Nagra celebrates its 70th anniversary with a limited edition turntable. The Reference Anniversary turntable ($175,000) is the product of a major research and development project that has been kept under wraps until this past summer.
The Nagra I and Nagra II tape machines made use of a Thorens spring winding mechanism to rotate the reels and the capstan. Electronics were used for signal recording and playback in this ground-breaking portable recorder. So early Nagra recorders share a common root with turntables. During the golden age of analogue, the idea to make a Nagra turntable was often discussed. Stefan Kudelski even filed a patent in 1972 for a special tonearm tracking system.
While often contemplated, it was not until four years ago that the design and engineering of a turntable befitting the name Nagra began. Nagra’s staff of extremely talented designers and engineers relentlessly pursued perfection in the fields of applied physics, mechanical and electronic engineering, as well as material science. Four years later, after hundreds upon hundreds of hours, accompanied by exhaustive listening tests, the result is a turntable “which extends the current edge of the arts. It is a first step in a return to our legacy of analogue mechanical reproduction and will be followed by more projects to be announced in 2022.”
Offered as a very limited edition of 70 units, each of which includes ‘in home’ set up and dial-in by Nagra factory specialists, invitation to visit Nagra factory for a VIP tour and exclusive accessories.
Features
Massive and precise dual motor drive system
Belt transmission inspired by the legendary Nagra IV series of reel to reel
Exclusive aerospace material platter
Non-resonant chassis
Floating mechanical and hydraulic suspension
Watchmaker style caliber with special finishes
“Skeleton” watch style transparent methacrylate top surface revealing the drive system’s workings and watchmaker finishes
Pure copper record weight
Dual concentric carbon fiber tonearm
Uni-pivot tonearm with unique geometrical bearing shape
Unique no-contact magnetic anti-skating
Camera lens-like “on the fly” adjustable VTA
Custom silver monocrystal tonearm wiring
External and internal super-cap modules
Full chassis power supply as found in the HD range
Personalized engraved name plate including number within the 70 unit number sequence