Phonostages — Nagra Compact Phono

The Compact Phono is a space-efficient phono preamplifier from Nagra, a Swiss manufacturer with a legendary reputation stemming from professional recording equipment. The Compact Phono brings Nagra's considered engineering to a versatile phono stage with wide-ranging switchable gain.

Key specs that matter

Output impedance is a low 10 ohms. Gain spans 47.5-62dB, a wide range accommodating both moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges with meaningfully different output levels. Frequency response spans 20Hz to 50,000Hz within plus-or-minus 3dB. Total harmonic distortion plus noise is 0.1%. At a remarkably compact 185 x 166 x 41mm and just 1.9kg, the Compact Phono maintains a small, lightweight footprint consistent with its name.

Sound and use context

Expect the meticulous, precisely engineered character Nagra's professional recording heritage is broadly known for, with the wide 47.5-62dB gain range accommodating a broad variety of cartridge output levels.

Pairing

The wide gain range accommodates both moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges directly, and low 10-ohm output impedance eases compatibility with virtually any downstream preamplifier input.

Alternatives

Nagra's own Reference Preamp and broader electronics catalogue offer natural companion components for buyers building a coherently voiced, entirely Nagra-based system.