In 1887 Emil Berliner invented the gramophone, the mechanical predecessor to the electric record player. Later, with the shellac record, he developed a medium that allowed music recordings to be mass produced. Berliner set up his Montreal headquarters in 1900. On July 16th 1900 Emile Berliner registered the trademark for his company, “Nipper” – the dog listening to a gramophone. The painter Francis Barraud created this image which was used for more than 70 years. This trademark first appeared in Montreal on the back of record # 402 – “Hello My Baby” by Frank Banta. Berliner produced 2,000 records during his first year of operation in Montreal. In 1901 he sold more than 2 million records.
I don’t think that Emil Berliner 120 years ago would have believed the level of quality of the vinyl playback systems and phono stages of today. The realistic sound of his inventions bring pure emotion and feeling to the listener.
New 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, was a very respected phono stage. The VPS was the base we used and also the obvious product to use as a benchmark.
New generation Nagra custom made input transformers (based on the core of the HD PREAMP).
Highlights
- Full tube in Class A (total 4 triodes)
- Comes with two inputs, one MC / MM (with transformers) and one MM (no transformers)
- Adjustable and customizable cartridge loading
- Selection of RIAA, TELDEC and COLUMBIA curves
- Accommodates mono cartridges in true mono mode. Stereo / Mono selector on the front panel
- Adjustable gain 38 – 64 dB
- New built-in silent power supply, can also be upgrared with a Classic PSU
MC
Gain switch LOW = 54 dB
Gain switch HIGH = 64 dB
MM
Gain switch LOW = 38 dB
Gain switch HIGH = 48 dB
Vacuum tubes
2x E88CC/6922
1x ECC81/B739
1x ECC83/B759
Selected by Nagra Laboratory
Sound and impression
The first notes strike with density and extension. The CLASSIC PHONO impresses immediately with its sheer quality. The very linear phase response is clearly audible with a very faithful stereo and 3D image. The timbre of the instruments is very impressive. After a few minutes of critical listening you simply want to rediscover your music collection and enjoy it! The various settings allow you to match the cartridge and the record very closely.
CLASSIC PHONO suggested Retail price in the US = $19,750 USD
Delivery will start in September. To get an offer contact your Nagra dealer.
The CLASSIC PHONO features a new generation built-in power supply that offers great results. However you can take it to another level by adding the Nagra CLASSIC PSU. The Nagra PSU is derived from our HD Generation power supplies and features many technical advances that allow for an amazing sound reproduction.
You can read complete news letter here: link.