RIAA, TELDEC and COLUMBIA curves
Accommodates mono cartridges
Mono selector for mono records made with a stereo cutter
Adjustable gain from 38 to 64 dB
New built-in silent power supply, can be upgraded with a Classic PSU
Inputs
The MC input features a new generation of custom made Nagra transformer using the special magnetic core of the HD PREAMP.
The gain selection on the front panel allows you to match the cartridge or the record very easily.
For MC cartridges, gain of 54 or 64 dB, for MM, 38 or 48 dB.
The various and numerous settings allow you to match your cartridge collection and the record very closely.
Vacuum tubes
The Classic PHONO exclusively uses tubes as active electronic components.
2x E88CC/ 6922
1x ECC81/B739
1x ECC83/B759
All the tubes are going through and individual selection by Nagra Laboratory.
Sound and impression
The first notes strike with density and extension. The Classic PHONO impresses immediately with its sheer quality. The linear phase response is clearly audible with a very faithful stereo and 3D image. The timbre of the instruments is extremely natural. After a few minutes of critical listening you simply want to rediscover your music collection and enjoy it!
The Classic PSU power supply, derived from the HD line, will take the Classic PHONO to new heights.
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Nagra Classic PHONO
Swiss-built Nagra Classic PHONO delivers tube-driven refinement with the transparency and low noise rarely associated with valve designs. Reviewers at HiFi News, What Hi‑Fi? and Audiophil‑Online note its exceptional clarity, deep, tuneful bass, natural midrange and airy treble, plus a precise, layered stereo image that reveals both micro- and macro-dynamics. Strengths include snappy transient attack, a whisper-quiet background and versatile MM/MC support with in‑house step-up transformers and selectable RIAA/Teldec/Columbia curves. Immaculate build features a modulometer, premium valves and hand-wound transformers. Ideal for discerning vinyl enthusiasts and high-end systems seeking a neutral yet musical phono stage. While loading is module-based and the price sits at the top end, reviewers agree the craftsmanship and sonic payoff make it a compelling choice for serious collectors.
Pros
- Exceptionally low noise floor and transparency, enabling fine detail to emerge from a near-silent background.
- Dynamic, punchy presentation with snappy transients and controlled, tuneful bass that handle both rock and acoustic material with authority.
- Top-tier build and useful features — modulometer, hand-wound transformers and selectable EQ curves — that support precise setup and consistent performance.
- Natural, well-textured midrange and airy treble that preserve instrument timbre and deliver convincing stereo imaging.
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Cons
- High price positions the Classic PHONO firmly in the specialist, high-end bracket — excellent performance but a significant investment.
- Cartridge loading is module-based and requires removing the top cover and swapping boards, which is less convenient than front-panel or continuously variable loading systems.
Transparency
92/100
Multiple reviewers emphasise an extremely quiet background and excellent clarity: HFN calls it 'incredibly quiet when there's no signal' with 'the softest whisper of music emerging from a seemingly silent background', and What Hi‑Fi notes improving clarity and transparency after run‑in. The unit's RIAA/response specs and in‑house transformers are praised for accuracy, so despite tube topology (which can add a touch of warmth) the noise floor and RIAA accuracy are consistently described as exceptional.
Sound Quality
91/100
Listeners reported excellent punch, transient snap and scale: HFN cites 'snappy timing and incredible impact' for cymbals and 'punch and drive' usually associated with the best valve designs, while Audiophilepure and press materials note strong bass impact and density. Dynamics are consistently described as lively and engaging, conveying both micro‑ and macro‑dynamic contrasts.
Cartridge Compatibility
86/100
The Classic Phono supports both MM and MC with selectable low/high gain (MM ~38/48dB; MC ~54/64dB) and ships six loading modules (100, 180, 270, 470, 1kΩ plus a 100pF MM capacitance module). While very flexible and praised by reviewers for optimisation options, loading is module‑based/manual rather than infinitely variable, so compatibility is excellent but not 'continuous‑adjust' level.
Build Quality
94/100
Construction and components receive repeated praise: HFN describes 'immaculately made' internals with in‑house wound transformers and top‑quality parts, and external reviewers note the elegant exterior and useful modulometer. The combination of craftsmanship, shielding/transformer design and premium parts supports very low noise and consistent performance.
Value for Money
89/100
Price is high and repeatedly noted ('wallet‑withering price tag' — What Hi‑Fi; Audiophilepure references a £17,000 example), yet reviewers generally conclude the performance and build justify the premium: HFN calls it a 'very high‑end audiophile bargain' in context and Audiophilepure and others emphasise the enjoyment and sonic return. Overall sentiment: expensive but clearly earned for the target market.
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