Black Cube
The Black Cube is the classic among phono preamplifiers: Since its market launch in 1995, it has enjoyed cult status among countless vinyl enthusiasts and continues to cause a stir in the specialist press with its compact dimensions and outstanding sound. Since 2006, the audio board has been available with a new, significantly improved version.
Remember the first time you played your favorite LP? Which detail captivated you then and still excites you today? The Black Cube makes rediscovering beloved music classics possible: Thanks to excellent components and a mature circuit design, the sound is reproduced with original fidelity and depth despite the minimal size.
"For anyone looking for possibly the world's best phono stage under $2,000, I can proudly recommend the Lehmannaudio Black Cube."
— Enjoythemusic.com
Characteristic of the Black Cube are its wide spectrum of tonal colors and explosive dynamics. The cause is the highly precise, passive RIAA equalization network positioned between two linear amplifier stages. It is implemented using low-loss precision MKP film capacitors. The high-quality input stages of the latest generation ensure low-noise reproduction—not surprisingly, they are also used in high-end mixing consoles and microphone preamps. The specially developed power supply guarantees high overload resistance.
Quality meets flexibility
With the Black Cube's maximum gain, you can connect virtually all common systems on the market from high-output MM to MC. The configuration options offer near-limitless freedom of choice: A free socket for selectable impedance provides even demanding MC systems with a proper termination. All resistors are low-noise metal film types. For switching gain and impedances, we naturally use only switches with gold-plated contacts. Additionally, there's a hardwire socket per channel that works directly without switches.
The Black Cube's flexibility also shines in placement: You can position it right next to your turntable's tonearm without issues. This is made possible by the cable between the power supply and audio section, as well as the compact dimensions typical of the entire Black Cube series. The shielded cable features an original Neutrik XLR connector on the power supply side. The audio section housing is made of non-magnetic material (aluminum) and mechanically damped in the lid. Additional assemblies in the audio section effectively suppress hum, HF, and noise voltage. The use of a double-sided audio board also provides additional ground planes for interference-free operation.