As reported across the web, Swiss high-end manufacturer Nagra is approaching the launch of a new product line called Series II, which is expected to replace the long-running Classic series. For me, this feels like the perfect opportunity to put together a personal wish-list ahead of the new series’ debut.
What We Know So Far – and What’s Still Speculation
At this stage, a few images of the upcoming preamplifier have surfaced on sites such as Mono and Stereo and HiFi Pig. The model is reportedly named PREAMP II-S, and even from the images alone several intriguing details stand out.
A Significant Design Refresh
The design has undergone an impressive update, giving the unit an even cleaner, more elegant, and arguably more timeless look.
The iconic Modulometer has been enlarged and now stands out more prominently, reminiscent of the aesthetic used in the HD series. The labeling on the front panel has become more minimalistic and understated, and for the first time, there is not even a model name printed on the faceplate.
To me, the most important upgrade is the new display.
The previous green-font display from the Classic series always felt somewhat dated and utilitarian, whereas the new screen, borrowed from the HD series, looks far more refined, modern, and in harmony with the updated design language.
Here is what the Classic series display looked like:
Removal of the Headphone Output
The images also show that Nagra has chosen to remove the headphone output that existed on the Classic Preamp. Personally, I don’t know many users who relied on that feature, so to me this is a sensible move that declutters the device and refines its focus.
Use of Phenolic Material
A black strip beneath the upper panel hints at the use of phenolic, similar to the construction of the Nagra Reference PREAMP. If that is indeed the case, it represents a meaningful enhancement to the unit’s mechanical platform.
?What About the Technical Specifications
Beyond what can be deduced from the images, I’ve gathered some non-official information – which should be regarded strictly as speculation until Nagra publishes the full specifications.
The most notable point is that the PREAMP II-S will not include an internal power supply.
Instead, it will ship as standard with the Nagra Compact PSU (read our review). Existing Nagra owners who already have an external PSU may be offered a reduced-price option without the power supply.
In my view, this is a welcome decision.
In the Classic series, the internal power supply allowed for immediate use and the option to upgrade later, but once upgraded, users were left with a large unused section inside the chassis. Designing the unit from the outset without an internal power supply gives the engineers more freedom to optimize the layout, often resulting in sonic improvements. It also avoids having the consumer pay for an internal supply that may ultimately be unnecessary.
Rumors also suggest new-generation tubes and additional circuit refinements – but again, at this stage, all of this remains unofficial.
?Interim Conclusion: Where Is Series II Positioned
Based on everything known so far, Series II appears to be positioned as Nagra’s new mid-tier line, replacing the Classic series and sitting between the Compact series and the HD line.
It’s still unclear whether the “Classic” name will carry over into the new branding. Personally, I hope it does – it's a name that has become deeply associated with Nagra’s identity.
Either way, as someone intimately familiar with the Classic series, and given that Series II is likely to replace the entire lineup, this feels like the perfect moment to share my 10 personal wish-list items for the new series.
My Ten-Item Wish List
A New Remote Control
There hasn’t been a single Nagra product review where I didn’t mention the remote. Yes, it works – but it doesn’t reflect the brand’s design language, the button labels don’t clearly match their functions, and overall it simply doesn’t convey the premium feel associated with Nagra products.
So perhaps the time has finally come for a new remote?
HT Bypass
HT Bypass allows the preamplifier stage to be bypassed – an especially useful feature when integrating a stereo system into a home-theater setup.
The Classic Preamp had an elegant solution: an XLR input wired directly to the output when the unit was powered off. I truly hope this approach remains in the new model. And if the Series II lineup includes an integrated amplifier, it too would greatly benefit from some form of HT Bypass implementation.
The next three items relate to the power amplifier (and partly to any potential integrated amplifier):
Power Ratings into 4 Ohms
In the Classic series, Nagra consistently published only one power spec: 100W RMS into 8 ohms.
The absence of a 4-ohm rating makes comparisons difficult and leaves questions about performance with more demanding loudspeakers. When a company doesn’t provide complete specifications, it unintentionally creates the feeling that something is being withheld – an impression that is entirely avoidable.
Stability at 2 Ohms
Following the previous point, I’m not necessarily asking for an official 2-ohm power rating – very few companies publish one. What I am asking for is reassurance that the amplifier is stable and capable of driving low impedances in the 2–3 ohm range, which is common among many modern high-end loudspeakers. For equipment aimed at the high-end market, this feels like a reasonable expectation.
True Monoblocks, Not Bridged Amps
The Classic series did not include dedicated monoblocks. The workaround for customers wanting monoblock operation was using the bridged mode of the Classic stereo amplifier. While functional, it is far from ideal: the amplifier does not operate in the topology it was originally designed for, and its performance degrades with lower impedance speakers.
With Series II, I would love to see true monoblock amplifiers units, engineered from the ground up for single-channel operation.
HDMI ARC
Even though Nagra primarily focuses on pure two-channel audio, many customers place their systems in the living room rather than in a dedicated stereo room. If a new DAC is indeed planned for the series, adding HDMI ARC would greatly simplify TV integration and make everyday use more modern, convenient, and aligned with real-world system layouts.
A Phono Preamplifier with Load Adjustment via Selector Switch
In the Classic series phono stages, load adjustments required swapping components inside the unit. In Nagra’s higher-end series, dedicated selector switches already exist for these settings – so it only feels natural that Series II should inherit this convenient and flexible capability.
Bring Back the CD Transport
At every show where I saw a Nagra system, they proudly displayed the Classic series CD transport – even though it hasn’t been sold for years. The CD format is still beloved by many audiophiles, and I can only imagine how stunning a new CD transport would look with Nagra’s updated design language. A small dream, perhaps – but an exciting one.
A More Accessible Turntable
After the release of the beautiful and ultra-premium Reference series turntable, I would love to see a more accessible version – one that lets more analog enthusiasts experience Nagra vinyl playback without entering ultra-high-end price tiers.
A Music Server
And finally, a wish that may never come true – but comes straight from the heart:
In today’s world, a complete digital experience requires a music server with internal storage and the ability to run Roon Core. This may be outside Nagra’s traditional domain, but since they already make a streamer – perhaps we can dream of a dedicated high-end Nagra music server to complete the digital ecosystem?
Summary
The Series II line has certainly captured my imagination, and I fully intend to follow its development with great excitement. Realistically, it may take several years for Nagra to release all the models and gradually replace the Classic series. In any case, it seems a new and fascinating chapter in Nagra’s story is on the way – and all that’s left for us is to wait patiently.
