NAD 9100
The NAD 9100 is a standalone phono preamplifier. It is a separate, outboard phono stage that sits between a turntable and a line-level amplifier input. A period review in High Fidelity (October 1973, p.15) covered a different Pioneer model, the SA-9100 integrated amplifier, which has nothing to do with this NAD unit. The 9100 takes both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges through self-switching inputs. That is convenient, but some owners report it can be finicky about reliably detecting an MC cartridge. It runs from a separate external AC wall-wart supply instead of an internal transformer. That keeps the chassis small and adds a bulky adapter to the setup.
Surviving information on this model is thin. No production years, original price, or formal market-introduction history are documented in the record. The enthusiast community does agree that it sounds good. Owners on audio forums describe it as very clean, quiet, and musical, and one audiokarma.org user called it "a really good phono stage, especially for the money." The case is lightweight and plain by audiophile standards. Internal trim pots allow adjustment of gain and cartridge loading, which is useful for matching low-output MC carts.
Given its age, the usual caveats apply. Recapping the electrolytic capacitors is frequently recommended. The RCA jacks are soldered directly to the PCB and can develop cracked joints from cable strain. The self-switching circuitry can become intermittent. NAD no longer stocks the original power supply, so replacements are aftermarket-only. Used examples have been changing hands informally in the $150 - $250 range in recent years.
Known specs from the period listing, though the numeric values were only partially preserved:
- Standalone phono preamplifier (MM and MC)
- Self-switching phono inputs
- THD listed at ≤0.02% at several reference points
- Switchable subsonic filter (20 Hz reference)
- External AC power supply
- Internal trim pots for cartridge loading and gain
eBay Listings
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.