Swiss audio manufacturer Nagra has launched the Compact Phono, a new phono preamplifier designed to deliver the brand’s signature vinyl playback performance in a more compact and streamlined form. Priced at $4,950, it’s meant to be an entry point into Nagra’s high-end audio lineup, offering a more straightforward alternative to its much pricier phono preamps.
Nagra has a long-standing reputation for precision audio equipment, especially when it comes to analogue sound reproduction. The company’s history with phono preamplifiers goes back to the Nagra PL-P, a tube preamp inspired by its professional-grade reel-to-reel tape recorders.
Since then, Nagra has built on that foundation with models like the VPS, BPS, Classic Phono, and the HD Phono, all designed to extract the best possible sound from vinyl records.
The Compact Phono follows in those footsteps but takes a more minimalist approach. It comes in the same aluminum chassis as the Nagra Streamer, built for vibration resistance and durability. While it strips back some of the bells and whistles found on the brand’s high-end models, it’s designed to focus on sound quality without overwhelming users with too many configuration options.
At its core, the Compact Phono is a moving coil (MC) phono preamp that uses a dual-mono, fully discrete Class A circuit. It comes with a 10 dB step-up transformer, similar to the one found in Nagra’s VPS model, and lets users select between 47.5 dB and 62 dB gain to match different system setups. By default, the cartridge loading is set to 100 Ohms, but other options can be arranged through Nagra dealers.
Unlike its more elaborate sibling, the HD Phono (which costs $87,500, you read that right), this model doesn’t support moving magnet (MM) cartridges and skips some of the fine-tuning options found in Nagra’s top-tier designs. However, it still delivers clean and precise amplification, staying true to Nagra’s sound philosophy.
On the back, the Compact Phono keeps things simple with stereo RCA inputs and outputs. There’s also a switch to toggle between high and low gain settings, letting users adjust based on their specific turntable and cartridge combination. The preamp runs on an external 12V DC power supply, but for those looking to squeeze out even more performance, Nagra offers upgraded power options, including the MPS and Classic PSU.
With the Compact Phono, Nagra is trying to strike a balance between performance, cost, and usability. While it lacks some of the premium features found in the HD Phono, it still carries over Nagra’s core design principles. Its internal power regulation system uses ultra-high rejection regulators and dual-stage filtering, which helps keep noise levels in check.
For those concerned about vibrations affecting performance, Nagra has also developed a Compact VFS vibration control base (sold separately) to further isolate the unit from unwanted external interference.
At $4,950, the Compact Phono is significantly more affordable than Nagra’s flagship models but still sits firmly in the high-end price bracket. Competing phono preamps from brands like Luxman and Musical Fidelity offer alternatives at similar price points, each with its own design philosophy and sonic characteristics.
So who is this for? The Compact Phono is aimed at audiophiles who appreciate Nagra’s approach to analogue sound but don’t need the extensive configuration options of its top-tier models. It’s also a good fit for existing Nagra system owners looking for a phono stage that seamlessly integrates with their setup.
Technical Specifications:
The Nagra Compact Phono is available now through authorized dealers for $4,950. The base model comes with a standard power supply, but users can choose to upgrade with additional accessories like the Compact VFS isolation base or one of Nagra’s external power supplies.
