Our Flagship Product
Reference Tube Pre-Amplifier with HD Phono Stage
Born from the passion for authentic analog sound, the Nishecon Reference represents the pinnacle of tube preamplifier engineering. This masterpiece combines the warmth and musicality of premium vacuum tubes with cutting-edge electronic design to deliver an unparalleled listening experience.
Behind every great sound lies a philosophy. Mine was clear: to liberate music from the shackles of conventional RIAA solutions and let it breathe freely. The Nishecon Reference is not just another preamplifier – it's a manifesto of my conviction that true vinyl sound deserves more than standard compromises. Every element has been reimagined, every design decision subordinated to one goal: preserving the artist's natural expression in its most authentic form.
The Heart of Tube Sound
At the heart of analog playback lies a professional phono section utilizing carefully selected 2xEF806S and 2x ECC803S vacuum tubes with active RIAA correction, which unlike passive solutions provides greater precision in frequency response and better signal dynamics. The HD/HDD (Hi-Fi) selection allows optimal matching to different types of vinyl records, enabling full utilization of the potential of analog recordings. The MM input (2.2mV) has been designed with the highest-class magnetic cartridges in mind, and the entire phono section operates in a 100% analog signal path, free from any filters except precise RIAA correction.
Engineered for Audiophiles
The preamplifier offers a multi-input system with dedicated analog inputs: PHONO MM, CD, AUX and TUNER, connected with noiseless electronic switching through high-quality relays. Smooth output level control enables optimal matching to power amplifiers, while the dedicated REC output allows signal recording without affecting the main path. All components selected with tolerance below 0.001% guarantee the highest playback fidelity and long-term parameter stability.
Important:
in our project we did not use cathode resistor bypass - **we prioritized sound purity** due to its negative impact on quality. **Bypass increases distortion** - cathode degeneration naturally linearizes tube operation, and bypassing it degrades signal clarity. **Changes phase characteristics** - creates a high-pass filter that disturbs natural sound in low frequencies. **Introduces additional noise** - electrolytic capacitors generate their own noise, especially in the high frequency range, and have unstable parameters over time.
Professional Monitoring & Control
The integrated LCD color display provides real-time audio monitoring through its analog VU-meter, spectrum analyzer, and oscilloscope function - features typically found only in professional studio equipment. The precision 24-step potentiometer volume control ensures perfect level matching for any system.
Precise Power Supply
Architecture based on three independent modules ensures optimal operating conditions for every element of the preamplifier. Individual voltage regulation enables precise optimization of tube operating points for maximum linearity and lowest harmonic distortion. The entire power supply system is housed in a separate metal chamber of the housing, completely isolated by an electromagnetic shield from the audio section. This physical separation eliminates any possible interference between the power supply and the delicate signal path.
Rock-solid build, hand-picked parts, 3-year warranty — Nishecon Reference is an investment that will play as long as you love music.
Get QuoteTechnical Specifications
The presented parameters are merely the tip of the iceberg. The actual relationships between circuit topology and acoustic characteristics are revealed only through in-depth analysis – detailed measurement-to-sound correlations can be found in the analysis section.
Pre-amp Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| THD+N Preamp | ≤0,015% (ƒ=1kHz) |
| Dynamic Range | ≥100dB |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz (-0,5dB) |
| Gain | 7.5dB |
| Voltage Ratio | 8-10Vrms |
| Crosstalk | >81dB (ƒ=1kHz) |
| Channel Mismatch | ≤0,02dB (20Hz-20kHz) |
| Volume Control | Potentiometer 24 Steps |
| Inputs | Phono MM, AUX, CD (DAC), TAPE |
| Outputs | Power Amplifier, Recording |
Phono Stage Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Phono Cartridge | MM (Moving Magnet) |
| Input Sensitivity Phono MM | 2,2mV |
| Switch Options | HD / HDD (Hi-Fi) |
| Phono Gain | 69dB / 71dB |
| Headroom: | 12mV >31dB |
| RIAA Accuracy | 0,5dB |
| Frequency Response | 18Hz - 32kHz ±1dB |
| Max Input (ƒ=1kHz) | 0,2199Vrms |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | -94dBr (ƒ=1kHz) |
| Phono Crosstalk | >72dB (ƒ=1kHz) |
| Channel Mismatch | ≤0,1dB (20Hz-20kHz) |
| THD at Phono | ≤0,018% |
Hardware Specifications
| Parameter | Value | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuum Tubes HD phono | 2x EF806S, 2x ECC803S, 2x ECC802S | Premium tube selection |
| Power Supply | Soft-Start | Advanced protection |
| Voltage Requirement | 100VAC - 240VAC | 50Hz - 60Hz |
| Power Consumption | 36W | High efficiency |
| Dimensions | 388 x 263 x 140 mm | W x D x H |
| Weight | 6.5 kg | Robust construction |
| Color Options | Silver, Black | Premium finish |
| Compliance | RoHS ✓ | Environmental standard |
LCD Display Features
| Feature | Status | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| LCD Colour Display | ✓ Included | Professional monitoring |
| Analog VU-meter | ✓ Included | Real-time level display |
| Spectrum Analyser | ✓ Included | Frequency analysis |
| VU Level Display | ✓ Included | Precise level monitoring |
| Osc Line Display | ✓ Included | Oscilloscope function |
| Pre-amp runtime log | ✓ Included | Records real time |
Advanced Power Supply Design
Thanks to its dedicated design and non-standard topology, the power supply achieves outstanding efficiency, minimizes power consumption, and effectively suppresses EMI emissions, perfectly meeting the requirements of this preamplifier.
Product Gallery
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