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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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Professional Reviews 92/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
94/100
Cartridge Compatibility
90/100
Build Quality
94/100
Value for Money
87/100
The Nagra Classic PHONO pairs a near-silent background with neutral, finely textured detail, delivering powerful rhythmic grip, natural voices and spacious, sharply focused imaging. What Hi-Fi? highlights its rare blend of valve finesse and attack, while HiFi News applauds its atmosphere, bass authority and extensive cartridge optimisation.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Exceptionally quiet, transparent presentation with abundant detail, natural tone and refined treble.
Delivers unusually forceful dynamics for a valve phono stage, with punchy, tuneful bass and strong rhythmic drive.
Highly flexible MM/MC setup, with broad gain options, selectable EQ curves and supplied loading modules.
Immaculate construction and carefully executed in-house MC transformers.
&
Cons
Its luxury-level price places it beyond the reach of most buyers.
Cartridge loading adjustments require opening the chassis and manually fitting components.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 94/100
Reviews describe an exceptionally transparent, natural and involving presentation, combining valve-like finesse with unusually strong punch and control. It is repeatedly praised for bringing insight, atmosphere and musical pleasure to both excellent and less-than-perfect records.
Transparency Noise Floor
94/100
Hi-Fi News calls the Classic Phono incredibly quiet, with music emerging from a seemingly silent background, alongside exceptional detail and clarity. What Hi-Fi likewise heard increasing clarity and transparency after run-in, with a clean and neutral overall presentation.
Tonal Balance Musicality
95/100
What Hi-Fi found it clean, neutral, detailed and fundamentally natural rather than artificially bright, with authentic voices and richly textured acoustic instruments. Hi-Fi News heard purity, realism and extreme treble air, while Audiophilepure found it exhilarating yet smooth with a good MC cartridge.
Dynamics
94/100
Reviewers consistently celebrate its attack, pace and rhythmic authority. What Hi-Fi says it combines punch and drive unusual for a valve design with finesse and refinement, while Hi-Fi News heard snappy, impactful cymbals and masterful bass-and-drum delivery.
Soundstage Imaging
93/100
What Hi-Fi reports crisp, spacious and precisely focused stereo imaging, with carefully layered effects across the soundstage. Hi-Fi News describes vivid vocal presence and strong depth, while the Audiophil-Online material highlights a faithful three-dimensional image.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Cartridge Compatibility
90/100
The two inputs can be configured for MM and MC use, or reassigned if required, and four gain settings span approximately 38dB to 64dB. Supplied loading modules cover five MC impedances plus 100pF MM capacitance, although fitting the appropriate components manually is less convenient than front-panel adjustment.
Build Quality
94/100
What Hi-Fi found the exterior and internal construction immaculate, with a circuit populated by high-quality components. Hi-Fi News also highlights the carefully executed in-house MC transformers and considers their core and winding implementation exceptionally well judged.
Value for Money
87/100
At roughly £17,000 to £20,000, this is plainly a luxury purchase: What Hi-Fi identifies the wallet-withering price as its only real issue. However, Hi-Fi News argues that its sound, engineering, build and optimisation options make a persuasive case for the asking price, even calling it a high-end bargain.
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- Resolution A/V — in-store — New York City, New York, United States (website)
- Ajasom — online and in-store — Amadora, Lisboa, Portugal (website)
- Alma Music & Audio — online and in-store — San Diego, California, United States (website)
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- Assai Audio — in-store — Centro, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain (website)
- Audio Aktoren — online and in-store — Horten, Vestfold, Norway (website)
- Audio Concept - Luxembourg — in-store — Gare, Luxembourg, Luxembourg (website)
- Audio Gallery — online and in-store — Las Rozas de Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain (website)
- Audio Natali — in-store — Montecatini Terme, Toscana, Italy (website)
- Audio Salon — in-store — Boca Raton, Florida, United States (website)
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