Lehmann Audio Black Cube Phono Preamplifier
The Classic High-Performance Mm/Mc Phono Stage For Serious Vinyl Playback
The Lehmann Audio Black Cube is a highly regarded high-performance phono preamplifier designed to reveal the full musical character of vinyl playback. Since its introduction, the Black Cube has become a classic in the world of dedicated phono stages, combining compact dimensions with sophisticated circuit design, flexible cartridge matching and exceptionally refined analog performance.
Designed for both Moving Magnet and Moving Coil cartridges, the Black Cube offers multiple gain and impedance settings, allowing it to be carefully matched to a wide range of cartridges and turntable systems. Its precision passive RIAA equalisation circuit, low-noise input stages and dedicated power supply are engineered to deliver detailed, dynamic and musically engaging vinyl reproduction.
Key Features
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MM and MC Cartridge Compatibility – Supports a wide range of Moving Magnet and Moving Coil cartridges.
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Four Selectable Gain Settings – 36dB, 46dB, 56dB and 66dB gain options for precise system matching.
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Flexible Input Impedance – 47kΩ, 1kΩ and 100Ω settings, plus custom-load capability.
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Precision Passive RIAA Equalisation – Designed for accurate and natural vinyl signal reproduction.
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Low-Noise Input Stages – Designed to preserve delicate low-level musical information.
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High Channel Separation – Greater than 85dB at 10kHz for precise stereo imaging.
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Custom-Designed Power Supply – Provides generous headroom for the audio circuitry.
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Compact Modular Construction – Separate audio section and power supply allow flexible system placement.
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Non-Magnetic Aluminium Audio Enclosure – Helps minimise unwanted interference.
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Hardwired Cartridge Loading Option – Provides an additional direct configuration option for demanding cartridges.
A Classic Of High-Performance Vinyl Reproduction
The Black Cube is designed for listeners who want more from their vinyl playback system than a basic built-in phono stage can provide. Its sophisticated circuit architecture combines precision equalisation with carefully selected components to preserve the character, dynamics and tonal nuance of the original recording.
The result is a phono stage designed to deliver a wide range of tonal colour, strong dynamic expression and an open, detailed presentation.
Precision Riaa Equalisation
At the heart of the Black Cube is a high-precision passive RIAA equalisation circuit positioned between two linear gain stages. The circuit uses low-loss precision MKP film capacitors to help maintain signal integrity throughout the equalisation process.
This design approach is intended to provide accurate tonal balance while allowing the musical character of the recording and cartridge to remain clearly audible.
Flexible Cartridge Matching
Cartridge matching is an important part of achieving optimum performance from a vinyl system. The Black Cube provides four selectable gain settings from 36dB to 66dB and selectable input impedance settings of 47kΩ, 1kΩ and 100Ω.
A dedicated custom-load position provides additional flexibility for cartridges requiring specialised impedance matching. The Black Cube also includes a hardwired slot for direct configuration without relying solely on switching.
Low-Noise Design With Excellent Stereo Precision
The Black Cube uses high-grade low-noise input stages designed to preserve delicate signals from both MM and MC cartridges. Its channel separation of greater than 85dB at 10kHz supports precise stereo imaging and a well-defined soundstage.
The result is a phono stage designed to reveal low-level detail, spatial information and dynamic contrast from the record groove.
Compact Design, Flexible Installation
The Black Cube's compact audio section can be positioned close to the turntable and tonearm, helping minimise the length of the delicate phono signal path. The separate power supply connects to the audio section using a shielded cable and can be positioned independently.
The audio section uses a non-magnetic aluminium enclosure with additional design measures intended to help suppress hum, high-frequency interference and unwanted voltage disturbances.
Features
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High-performance MM/MC phono preamplifier.
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Precision passive RIAA equalisation.
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Four selectable gain settings: 36dB, 46dB, 56dB and 66dB.
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Selectable input impedance: 47kΩ, 1kΩ and 100Ω.
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Custom-load option.
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Hardwired cartridge-loading slot.
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100pF input capacitance.
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Greater than 85dB channel separation at 10kHz.
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47Ω output impedance.
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Selectable 50Hz bass filter with 6dB/octave slope.
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Low-noise metal-film resistors.
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Gold-plated contact switches.
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Separate external power supply.
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Non-magnetic aluminium audio enclosure.
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Compact installation-friendly design.
Specifications
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Product Type: Phono Preamplifier
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Cartridge Compatibility: MM / MC
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Gain: 36dB, 46dB, 56dB, 66dB
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Input Impedance: 47kΩ, 1kΩ, 100Ω, 1 × Custom Load
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Hardwired Load: 1 × Hardwire Slot
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Input Capacitance: 100pF
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Output Impedance: 47Ω
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Channel Separation: >85dB at 10kHz
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Channel Mismatch: Typically 0.5dB
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Signal-to-Noise Ratio – MM: 71dB
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Signal-to-Noise Ratio – MC: 63dB
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Maximum Input Level – MM: 45mV at 1kHz
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Maximum Input Level – MC: 4.5mV at 1kHz
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Bass Filter: 50Hz, 6dB/octave
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Power Consumption: <3W
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Audio Section Dimensions (W × D × H): 113 × 108 × 45mm
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Power Supply Dimensions (W × D × H): 70 × 115 × 55mm
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Audio Section Weight: 0.4kg net, including cable to power supply
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Power Supply Weight: 0.3kg net
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Design: Separate Audio Section and Power Supply
In The Box
Why Buy From Soundtrails
A dedicated phono stage plays a crucial role in a high-performance vinyl system. Cartridge loading, gain matching, turntable setup and system integration all influence the final listening experience.
At SoundTrails, our Audio Video Architects help you select and configure complete high-fidelity vinyl systems tailored to your turntable, cartridge, amplifier and listening preferences. From phono-stage matching and cartridge compatibility to professional setup and system integration, we help ensure that your analog system performs at its full potential.
