NAD PP2e

€219

Recommended price: €239

Available on order

Delivery on June 11, 2026 (free)

Fast delivery: on June 09, 2026

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Warranty 2 years, Parts and labour

Overview

The NAD PP2e is a compact phono preamplifier compatible with both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges. It features carefully selected components for faithful phono signal reproduction and includes an automatic power-off function. With a width of just 135 mm, it is designed to easily integrate into any hi-fi system lacking a dedicated phono input.

A Proven and Carefully Refined Electronic Design

The PP2e represents the culmination of several generations of NAD phono preamps, with each iteration bringing substantial improvements. Its electronic architecture relies on metal film resistors and film capacitors strategically placed in the signal path, replacing the less refined electrolytic components used in earlier versions. This evolution in passive components results in greater transparency and minimal coloration of the audio signal.

The circuit includes a dedicated MC stage upstream of the MM stage, enabling a highly effective two-stage amplification for moving coil cartridges. The external 23.5 V power supply is a clear improvement over the 15 V of the early PP1 models, offering greater dynamic range and quieter operation. This higher voltage directly contributes to improved overload capacity, allowing the preamp to handle even the most demanding musical passages with ease.

The RIAA curve, a fundamental element of any phono preamp, boasts a precision of ± 0.3 dB across the entire bandwidth, ensuring faithful reproduction of the content engraved in the groove. An integrated 12 dB/octave subsonic filter effectively eliminates low-frequency noise generated by mechanical vibrations from the turntable, thus preserving the clarity of the musical message.

Technical Features Suited to All Cartridge Types

For moving magnet cartridges, the PP2e offers a standard input impedance of 47 kΩ paired with a capacitance of 200 pF, and a gain of 35 dB perfectly calibrated for the majority of MM cartridges on the market. The input sensitivity of 2.5 mV accommodates a wide range of cartridges, from entry-level models to high-end references. The A-weighted signal-to-noise ratio of 80 dB reflects the care taken in circuit design, ensuring an exceptionally quiet background.

The MC mode showcases the PP2e’s versatility with an input impedance of 100 Ω and a capacitance of 180 pF, values carefully chosen to suit most moving coil cartridges available. The substantial 60 dB gain allows you to fully exploit the potential of low-output MC cartridges, while the input sensitivity of 0.3 mV enables the use of particularly demanding cartridges. The signal-to-noise ratio of 78 dB in MC mode remains highly respectable for this product category.

Total harmonic distortion is kept below 0.03% across the entire audible spectrum, in both MM and MC modes, ensuring transparent and natural reproduction. The generous overload margins—particularly impressive in the high frequencies with 950 mV at 20 kHz in MM mode—allow the PP2e to handle even the most dynamic recordings and modern high-level pressings with ease.

Minimalist Design in Service of Sound Quality

The PP2e’s metal chassis, available in anthracite gray or titanium finish, measures just 135 x 49 x 72 mm, making it easy to fit into any setup. This compactness does not mean compromise: the use of an external power supply physically isolates sensitive circuits from electromagnetic interference generated by the transformer.

Gold-plated connectors ensure optimal conductivity and long-term resistance to oxidation. Separate RCA phono inputs for MM and MC prevent any confusion during connection, while a toggle switch allows you to select the appropriate mode. The dedicated ground terminal ensures effective grounding of the turntable, a crucial element for minimizing hum. A discreet green LED on the front panel indicates the device’s operating status.

The absence of complex settings or multiple potentiometers reflects NAD’s philosophy: to offer a device that is simple to use yet technically flawless. This minimalist approach also helps preserve signal integrity by limiting the number of components in the audio path.

Simplified Integration into Any Audio System

The PP2e stands out for its ease of installation and universal compatibility. Simply connect your turntable to the appropriate RCA inputs (MM or MC depending on the cartridge type), attach the ground wire to the dedicated terminal, and connect the line outputs to any line-level input on an amplifier or receiver. The supplied external power supply plugs into a standard wall outlet, and the green LED lights up to confirm power-on.

The output impedance of 100 Ω and the maximum output level of 5.3 V ensure optimal compatibility with virtually all amplifiers on the market, whether vintage or modern. This versatility makes the PP2e an ideal companion for evolving systems, able to adapt to configuration changes without needing replacement.

The automatic power-off function deserves special mention: after a period of inactivity, the PP2e automatically goes into standby, reducing its power consumption to negligible levels. This feature, absent from previous models, demonstrates NAD’s commitment to reducing the energy footprint of audio equipment. Wake-up is instantaneous upon signal detection, ensuring constant availability without energy waste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the PP2e suitable for my Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge, which requires a specific load capacitance?
The PP2e’s 200 pF input capacitance in MM mode, combined with the typical turntable cable capacitance (about 100–150 pF), can indeed exceed the recommendations for some modern cartridges. Some experienced users modify the internal capacitors to adjust the total capacitance, but this operation requires electronics skills. For standard use, the PP2e will work properly with the 2M Blue, though the frequency response may show a slight treble boost.

What sonic difference can I expect compared to my amplifier’s built-in phono input?
Built-in phono inputs in modern amplifiers often use simplified circuits to reduce costs. The PP2e, with its dedicated components and separate power supply, generally offers a noticeable improvement: better channel separation, quieter background, increased dynamics, and more faithful adherence to the RIAA curve. The improvement will be especially noticeable with MC cartridges, as the PP2e features an amplification stage specifically optimized for these demanding transducers.

How does the PP2e compare to the newer PP3 and PP4 models?
The PP3 and PP4 add a USB digitization function absent from the PP2e, allowing you to transfer your vinyl collection to a computer. However, in purely analog terms, performance remains very similar. The PP2e retains the advantage of simplicity and is generally more affordable. If you don’t need to digitize your records, the PP2e remains a perfectly relevant and economical choice.

Is it possible to improve the PP2e’s performance with a higher-quality external power supply?
Several users report audible improvements when replacing the original power supply with a high-quality regulated linear power supply. Benefits include better bass definition, a wider soundstage, and further reduction of background noise. However, this modification is experimental and voids the manufacturer’s warranty.

My system already includes an external MC stage. Can I use only the MM section of the PP2e?
Absolutely. By setting the selector to MM and connecting your MC preamp’s output to the PP2e’s MM inputs, you’ll benefit from the device’s excellent RIAA section. This setup can even outperform the built-in MC section, especially if your external MC preamp is of high quality.

Does the PP2e generate noise or interference with other components?
Thanks to its external power supply and careful design, the PP2e generates very little electromagnetic interference. It can be placed near other components without issue. However, be sure to keep a reasonable distance from amplifier power transformers or turntable motors to avoid any hum pickup.