Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista PRE Preamplifier

Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista PRE Preamplifier

Based on the excellent Nu-Vista 800 circuit, Nu-Vista PRE completes the fully balanced Nu-Vista range as the preamplifier in Musical Fidelity's PRE/PAS/PAM separates system, pairing with the Nu-Vista PAS or Nu-Vista PAM power amplifiers. It features the tried-and-tested Nu-Vista stage with 6S51N nuvistor tubes in a discrete Class A amplifier buffer, using a balanced configuration circuit and a balanced precision-matched stepped attenuator for volume control, so stereo imaging stays precise and accurate at any volume level. As an authorized Musical Fidelity dealer in Toronto, Canada, Vinyl Sound can help you build a Nu-Vista separates system around this preamplifier.

Key Features

• 6S51N nuvistor tubes in a discrete Class A amplifier buffer
• Balanced configuration circuit and balanced precision-matched stepped attenuator for volume control
• A pair of mini power amplifiers (equivalent to 50W each) used for the output stages, run in Class A
• Generous supply capacitance, with chokes added for improved supply ripple and pulse current spike reduction
• Dedicated external power supply (Nu-Vista PRE PSU), housing transformers away from the sensitive circuits
• 12 independent inputs (6x RCA, 6x XLR)
• Variable and fixed outputs, each with RCA and XLR
• Trigger input and output
• Nu-Vista remote control, machined from solid, AAA battery powered
• Massive extruded-aluminium front and side panels

Balanced Volume Control and Output Stage

Volume control uses a balanced, precision-matched stepped attenuator, keeping stereo imaging accurate at both low and high volume levels. A pair of mini power amplifiers, equivalent to 50W each, drives the output stages, running in Class A for the best line-driving capability, dynamic range, and inherently reduced noise and distortion.

Dedicated External Power Supply

Nu-Vista PRE ships with its own dedicated Nu-Vista PRE PSU. Moving the AC mains power supply out of the main chassis and into its own matching box frees up space for built-in mains and output filtering, quietening the supply and reducing mains-borne artefacts reaching the sensitive audio circuitry — it also keeps transformers, which generate mechanical vibration and radiate electromagnetic fields, as far as possible from the critical preamp circuits. The external supply has ON/Standby LEDs controlled from the main unit's front panel, plus a rear-mounted mechanical rocker switch for full mains isolation.

Nuvistor Tubes

Nuvistor tubes were invented in the 1950s to solve the shortcomings of conventional tubes, offering high reliability, low microphony, low noise, batch-to-batch consistency, small size, and low power consumption. They saw limited but notable use in studio equipment of the era, including the Ampex MR-70 tape recorder and the AKG/Norelco C12a and Neumann U47 studio microphones. The transistor's invention largely ended further development of nuvistors until Musical Fidelity created its first Nu-Vista series around fifteen years ago — a limited edition that sold out within months and now commands high secondhand prices.

Reviews

"It represents remarkable value for money, given its ability to reveal the subtleties of a recording, then deliver massive slam when required." — Andrew Everard & Paul Miller, Hi-Fi News, March 2023

"These heavyweight Nu-Vista amps deliver an impression of unburstable power and resolution, the sound imbued with great clarity, detail, and confidence, even at very high basic playback levels." — Editors, Hi-Fi Choice, April 2023

"The Nu-Vistas made for a spectacular experience, the likes of which I have rarely experienced even with the tube amplifiers that often set the standard in this discipline." — Michael Lang, Stereo, April 2023

"MF's flagship amps are simply sublime. Oodles of power, imaging and separation to die for, with a delicious layer of valvey sweetness that makes their premium price a comparative bargain." — Editors, Audiograde, December 2023

"I have rarely heard such a combination that pleased me so much with its sense of rhythm. You feel immersed in the musical message — unrivaled in this price range." — Editors, Audio-2G, February 2023

"Nu-Vista is techie madness captured in solid form — few things look this uncompromisingly industrial and robust. The sound is so big, authentic and undistorted." — Daniel Březina, Hifi-Voice, March 2024

"The PRE/PAS is parametrically the most perfect hybrid amplifier we have tested. And one of the best in every category. Powerful and accurate, smooth and dynamic." — Editors, Audio Poland, January 2026

"There was no hint of component colouration, as if the music existed independently. The lower band impacts were dynamic and sharp." — Nikolay Efremov, Salon AudioVideo, May 2026

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this include the power supply?
Yes, Nu-Vista PRE ships together with its dedicated Nu-Vista PRE PSU as a two-chassis system, controlled from the main unit's front panel.

Which power amp should I pair this with?
Nu-Vista PAS delivers over 300W into 8 ohms as a stereo amp, while Nu-Vista PAM steps up to over 600W into 8 ohms in a bridged design — both pair with Nu-Vista PRE to complete the PRE/PAS/PAM separates system.

How many sources can I connect?
Nu-Vista PRE has 12 fully independent inputs (6x RCA, 6x XLR), giving you room for a full source lineup.