NAD PP 4 Digital Phono USB Preamplifier
The NAD PP 4 Digital Phono USB Preamplifier is a high-performance phono preamp with USB built for listeners who want true vinyl fidelity now—and an easy path to digital archiving later. It delivers low-noise gain for both Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges with accurate RIAA equalization, preserving detail, dynamics, and tonal balance from your turntable. A dedicated USB 16-bit/48kHz output and adjustable recording level make it simple to convert LPs (and other analog sources) into clean digital files on a PC or Mac. Add the line input for cassette decks and other gear, plus included VinylStudio Lite software for track splitting and file organization, and the PP 4 becomes a compact hub for preserving and enjoying an entire analog library.
What It's Good At:
- Revealing the texture and detail in vinyl with low-noise amplification and precise RIAA equalization
- Supporting both MM and MC cartridges for broad turntable compatibility
- Converting vinyl (and tapes) to digital with USB 16-bit/48kHz PCM output
- Dialing in clean transfers using the adjustable record level control
- Digitizing more than records with a dedicated line input for cassettes and analog sources
- Reducing clutter and noise with a compact chassis and included shielded USB cable
NAD PP 4 Full Specifications:
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MC (Moving Coil)
- Input Impedance (R and C): 100 Ohm + 180pF
- Gain at 1kHz: 58dB
- Input sensitivity (ref. 200mV output): 0.38mV
- Signal to noise (A weighted, with cartridge connected): 78dB
- Input overload (20Hz/1kHz/20kHz): 0.65/6.5/60mV
- Rated Distortion (THD 20Hz - 20kHz): <0.03%
- RIAA response accuracy: ±0.3dB
- Infrasonic filter: -14dB (5Hz)
- Digital output (USB): 16 bit linear PCM
- Sampling frequency: 48kHz
- Dynamic range: 86dB
-
MM (Moving Magnet)
- Input Impedance (R and C): 47 kilohm + 200pF
- Gain at 1kHz: 35dB
- Input sensitivity (ref. 200mV output): 5mV
- Signal to noise (A weighted, with cartridge connected): 76dB
- Input overload (20Hz/1kHz/20kHz): 10/100/900mV
- Rated Distortion (THD 20Hz - 20kHz): <0.03%
- RIAA response accuracy: ±0.3dB
- Infrasonic filter: -14dB (5Hz)
- Digital output (USB): 16 bit linear PCM
- Sampling Frequency: 48kHz
- Dynamic range: 89dB
- Record Level: 0dB to -6dB
- Gross Dimensions excl. Power supply (W x H x D): 135 x 49 x 72mm (5 5/16 x 1 15/16 x 2 7/8")
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Line In
- Input Impedance: 47 kilohm + 180pF
- Rated Distortion (THD 20Hz - 20kHz): <0.008%
- Signal to noise, A weighted: -115dB
- Maximum Input Level: 5.3V
-
Line Out
- Output Impedance: 100 Ohm
- Maximum Output Level: 5.3V
NAD PP 4 Q&A:
- Will the NAD PP 4 work with my turntable cartridge (MM or MC)?
- Yes. The PP 4 supports both Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges, making it compatible with a wide range of turntables.
- Can I digitize vinyl records to my computer with this phono preamp?
- Yes. The PP 4 includes a USB digital output that records in 16-bit linear PCM at 48kHz for straightforward vinyl-to-digital transfers.
- Does it include software for splitting tracks and organizing recordings?
- Yes. VinylStudio Lite is included to help split tracks, add filenames, and organize albums into a clean digital library on PC or Mac.
- Can I digitize cassette tapes or other analog sources too?
- Yes. A dedicated line input lets you connect cassette decks and other analog devices for archiving beyond vinyl.
- How do I avoid distortion or low recording levels when capturing audio?
- Use the adjustable record level control (0dB to -6dB) to match the source and optimize clean digital capture.
- Does the PP 4 reduce rumble or unwanted low-frequency noise?
- Yes. It includes an infrasonic filter rated at -14dB (5Hz) to help limit unwanted low-frequency movement.
- What kind of sound quality should I expect from the phono stage?
- The PP 4 is designed for low noise and accurate RIAA equalization (±0.3dB), helping preserve clarity, balance, and detail.
- How compact is it for placement in a hi-fi setup?
- It’s easy to position in modern systems, with compact dimensions of 135 x 49 x 72mm (excluding the power supply).
NAD PP 4 Downloads:
NAD PP 4 Data Sheet
