TEMPTATIONS
Nagra Classic Phono
EXPENSIVE, YES. BUT YOU KNOW YOU WANT THEM
Image:Nagra
■Phono stage
■£17,500
■ ★★★★★
The trademark Nagra signal-level meter adds a neat design flourish
WHAT HI★FI?
SOUND
★★★★★
FEATURES
★★★★★
BUILD
★★★★★
FOR
• Superlative insight
• Sonic refinement
• Terrific build and finish
• Considered feature set
AGAINST
• Wallet-withering price tag
• Manual cartridge-loading adjustments
VERDICT There’s no doubt that the Nagra Classic Phono is one of the finest phono stages money can buy
The world of hi-fi is no different to any other industry, in that quality costs. However, after spending some considerable time with Nagra’s Classic Phono, we wish it didn’t cost quite so much.
“Anyone who likes to take a look inside hi-fi equipment is in for a treat with this Nagra. As with the exterior, the inside is immaculately made”
It’s not that the product’s sound doesn’t match that hefty price tag; more that it puts this glorious piece of kit beyond the reach of so many people who would appreciate it.
Nagra’s products are rarely ostentatious, so it comes as no surprise to find that this phono stage presents a pretty understated face to the world. That trademark signal meter, which shows the Classic Phono’s output level, is the only visual flourish of note. The rest of the fascia is as clean and uncluttered as we’ve come to expect from the Swiss manufacturer, but that certainly doesn’t mean that this phono stage is some stripped-out minimalist design.