Musical Fidelity NU-VISTA Vinyl 2
High-end MM/MC phono preamplifier with discrete Class A Nuvistor stage, featuring independent RCA and XLR outputs and RIAA, DECCA and COLUMBIA equalisation curves.
Description
The Nu-Vista Vinyl 2 is an MM/MC phono preamplifier designed to amplify and equalise the signal from a cartridge before it passes to an amplifier or line preamplifier. It incorporates a discrete Nuvistor tube stage operating in Class A, paired with a fully balanced audio circuit.
The phono preamplification is built on three gain stages powered by discrete Class A transistor circuits, complemented by a fully passive equalisation stage implemented in two separate steps (split-passive). This design allows for better impedance matching and a reduced deviation from the theoretical equalisation curve. At the XLR outputs, the gain is selectable across four values (60, 63, 66 and 69 dB), with a frequency response of +0.2/-0.25 dB, total harmonic distortion below 0.008 % at 1 kHz and a signal-to-noise ratio above 98 dB at 60 dB gain. The input impedance is selectable from 5 ohms to 47 kohms, with a fixed input capacitance of 400 pF, and the unit offers three equalisation curves (RIAA, DECCA, COLUMBIA) as well as three subsonic filter settings. The unbalanced RCA outputs and balanced XLR outputs each have their own dedicated stage, allowing them to be used simultaneously.
- Inputs: 2x RCA, 2x XLR
- Unbalanced RCA output: 500 mV nominal, 10 V max
- Balanced XLR output: 1 V nominal, 20 V max
- Overload margin: 32 dB
The chassis, with its front panel and side panels machined from an extruded aluminium profile, gives the unit substantial mass, which limits sensitivity to vibration and acts as a Faraday cage against electromagnetic interference. This preamplifier is aimed at demanding vinyl setups paired with MM or MC cartridges, where playback accuracy and connectivity flexibility are paramount.
Technical specifications
| Gain at XLR outputs | 60 dB, 63 dB, 66 dB, 69 dB |
| Frequency response | +0.2 dB, -0.25 dB |
| Input sensitivity | 500 µV IN for 500 mV OUT (at 60 dB, 1 kHz) |
| Total impedance | 5 ohms to 47 kohms selectable |
| Input capacitance | 400 pF fixed |
| THD at 1 kHz | <0.008 % |
| Overload margin | 32 dB |
| Signal to noise ratio | >98 dB 'A'-weighted at 60 dB |
| Equalisation curves | RIAA, DECCA, COLUMBIA |
| Subsonic filters | off, soft (IEC), standard (at 20 Hz with 18 dB/octave) |
| Inputs | 2x RCA, 2x XLR |
| RCA output | unbalanced, left and right 500 mV nom, 10 V max |
| XLR output | balanced, left and right 1 V nom, 20 V max |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 483 x 188 x 510 mm |
| Weight | 22 kg net / 30 kg in shipping box |
What to check before buying used
The Nuvistor tube stage warrants a check of its operation and ageing, as this component is more prone to wear over time than a fully transistor-based circuit. Also check the gain, impedance and equalisation curve selectors, whose contacts can oxidise or become imprecise after several years of use. Test the RCA and XLR outputs separately, since each has its own output stage, and confirm the presence and proper operation of the remote control originally supplied.
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