Lehmann Audio
Black Cube SE Phono Preamp
Best high-fidelity upgrade for serious vinyl enthusiasts seeking precise cartridge matching.
Experience unparalleled vinyl playback with this advanced phono preamplifier. Its enhanced external power supply delivers exceptional dynamics and musicality, while professional-grade, low-noise input stages ensure pristine audio. Featuring high-precision passive RIAA equalization with premium capacitors, it provides pure transient response. This unit offers extensive gain options to perfectly match all MM and MC cartridges, and includes provisions for custom impedance matching for a truly tailored listening experience. Its compact, dual-chassis design with non-magnetic aluminum enclosures makes it a sophisticated addition to any high-fidelity audio system.
$629.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
198
/ 791
#198 in Phono Preamps
Price vs Category Average
-92%
Below average
Outer Dimensions (W x D x H)
113108459323345
/ Audio section: mm x mm x mm; PWX power supply: mm x mm x mm
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking high-fidelity clarity and dynamic soundstage performance
- Vinyl enthusiasts using diverse moving magnet or moving coil cartridges
- Listeners demanding a clean, interference-free signal path
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for entry-level pricing
- Users who frequently swap cartridges and prefer accessible controls
- Design-focused owners wanting a visually striking centerpiece
Performance breakdown
Cartridge Versatility
Extensive gain settings and custom loading accommodate virtually any cartridge type.
Signal Integrity
Studio-grade input stages ensure a clean, transparent path for your vinyl.
Power Supply Performance
The dedicated PWX external unit provides exceptional dynamic range and stability.
Build Quality
Non-magnetic aluminum enclosures offer robust protection against external electrical interference.
Customization Potential
Solderless slots allow for precise impedance matching to your specific cartridge.
Noise Floor
Low-noise circuitry maintains clarity even during the most delicate musical passages.
Key Specs
Outer Dimensions (W x D x H)
Audio section: 113 mm x 108 mm x 45 mm; PWX power supply: 93 mm x 233 mm x 45 mm
Weight
Audio section (incl. cable to power supply): 0.4 kg netto; PWX power supply: 1.0 kg netto
Gain Settings
36 dB, 46 dB, 56 dB, 66 dB
Input Impedance
47 kohms, 1 kohm, 100 ohms; 1 x custom load; 1 x hardwire slot
Output Impedance
47 ohms
Input Capacitance
100 pF
Bass Filter
50 Hz, 6 dB/oct.
Sensitivity for Output Level 775 mV / 0 dB
MM: 3.8 mV/1 kHz; MC: 0.38 mV/1 kHz (with activated high gain jumper)
Know before you buy
Yes, the Black Cube SE is highly versatile and supports both MM and MC cartridges. It offers adjustable gain settings up to 66 dB to accommodate the varying output levels of different cartridge types.
By separating the power supply from the sensitive audio circuitry, the PWX unit minimizes electromagnetic interference. This design choice results in a lower noise floor, improved dynamics, and a more refined, musical soundstage.
Absolutely. The unit features a dedicated slot per channel for custom impedance matching. You can use the included resistors to fine-tune the load to your cartridge's exact specifications without needing to solder.
Yes, it features a built-in subsonic filter set at 50 Hz with a 6 dB/octave slope. This helps manage low-frequency rumble and prevents unwanted cone excursion in your speakers.
The dual-chassis design physically isolates the power supply from the signal-carrying audio section. This separation is a hallmark of high-end audio engineering, ensuring that the delicate phono signal remains clean and free from power-related noise.
No, this is a dedicated phono stage designed specifically to amplify the signal from your turntable to your amplifier or receiver. It does not include a headphone output or a built-in analog-to-digital converter.
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