A digital processor for vinyl, the Vinyl NRS Box S3 goes between phono stage and amplifier: it tames the crackle and clicks of worn records and lowers background noise, working at 24-bit / 96 kHz.
Vinyl NRS Box S3: how it processes
It is aimed at old, time-worn records, perhaps impossible to buy new or missing from streaming services, that noise has made tiring to listen to. It operates at line level: it connects to the phono stage output and, downstream, to the preamplifier or integrated amplifier. The signal is digitised at 24-bit / 96 kHz; should it be too hot, an LED flags the overload and a switch cuts it by 6 dB.
The De-Crackling function identifies the high-frequency peaks typical of crackle and attenuates them. Sensitivity is set with the front knob, while an LED shows when the filter is at work; turning the knob fully anticlockwise takes the function out of circuit. There are two algorithms: the basic one, which is lighter, cuts clicks by 8 dB between 3 and 20 kHz, and the intensive one, called up with the Intensity button, reaches 12 dB between 2 and 20 kHz. It is best to begin with the first.
The VNRS button, by contrast, engages noise reduction: the signal is split into two frequency bands and passed to two expanders, which improve the signal-to-noise ratio by as much as 8 dB with no audible noise modulation; noise coming from the turntable drive is lowered as well. This function has a single preset. When switched off the unit is in galvanic bypass, with inputs wired straight to outputs. The case is aluminium, in the S3 range format.
Specifications
- Type: line-level noise reduction processor for vinyl
- Internal sampling: 24-bit / 96 kHz
- Internal processing: double-precision, 56-bit accumulator
- Response 20 Hz - 20 kHz: -0.6 / +0.1 dB
- Response 30 Hz - 20 kHz: -0.2 / +0.1 dB
- Overload indicator: 0.6 dB short of actual clipping
- Input attenuation: -6 dB, switchable
- Bypass: galvanic when off, link resistance under 0.3 ohm
- Harmonic distortion: under 0.009% with a 500 mVrms input
- VNRS noise reduction: as much as 8 dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
- Basic De-Crackling: 8 dB (3 - 20 kHz)
- Intensive De-Crackling: 12 dB (2 - 20 kHz)
- Power: external adaptor, 18 V / 500 mA DC
- Consumption: 2.2 W when on, 0 W when off
- Size (width x height x depth): 103 x 37 x 104 mm, 119 mm including sockets
- Weight: 340 g, adaptor excluded
- Finishes: black, silver
