Lehmannaudio has introduced half a dozen different phono stages to a very demanding market and have built a reputation merely from the outstanding performance of their products. The Black Cube SE II comes with top notch technology that points towards higher price points, as do all Lehmannaudio electronics.
The input stages used in this device can also be found in top notch mixing consoles or in well known professional microphone preamps. The entirely passive RIAA equalization network is equipped with high-precision foil capacitors in order to realize an artefact-free transmission of micro-dynamics and room information. The switches for gain and load settings have gold plated connectors for reliable performance.
A true audiophile phono stage
The maximum gain of the Black Cube SE II is high enough for even very-low-output MC cartridges. Cartridge adaption itself is entirely flexible because gain and loading can be chosen independently. To top this all off, there is a slot for a custom impedance resistor, so that even the most exotic MC cartridges can be loaded adequately without having to buy expensive impedance plugs. No soldering needed.
Because of its small outer dimensions, the SE II audio section may be placed next to the turntable. This minimizes signal loss due to cable length.
Lehmannaudio pays special attention to details: The cable between power supply and audio section is shielded and ensures flexible placement of audio section and PWX power supply. The cases of both power supply and audio section are made of non-magnetic aluminium; Additionally equipped with a top cover coated with special anti-resonance treatment for better suppression of microphonic effects.
A brand-new feature built into the SE II is the entirely passive bass filter, that is a great help when tailoring the lower corner frequency of the vinyl reproduction to personal needs. 16 different filter curves can be selected
Technical data
| Black Cube SE II | |
| Sensitivity for output level 775 mV/ 0 dB (with activated high gain switch) Gain 1 kHz Maximum input level 1 kHz Signal to noise ratio (RMS unweighted) |
MM: 3.8 mV/1 kHz; MC: 0.38 mV/1 kHz MM: 46 dB; MC: 66 dB MM: 45 mV; MC: 4,5 mV MM: 71 dB; MC: 63 dB |
| Gain | 36 dB, 46 dB, 56 dB, 66 dB |
| Channel separation | > 80 dB at 10 kHz |
| Input impedance | 47 kohms, 1 kohm, 100 ohms 1 x custom load 1 x hardwire slot |
| Output impedance | 47 ohms |
| Input capacitance | 100 pF |
| Channel mismatch | typ. 0.5 dB |
| Bass filter | 16 settings between 7 Hz and app. 90 Hz |
| Power consumption | < 3 W |
| Outer dimensions W x D x H | Audio section: 114 mm x 124 mm 50 mm PWX power supply: 93 mm x 233 mm x 45 mm |
| Weight | Audio section: 0.6 kg netto PWX power supply: 1.0 kg netto |
