Lehmann Audio Black Cube SE
Lehmann Audio Black Cube SE phono preamplifier, with passive RIAA equalisation and dedicated external power supply, compatible with all cartridges on the market.
Description
The Black Cube SE is a phono preamplifier from Lehmann Audio, direct successor to the original Black Cube introduced in 1995, which became a reference among analogue playback enthusiasts. This "Special Edition 2" version can be recognised by its brushed aluminium fascia, available in natural or black finish, and is fitted between a turntable and an amplifier to amplify and correct the signal from the cartridge.
The unit's casing, like that of its separate power supply, is made from a non-magnetic aluminium alloy treated to resist resonance, which limits microphonic effects liable to colour the sound. The input stages draw on circuits used in the microphone preamplifiers of professional studio consoles. Correction of the RIAA curve is handled by an entirely passive circuit, built around MKT capacitors and metal-film resistors chosen for their precision, low tolerance and low noise.
Two separate gain and impedance settings allow the unit to be matched to any type of cartridge, whether MM or MC. The Black Cube SE also introduces an adjustable subsonic filter offering sixteen different filtering curves, designed to attenuate unwanted low frequencies, particularly those linked to tonearm resonance or a warped record.
The power supply, deliberately oversized relative to the circuit's actual requirements, is housed in a substantial external unit. It is built around a 30 VA toroidal transformer, with an earthed winding fully isolating the primary from the secondary. Filtering is handled by four high-value electrolytic capacitors, backed up by a regulation circuit that supplies a stable voltage to the whole preamplifier.
This phono preamplifier is aimed at vinyl enthusiasts who are demanding about playback quality, own a turntable fitted with a quality cartridge, and want a component capable of adapting to different types of cartridge over time. Its modular design, with external power supply, also makes it a sensible choice for those looking to isolate the phono correction circuit from electrical interference.
Technical specifications
| Input impedance | 47 kohms, 1 kohm, 100 ohms + 1 custom load + 1 hardwire slot |
| Output impedance | 47 ohms |
| Input sensitivity | MM: 3.8 mV/1 kHz; MC: 0.38 mV/1 kHz |
| Gain | 36 dB, 46 dB, 56 dB, 66 dB |
| Output level | 775 mV / 0 dB |
| Signal to noise ratio | MM: 71 dB; MC: 63 dB |
| Channel separation | > 85 dB at 10 kHz |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 45 × 113 × 108 mm |
| Weight | 0.4 kg (audio section, net) |
What to check before buying used
On this model, the MKT capacitors and metal-film resistors of the passive RIAA circuit should remain original and show no sign of overheating or desoldering, as any tampering with these components could affect curve correction. The front-panel gain and impedance settings should be tested in all their positions to rule out a seized potentiometer or dip switch causing crackling. Also check that the separate power supply unit is included with the device and works correctly, as a mismatched Black Cube SE loses its point.
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