NEW - Shinobu Karaki-san's new Masterpiece , Aurorasound VIDA Supreme 

Taking advantage of VIDA sales in world wide and many customers feedback, VIDA-Supreme is designed for much high-end analog audio-phile.

The VIDA Supreme brings the e dynamic, the transparency and the fine detail of a high-end active phono stage with the kind of natural sound, fluency, musicality of a step-up passive transformer.

State of the art semiconductor design (LCR-type network), innovative technology and  modular design combined with old-world craftmanship makes this phono amplifier outstanding in many aspects, substantially surpassing the original and highly-decorated VIDA.

VIDA Supreme standard configuration. Standard equips two input, MM and MC low impedance.   Most of all modern MC cartridge is low impedance, under14ohm.  If you need more MM or more MC and/or more functions, please see the section "Personalize your VIDA Supreme" below to add the option cards in open slots.

Key Features:

• LCR type Phono Stage Amplifier
• Good resolution and low distortion in low frequency range,  rich and massive middle, stable and delicate High.
• Useful functions for modern analog audio play back.
• Large size MUTE switch, Gain select, Stereo./Mono, Subsonic filter, Cartridge Degauss.
• Complete L/R independent design and construction for very good channel separation and 3D sound stage.
• Plug-In modules for matching with various kind of cartridges.
  [Standard Equipped]: MM and MC  low impedance under 14ohm, RCA and XLR balanced input
  [Option] : Two slots
• Developed new amplifier module using made in Japan discrete transistors and FETs.
• High gain, low distortion, low noise,  high drivability
• Special customized RIAA filter choke transformer , Lundahl (same with VIDA)
• Made in Japan audio grade oxide film resistors, 1% error rate.
• Made in Japan audio grade Electrolytic capacitors, very stable and long life.
• High quality Polypropylene film capacitors, made in Germany.
• Use made in Japan high reliability relay switch for all signal path switching.
• Shaving solid RCA jacks with rhodium plating. Neutrik XLR connectors.
• Very ridged and heavy , all solid aluminum chassis to firmly supporting circuit boards.
• Carbone compositional foot insulators.
• External Power Supply Unit for eliminating noise influence of power transformer.
• Large size,  large capacity Medical grade Troidal Transformer,  L/R independent.
• New design power cable, Coaxial inverse winding OFC, Better sound resolution and clarity.

To personalize your VIDA Supreme there are available the following option cards(also see image n. 8):

• MC Cartridge (AFE-MCHA) Discrete Tf+FET HEAD amplifier 12 Steps impedance selector (5.8k/10k/47k/6Ω/12Ω/24Ω/47Ω/120Ω/240Ω/360Ω/470Ω/1k): € 1270
• MC Cartridge (AFE-MCTL) Step-up Lundahl Transformer for low impedance under 14Ω, Amorphous Cobalt core, OFC wire, RCA and XLR balance input: € 1270
• MC Cartridge (AFE-MCTL) Step-up Lundahl Transformer for high impedance over 15Ω, Amorphous Cobalt core, OFC wire, RCA and XLR balance input: € 1270
• MM Cartridge (AFE-MM) Input load resistance 47k/14k, Input load selects 100pF/0/330pF: € 260
• DECCA/COLUMBIA curve (AFE-DECOL) For 1954-1958 monoaural LP, this option card supports DECCA(ffrr) and Columbia equalizing curve: € 550
• Inverse RIAA filter (AFE-INVRIAA) Simulate cartridge signal from line level Signal source e.g. CD, DAC etc.: € 550
• Blank Card(AFE-BBLK) for open slot. This card make input signal short to ground in order to eliminate external noise: T.B.A.

If you want to buy these option cards, MC and RIAA Inverse, please contact us.

Specifications

FAQ about VIDA Supreme 

1.What is LCR type equalizer? Why is this good?

LCR is stand for L=Inductor(transformer), C=Capacitor, R=registor. Three component consist a RIAA filter network to make equalizing the RIAA curve signal to flat, that is recorded on vinyl disk.  Most of all phono stage amplifiers in the market use C and R only, not use L. Because L is very expensive parts and L is not easy to keep same value of inductance factor in mass production. Aurorasound requested Lundahl , Swedish famous professional audio transformer manufacturer, to develop special L to keep high quality and reliability to satisfy phono stage technical requirement.  Sound character and advantage of LCR phono is,  low distortion and high resolution in low frequency range. This is good for spacial 3D sound images. Rich and strong mid range, stable and delicate in high range, good for Piano`s high note or JAZZ
top cymbal.  LCR is supreme solution for phono stage amplifier.

2. Which is better, MC step up transformer or MC Head amplifier?

This is depend on each people choice. Somebody loves transformer sound, other prefers semiconductor HEAD amp. Transformer is very low noise due passive elements without power supply. HEAD amp is wide frequency range and high sped sound, and capability of fine adjustment with cartridge impedance.  Which is better.. ?   No.   Which you prefer ? is correct.

3.What is"Inverse RIAA"?

Many people has question what is this ?   Inverse RIAA changes CD/DAC  signal to analog cartridge signal that is RIAA frequency response.  Then output through phono stage amp. Of course, frequency range , SNR, and THD are worth than CD direct to Pre-AMP. But, inverse RIAA makes sound changes to much middle rich and condense the core of music. Digital sound is changed to what we called “analog sound” through filtering process. Some people do not like digital, they loves analog very much. This card is for those analog fetish people. This is option.

4.How to insert the option card after purchase?

It is easy to add new option card by yourself. Power should be turned off, and open the check window on top cover. Then insert the card carefully to the connector. After that, fasten the thumbscrews to fix the card.  If you mistake, do not worry, never brake the card nor VIDA Supreme.  If no sound or no LED light on,  card is not placed in correctly, please check the connector again from checking window.

5.What is benefit of external power supply unit?

Every power transformer is emitting induction noise and vibration. To eliminate those noise, power transformer should be placed far from amplifier. Phono stage amplifier is handling very small signal and x2000 gain, so very sensitive to those noise. External PSU is the best solution to make quiet amplifier.

Aurora sound at a glance.

Aurorasound is a company from Yokohama, Japan. Designer and director Shinobu Karaki has 28 years expierience working for Texas Instruments Japan Inc. He is also a passionate musican, music teacher and an audiophile first grade since many years. His love to music, trained ears and extensive know-how in electronics and integrated circuits makes Mr. Karaki the ideal person to design high-end audio devices.

Demonstrations available at PlayStereo Studio and on other authorized dealers.