DECADE

MM/MC phono stage bridging the Black Cube and Silver Cube — passive RIAA with ultra-precision MKP capacitors and discrete Class A output. The Decade is Lehmannaudio's mid-range reference phono preamplifier, occupying the position between the Black Cube series and the flagship Silver Cube. It is a true dual-mono design in a two-chassis configuration — a dedicated audio unit plus the PWX II power supply — with a Class A discrete output stage operating with high quiescent current and zero global negative feedback. Gain is selectable across four settings (36/46/56/66dB) and input impedance (47kΩ/1kΩ/100Ω plus custom) and capacitance (47–1,370pF) are independently adjustable per channel. Ultra-precision passive RIAA equalization employs low-loss MKP capacitors between two low-noise gain stages sourced from professional studio equipment. SNR: 78dB MM / 69dB MC; channel separation: >80dB. Awarded 'Product of the Year' by The Absolute Sound (2015). Each unit: 110×280×50mm.

Technical background

The Decade features a passive RIAA equalisation network using ultra-precision MKP capacitors — eliminating active feedback loops from the equalisation stage entirely for natural timing and dynamics. The discrete Class A output stage operates at high quiescent current for linearity, and the separate PWX II power supply provides clean, regulated DC with no transformer interference in the signal chassis. Gain is adjustable in 10 dB steps from 36 to 66 dB.

Design story

Celebrating a decade of Lehmann Audio's phono stage expertise, the Decade was designed in Cologne to embody everything the engineering team had learned about analogue signal processing. The passive RIAA approach was chosen after A/B comparison with active equalisation topologies — the passive network consistently delivered more natural timing and less artificial sheen.

Best for

Audiophile vinyl enthusiasts wanting reference-tier phono performance at a non-flagship price; the natural upgrade from the Black Cube SE II for serious analogue systems Reference vinyl enthusiasts and serious analogue audiophiles; MC cartridge users requiring precise loading and high gain options Reference phono amplification for MM and MC; two-box reference system with separate PSU; flagship analogue system front end

Awards & press

⭐ N/A "The Lehmannaudio Decade brings its A game to the analog LP listening experience... Few will find the Decade to be less than excellent when compared with anything else at anywhere near its price." — Neil Gader, The Absolute Sound "The Decade brings its A game to analogue LP listening — few will find it less than excellent compared with anything at its price." — Neil Gader, The Absolute Sound "Passive RIAA done right — the Decade is a reference product that deserves to be far better known." — Hi-Fi Choice