Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista Vinyl S Phono Stage

Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista Vinyl S Phono Stage

The Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista Vinyl S Phono Stage delivers true high-end analog performance in a more compact and accessible design. As a refined evolution of the original Vinyl 2, the Vinyl S maintains the signature Nuvistor tube architecture that defines the Nu-Vista series while introducing a redesigned internal layout that reduces the physical footprint by nearly 45 percent. Despite its smaller size, the Vinyl S preserves the musical warmth, detail retrieval, and authoritative dynamics the brand is known for. This makes it an exceptional choice for audiophiles who want reference-grade sound without the space requirements of larger phono amplifiers.

The Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista Vinyl S Phono Stage is available for demonstration in our Hull store by request.

Compact Engineering Without Compromise

Musical Fidelity has carefully optimized the internal PCB layout and the configuration of the Nuvistor tubes to achieve a smaller chassis without sacrificing audio fidelity. The fully discrete Class A design, along with a three-stage gain structure, maintains the hallmark richness and clarity the Nu-Vista line is celebrated for. Vinyl enthusiasts will appreciate how the Vinyl S brings out delicate textures, subtle ambient information, and extended harmonic detail from every record, all while operating with remarkable control and stability. Its compact form makes it ideal for modern listening rooms where space is limited but expectations for performance remain high.

Extensive Gain and EQ Options for Every Cartridge

The Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista Vinyl S Phono Stage offers a wide range of adjustable gain options, ensuring full compatibility with both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges. MM users can select from 40, 43, 46, and 49dB, while MC users can choose between 60, 63, 66, and 69dB, with an optional +6dB boost for additional fine-tuning. Alongside this flexibility, the Vinyl S incorporates split-passive RIAA, DECCA, and COLUMBIA equalization curves, implemented in two precision stages for superior accuracy. This ensures consistent tonal balance and faithful reproduction across both vintage pressings and modern audiophile releases.

Fully Balanced Circuitry for Superior Signal Purity

A key strength of the Nu-Vista Vinyl S Phono Stage is its genuine fully balanced design. Each channel processes positive and negative signal paths independently, greatly improving noise rejection and minimizing interference. Unlike pseudo-balanced designs, the Vinyl S maintains a true dual-mono architecture from input to output. Paired with Nuvistor tubes and discrete Class A components, this balanced approach results in exceptional transparency, enhanced dynamic range, and lifelike musical depth.

Flexible Input and Output Management

The Nu-Vista Vinyl S supports systems with multiple turntables or tonearms thanks to its two RCA inputs, two balanced XLR inputs, one RCA output, and one balanced XLR output. Each input can be independently configured with gain, loading, and cartridge type, with settings stored per input for instant recall. The three-stage subsonic filter—off, mild, or standard—effectively reduces low-frequency rumble from warped records or turntable vibration without compromising musical integrity. This level of flexibility ensures the Vinyl S integrates effortlessly into both simple and highly complex analog setups.

Low-Noise Power Supply for Maximum Transparency

Power stability is crucial for phono amplification, and Musical Fidelity has equipped the Vinyl S with dual symmetrical power supplies, each feeding its own channel. Driven by a silent toroidal transformer and paired with advanced filtering and regulation, the Vinyl S delivers clean, stable power to all Nuvistor stages. This design suppresses hum, DC interference, and electrical noise, giving low-output MC cartridges the ultra-quiet background they require. The result is a detailed, immersive, and effortlessly natural presentation.

Premium Build Quality in a Refined Chassis

The Vinyl S features Musical Fidelity's refined “S” chassis, crafted from extruded aluminum for enhanced rigidity and superior resonance control. The robust construction shields the internal electronics from vibration and electromagnetic interference while maintaining the luxurious aesthetic associated with the Nu-Vista line. A matching solid aluminum remote control allows users to adjust gain, loading, EQ curves, and the subsonic filter from the listening position, creating a seamless and convenient experience.

Heritage Nuvistor Technology with Modern Execution

Nuvistor tubes, developed in the late 1950s, are renowned for their low noise, durability, and exceptional linearity. Their early use in legendary studio equipment contributed to some of the most iconic recordings in history. The Nu-Vista Vinyl S integrates these classic tubes into a modern, precision-engineered phono stage, blending analog heritage with cutting-edge circuitry to deliver a captivating and emotionally engaging musical experience.

Audiophile-Grade Specifications

With THD figures below 0.005% for MM and 0.008% for MC at 1 kHz, the Vinyl S maintains exceptionally low distortion. Signal-to-noise ratios exceed 101dB for MM and 82dB for MC, ensuring quiet backgrounds and pristine playback. Output levels of 500mV (RCA) and 1V (XLR) make it compatible with a wide range of amplification systems. Designed for long-term reliability, low power consumption, and consistent high-fidelity performance, the Vinyl S stands as a benchmark in compact high-end phono stages.

Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista Vinyl S Phono Stage Specification:

• Frequency Response
  • 20 Hz – 20 kHz +/- 0.35 dB
• THD (Total Harmonic Distortion)
  • < 0.007% @ 1 kHz
  • < 0.08% (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
• IMD (Intermodulation Distortion)
  • < 0.006% (SMPTE 4:1)
• Crosstalk
  • < 90 dB
• Phase Deviation
  • < 0.4 degrees (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
• Output Level
  • Fixed 2.35 VRMS
• Formats Supported
  • Stereo audio CDs (Red Book standard; pre-recorded or CD-R)
  • Stereo MP3 CDs (pre-recorded or CD-R)
  • The standard Red Book stereo audio CD layer from Hybrid SACDs
• Input and Output Connections
  • One set of stereo unbalanced analog audio outputs
  • One Coax S/PDIF and one Toslink optical S/PDIF digital output
  • One Trigger Output (+12 VDC nominal)
• Power
  • 100 – 240 VAC @ 50/60 Hz (automatically sensed and switched)
• Weight
  • 4.54 kg (unboxed)
• Dimensions (Unboxed; including feet)
  • 432 mm wide x 88 mm high x 330 mm deep