Nagra Preamp II-S preamplifier
Audio Technology Switzerland, the Swiss reference in professional and high-end audio electronics, announces the launch of Series II, a new product family that bridges the gap between its Classic and HD ranges. The first model in this new line, the Preamp II-S, marks both a return to Nagra’s roots and a forward-looking evolution in design, engineering, and musical performance.
Long before Nagra became a benchmark in high-end home audio, its name was synonymous with absolute reliability and uncompromising sound quality in professional recording. From the earliest days, music lovers recognised the exceptional sonic qualities of Nagra recorders and adopted them for domestic listening. That convergence of professional precision and musicality laid the foundation for Nagra’s home audio philosophy.
In 1998, Nagra formally entered the high-end hi-fi world with the PL-P, its first home-oriented product. This battery-powered tube preamplifier with integrated phono stage, featuring the iconic Modulometer™ and rotary selector, quickly became an icon. Over the years, a succession of acclaimed preamplifiers followed, culminating in the Classic Preamp in 2016.
Nearly a decade later, Nagra’s engineers felt it was time for a fundamental rethinking – not merely a product update, but the creation of an entirely new family.
The return of the Modulometer
Series II reintroduces the legendary Nagra ModulometerTM , directly inspired by the iconic Nagra IV-S reel-to-reel recorder. This precision instrument provides accurate visual monitoring of left and right channel levels while reaffirming Nagra’s unmistakable identity.
Mechanical expertise
Drawing on the mechanical know-how developed for the Reference turntable and Reference electronics, the Preamp II-S benefits from advanced vibration control. A phenolic damping layer has been added beneath the aluminum top cover and is both glued and mechanically fixed in place. This construction effectively controls resonances and contributes directly to the preamplifier’s sonic stability, clarity and focus.
HD tube technology
At its core, the Preamp II-S employs a new generation of tubes (or valves) shared with the Classic Phono, HD and Reference series. These tubes deliver enhanced transparency, superior micro-detail and more lifelike dynamic expression.
Design and ergonomics
Visually, the Preamp II-S draws inspiration from the historic PL-P as well as Nagra’s HD and Reference lines. Key elements include:
A high-contrast OLED display, shared with the HD Phono and Reference DAC, ensures excellent readability even from a distance.
Input selection is handled by a precision rotary encoder derived from the HD Phono, fitted with a finely fluted aluminum knob whose mechanical quality is immediately apparent.
Faithful to the original PL-P concept, the power supply has been moved outside the chassis, eliminating potential interference from the mains.
Designed first and foremost around sound quality, the Preamp II-S (and other forthcoming Series II components) maintains a footprint well suited to modern living spaces without compromising performance.
Power supply architecture
The Preamp II-S is supplied as standard with the Nagra Compact PSU, delivering an exceptionally clean and stable 12V/2A power source. For owners of a Nagra MPS or Classic PSU, the preamplifier can be ordered without a power supply. Power is delivered via a precision LEMO connector, a familiar element of Nagra’s professional heritage.
Gain stage philosophy
Two selectable gain settings allow optimal system matching while preserving signal integrity. Most systems will benefit from operating the Preamp II-S at 0dB gain, where it behaves almost like a passive preamplifier while maintaining an exceptionally low output impedance of 9 ohms. This ensures precise control over any power amplifier. When additional gain is required, +6dB can be engaged via a front-panel toggle switch.
Silence as a design principle
Decades of experience designing ultra-silent professional recorders are directly reflected in the Preamp II-S. With a dynamic range of 125dB, it delivers an extraordinarily quiet sonic background, allowing music to emerge with maximum contrast, nuance and realism.
Listeners familiar with the Classic Preamp will immediately recognize its musical DNA: accuracy without a ‘clinical’ character, an expansive soundstage, lifelike dynamics and exceptional silence. The Preamp II-S preserves this identity while elevating performance across every parameter — greater transparency, improved spatial definition, enhanced dynamics and a deeper sense of musical flow.
The UK RRP is £21,998, including the Compact PSU. The preamp is also available without the Compact PSU at £18,348, for those who already own a suitable Nagra power supply unit.