Nagra PREAMP II-S

Q: How can I book a private listening appointment?

Call or text us at (360) 360-3610, email hello@unveilsound.com, or use our website's contact form. Every appointment begins with a consultation about your current system, room, musical preferences and goals. We then schedule your visit and prepare the space for you.

Q: What equipment can I audition at your studio?

You can audition a selection of reference components from the brands we carry. During your consultation, tell us what you would like to hear and we will confirm availability and create the experience for your visit.

Q: Do you accept trade-ins?

Yes. However, we consider trade-ins case by case, based on the equipment, its condition, and current market demand. Contact us and we will let you know whether we can accept your equipment.

Q: How does the free one-year Trade-Up credit work?

Our Trade-Up Program gives you full store credit for the amount paid toward a higher-tier item, for up to one year after your purchase. Some exceptions apply. Items that do not qualify may still be considered as a regular trade-in. For complete terms, please review our Trade-Up Program details.

Q: Can I purchase from Unveil Sound if I live outside the Pacific Northwest?

Yes, we serve clients throughout the United States. Availability of some brands can vary by region, which we discuss during your consultation.

Q: Do you offer delivery, installation, and system setup?

Yes, we can deliver, install, and set up your system anywhere in the United States. For reference-level components, this is included at no additional cost.

Q: Do you ship throughout the United States?

We ship throughout the United States. Availability and shipping arrangements may vary by brand, product, and destination. Contact us to confirm the details for your order.

Regular price: $24,500.00 USD
Regular price
Sale price: $24,500.00 USD

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Package Stand-alone With Compact PSU

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100% Trade-Up Credit for 1 Year

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Overview

The Nagra Preamp II-S is a vacuum tube line preamplifier and the first model in Nagra’s Series II. It uses two 12AX7/ECC83 tubes and one 12AT7/ECC81 selected by Nagra, with 0dB or +6dB gain, 9 ohm output impedance at 0dB, and dynamic range above 125dB. A Modulometer level meter, XLR and RCA connections, and an OLED display are included. It ships with the Compact PSU, or without a power supply for owners of existing Nagra units. The Nagra Preamp II-S is a compact tube preamp built in Switzerland.

Specifications

Type: Vacuum tube line preamplifier (Series II)
Tubes: 2 x 12AX7/ECC83, 1 x 12AT7/ECC81 (selected by Nagra Laboratory)
Gain: Selectable 0 dB or +6 dB
Output Impedance: 9 ohms (0 dB gain), 18 ohms (+6 dB gain)
Frequency Response: 10 Hz to 50 kHz (+0 / -0.5 dB)
Dynamic Range: >125 dB (+6 dB gain)
THD: <0.01% at 1 kHz, 1 V rms out, no load
Crosstalk: >85 dB at 1 kHz, 1 V rms out, no load
Inputs: 1 x XLR, 4 x RCA
Outputs: 2 x XLR, 1 x RCA
Power Supply: External, Nagra Compact PSU (12 V, 2 A, LEMO connector) included by default; can be ordered without PSU
Power Supply Requirement: 12 to 12.6 V DC, 1 A
Power Consumption: 12.6 W maximum, standby <1 W
Dimensions (W x D x H): 15 x 11 x 3 in (380 x 280 x 76 mm)
Weight: 10.6 lbs (4.8 kg)
Country of Origin: Switzerland

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Nagra Preamp II-S

The Nagra Preamp II-S is a vacuum tube line preamplifier from Nagra of Switzerland and the first model in the company's Series II. It uses three Nagra-selected tubes, offers two selectable gain settings, and is fed by an external power supply. A front-panel Modulometer, derived from the meter in the Nagra IV-S recorder, shows signal level.

Position in the Nagra Lineup

Nagra entered home audio in 1998 with the PL-P, a battery-powered tube preamplifier with a phono stage and Modulometer. The Preamp II-S sits between the Classic and HD Preamps.

The Series II design prioritizes sound quality while keeping a compact footprint. The Preamp II-S draws its look from the PL-P as well as Nagra's HD and Reference lines.

Main Characteristics and Features

Tube Linestage

The circuit uses two 12AX7/ECC83 tubes and one 12AT7/ECC81 tube, selected by Nagra Laboratory. The two 12AX7 tubes handle the input signal and its amplification, while the 12AT7 works as a buffer. Nagra describes them as a new generation of tubes, also used in the Classic Phono, HD, and Reference lines, and says they deliver enhanced transparency, improved micro-detail, and more realistic dynamic expression.

Selectable Gain

A front-panel toggle switches between two gain settings. At 0 dB the preamplifier has a 9 ohm output impedance, and Nagra describes it as behaving almost like a passive preamplifier with an exceptionally low output impedance. Nagra recommends this setting for most systems. At +6 dB the output impedance is 18 ohms and the stated dynamic range is above 125 dB.

Modulometer and Controls

The Modulometer shows left and right channel levels, and Nagra says it allows accurate visual monitoring of both channels. The Preamp II-S also uses a precision rotary encoder taken from the Nagra HD PHONO, fitted with a fluted aluminum knob. Its OLED display is shared with the HD PHONO and Reference DAC.

Chassis and Vibration Control

The aluminum top cover has a phenolic damping layer beneath it, glued and screwed in place.

Connectivity

The Preamp II-S provides one balanced XLR input and four RCA inputs. Outputs are two XLR and one RCA. The front panel has two switches: one sets the gain, and the other selects between the rear RCA and XLR outputs.

Power Supply Options

The preamplifier runs from an external DC supply, which Nagra says keeps mains-related interference away from the audio circuit. It ships by default with the Nagra Compact PSU (12V, 2A, LEMO connector). It can also be ordered without a power supply for owners of a Nagra MPS or Classic PSU, which use the same LEMO connector.

Sound Character

Nagra states that the Preamp II-S aims for accuracy without a clinical character, with a wide and deep soundstage, lifelike dynamics, and a very quiet background.

How can I book a private listening appointment?

Call or text us at (360) 360-3610, email hello@unveilsound.com, or use our website's contact form. Every appointment begins with a consultation about your current system, room, musical preferences and goals. We then schedule your visit and prepare the space for you.

What equipment can I audition at your studio?

You can audition a selection of reference components from the brands we carry. During your consultation, tell us what you would like to hear and we will confirm availability and create the experience for your visit.

Do you accept trade-ins?

Yes. However, we consider trade-ins case by case, based on the equipment, its condition, and current market demand. Contact us and we will let you know whether we can accept your equipment.

How does the free one-year Trade-Up credit work?

Our Trade-Up Program gives you full store credit for the amount paid toward a higher-tier item, for up to one year after your purchase. Some exceptions apply. Items that do not qualify may still be considered as a regular trade-in. For complete terms, please review our Trade-Up Program details.

Can I purchase from Unveil Sound if I live outside the Pacific Northwest?

Yes, we serve clients throughout the United States. Availability of some brands can vary by region, which we discuss during your consultation.

Do you offer delivery, installation, and system setup?

Yes, we can deliver, install, and set up your system anywhere in the United States. For reference-level components, this is included at no additional cost.

Do you ship throughout the United States?

We ship throughout the United States. Availability and shipping arrangements may vary by brand, product, and destination. Contact us to confirm the details for your order.

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