Nagra Introduces the Melody Preamplifier and MPS Power Supply

The Nagra Jazz valve amplifier launched during 2012 was the first machine of a new generation which is destined to replace its legendary predecessors, the Nagra PL-P and the Nagra PL-L. For CES 2013, Audio Technology Switzerland reveals a second model ready to ship, the Nagra Melody based on transistor circuits.

The Nagra Melody preamplifier, like the Nagra Jazz, breaks with the company’s tradition of naming its high-end machines with a multi-lettered acronym. It was thought that using a name connected with music was more evocative and nearer the truth for a brand which for more than fifty years has taken part in some of the world’s finest recordings, such as those carried out during the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival where Nagra has been a partner for many years.

Situated beneath the Nagra Jazz in terms of pricing, the Melody is nonetheless a preamplifier of the highest quality. The engineers have worked especially hard on reducing the noise threshold so that the machine can match the quietest sources currently available, be they analogical or digital. The circuits have been entirely designed with the most silent components. Those which have a direct influence on the sound are painstakingly selected for their audio qualities. The transistors are measured, sorted and paired up: 60% of them are rejected after testing. The extreme rigour with which every detail of these electronics has been produced results in immensely precise and totally stable operation and consequently, an exceptionally transparent and neutral listening experience.

The Nagra Melody preamplifier can be operated by remote control (volume, mute). It offers five Cinch inputs and two switchable outputs, one XLR and one Cinch. The machine can also be equipped with an optional Nagra external power supply and a phono circuit with bipolar transistors, directly inspired by the highly reputed Nagra BPS phono preamplifier.

Nagra MPS Power Supply

CES 2013 is also a timely moment for Nagra to provide a peep at its MPS multiple power supply project which is in the final phase of development.

For Nagra, the inventor of the portable tape recorder, power supply to its machines is an area which receives the greatest attention and in which the company is constantly innovating. This is where a large part of the intrinsic quality of the electronics stems from, as they must be silent, stable and powerful whilst at the same time being energy efficient. The idea behind the Nagra MPS project is to provide an ultra high performance state-of-the-art power supply which can be used to power several Nagra units simultaneously.

The Nagra MPS power supply possesses four outputs. An optional rechargeable battery can be installed on one of them, which would constitute an ideal solution for powering a phono preamplifier in total silence, for example. The engineers have even designed in a home automation loop: by connecting a remote control, the machine can be switched on via a simple phone call so that it can already be up to optimal operating temperature for a listening session when the user gets home!

The Nagra MPS power supply should be ready to ship during the second quarter of 2013.