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Vacuum I.N.

NAT Audio · Vacuum Tube Phono Stages

Vacuum I.N.

A pure triode, battery-powered phono stage with vacuum-based inverse RIAA.

The Vacuum I.N. represents a radical departure from conventional phono stage topology, discarding resistive and inductive networks in the signal path in favour of a proprietary vacuum-based inverse RIAA medium. By utilising the vacuum itself as the separator, NAT Audio eliminates the colouration inherent in standard passive or active correction circuits. The result is a presentation of startling clarity and fluidity, free from the mechanical artifacts often associated with high-gain amplification. At the core of its architecture, fourteen N.O.S. military-grade nuvistor triodes operate in a pure class A, zero-feedback configuration. To ensure the quietest possible environment for these sensitive devices, the entire signal path and all tube filaments are powered by a sophisticated, automatically managed battery supply. This total isolation from AC line interference allows the Vacuum I.N. to resolve the subtlest micro-dynamics and harmonic textures buried deep within the vinyl groove. Sonically, the Vacuum I.N. is defined by its organic, non-mechanical character. It avoids the artificial 'hi-fi' hyper-detail of modern solid-state designs, opting instead for a holographic soundstage and a remarkably natural tonal density. The music emerges from a silent background with a sense of ease and scale that invites long-term listening, rewarding the enthusiast with an authentic, unfiltered connection to the performance.

Key Features

01

Vacuum-based inverse RIAA

Replaces standard RC or RLC networks with a vacuum field medium for a pure, zero-feedback signal path.

02

Full battery power

Dedicated battery supply for both plate voltage and tube filaments ensures total isolation from mains noise.

03

N.O.S. military nuvistors

Utilises fourteen hand-selected, high-longevity military-grade triode tubes for superior low-noise performance.

04

Nano-crystalline magnetic components

Hand-coiled chokes and output transformers feature nano-crystalline cores for optimal magnetic efficiency.

Chapter 01

Engineering Philosophy

The Vacuum I.N. is built on the principle of absolute zero feedback, ensuring the signal remains untouched by corrective loops. By integrating six separate magnetic units—including nano-crystalline chokes and output transformers—NAT has crafted a signal path of extreme simplicity and directness.

Chapter 02

Build and Construction

Each unit is a masterpiece of precision manufacturing, featuring a 15mm thick aluminium front panel and gold-plated, teflon-insulated connectors. The internal layout uses a high-grade gold-plated PCB, with every component selected for both reliability and sonic transparency.

Chapter 03

Listening Notes

This is a phono stage designed for the patient audiophile. It eschews the immediate, aggressive excitement of lesser designs in favour of a mature, resolved presentation that prioritises harmonic integrity and spatial accuracy. It is, quite simply, an instrument for the serious collector.

Specifications

TypeMM phono stage
Frequency response10 Hz to 100 kHz
Gain> 41 dB
Input Impedance47 kohms (100 kohms option)
Output Impedance< 800 ohms @ 1 kHz
Dimensions (H × W × D)171 mm × 483 mm × 442 mm
Weight40 kg (net)
Finish optionsBlack