Nagra the audio company now owned by Audio Technology Switzerland S.A. is a relatively small, independently owned spinoff of the parent company Kudelski Group, While the latter is a large company ( founded and named for the man who invented the famous tape recorder) employing almost 4000 workers and specializing in digital security hardware and software as well as interactive content delivery, event ticketing and other esoterica, audiophiles are more interested in what goes on inside a mid-sized factory in a Romanel-sur-Lausanne industrial complex.
In that building Nagra designs and manufacturers its line of luxurious to the touch and to the ears preamplifiers, amplifiers, DACs and more recently a new high-performance turntable. We got the full tour treatment in an early July visit that happily coincided with the Montreux Jazz Festival. In this video you will see how Nagra designs, manufactures and tests its products. You’ll also get a look at the company’s manufacturing history—especially its famous reel-to-reel tape recorders—shown by founder Stefan Kudelski’s daughter Marguerite. While the company, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, has grown in size since its founding and the audio company is an independent spinoff, Nagra still is in many ways a family affair.
If you’ve long appreciated Nagra products you’re sure to enjoy this factory tour. If you’re new to the brand you’re still sure to enjoy this factory tour! This is my first contribution to The Absolute Sound in almost 30 years and I’m thrilled to borrow a phrase be “back where I once belonged”.—Michael Fremer, senior editor.
By Michael Fremer
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