For all of its nearly three quarter of a century existence, Nagra has been, first and foremost, research and development driven. With decade after decade of groundbreaking innovations, Nagra has set lofty standards in diverse categories of audio devices. This is nowhere more apparent than in our high-end, high performance audio division.
When introduced, Nagra’s HD line set new technical and sonic standards that reflected years of thoughtful research combined with exhaustive listening tests designed to corroborate the scientific advancements that each HD product brought forth.
Since our founding in 1951, Nagra’s company culture has driven our pursuit of perfection. Combine this with the Swiss tradition of precision engineering and it was
inevitable that continuing research and development on the HD line platforms would ultimately result in advances that justify the release of a product line-up which
substantially extends the sonic envelope of the HD line.
The latest products to bear the appellation “Reference” are the Reference PREAMP, Reference DAC and Reference AMP.
Originally released in 2017 and later updated in 2020 the Nagra HD PREAMP set new standards in the analog preamplifier category. Its stellar specifications as well as its natural, transparent and three dimensional sound has been lauded by discerning audiophiles and reviewers around the world.
Following the design of the Nagra Reference Turntable and its associated tonearm and cartridge, we released the Nagra HD PHONO. This new, true reference, source
allowed us to push the boundaries of what was possible for a phono stage. Utilizing discernment provided by these outstanding reference components, we gained new
insights into opportunities to extend the sonic envelope of the HD PREAMP. The Reference PREAMP sets the new standard in analog preamplification.
Our intensive research and painstaking extensive listening sessions resulted in:
– Essential component changes in the audio unit, including custom made capacitors
– New generation high voltage power supplies inside the audio signal unit (generating the 200 V DC grid tension)
– Super-cap capacity added inside the power supply
– Dual chassis power supplies, one dedicated to the audio signal section, one dedicated to all of the controls and relay switching, including home automation*
– Mechanical damping with the addition of a phenolic layer inside the top cover
– REF medallion above the modulometer as part of the Reference family of products
* The Reference PREAMP (as well as future DAC and PHONO) can run on a single power supply. The result is more spectacular and life-like with two PSU. Starting with one PSU will allow customers to go step by step and later on add a second one for unrivaled performance.
Technical specifications
Input impedance:
> 50 K Ohms
Output impedance:
< 0.2 Ohms Volume on -15 dB
< 40 Ohms Volume on 0
Frequency Response:
dB
Dynamic range:
> 150 dB Volume at -15 dB
Input level for 0 dB (on modulometer):
Low: 1.0 V rms Volume at 0 dB
High: 2.0 V rms Volume at 0 dB
Studio: 10 V rms Volume at 0 dB
Harmonic Distorsion:
(THD + N)
See graphics FFT THD+N
@ 1 kHz, 1 V out, no load on the output
Crosstalk:
> -130 dB 1V rms 1 kHz
> -110 dB 1V rms 20 kHz
Tubes:
2 x E88CC New Old Stock
Selected and tested by Nagra
