Aurorasound VIDA Supreme Phono Stage
The VIDA Supreme is Shinobu Karaki’s flagship phono stage, advancing the original VIDA with a state-of-the-art semiconductor design, LCR-type equalisation network, and fully modular architecture. Combining modern engineering with traditional craftsmanship, it is designed to deliver exceptional analogue performance across a wide range of cartridges.
Key features:
• LCR type phono stage amplifier
• fully discrete transistor and FET amplifier modules
• complete dual mono (L/R independent) design
• external power supply unit
• MM and MC compatibility (MC under 14Ω standard)
• plug-in cartridge modules (2 optional slots)
• RCA and XLR balanced inputs
• RCA and XLR balanced outputs
• Lundahl RIAA choke transformer
• gain select (+8dB high position)
• subsonic filter (-12dB/oct @ 20Hz)
• stereo/mono switching
• cartridge degauss function
• large MUTE switch with auto-muting protection
• high-grade internal components throughout
Design and performance:
The VIDA Supreme uses an LCR (inductor-capacitor-resistor) equalisation network, providing highly accurate RIAA correction with low distortion, particularly in the low-frequency range. This results in strong, controlled bass, a rich and full midrange, and stable, detailed high frequencies.
The fully independent dual mono design ensures excellent channel separation and a wide, three-dimensional soundstage. Each channel operates with its own signal path and power regulation for maximum performance.
Modular plug-in boards allow optimisation for different cartridges, making the VIDA Supreme adaptable to a wide range of system configurations.
Materials and construction:
• Lundahl custom RIAA choke transformer
• Japanese-made discrete transistors and FETs
• audio-grade resistors (1% tolerance)
• Japanese electrolytic capacitors (long life, stable)
• German polypropylene film capacitors
• high-reliability Japanese relay switching
• rhodium plated RCA connectors
• Neutrik XLR connectors
• solid aluminium chassis construction
• carbon composite foot insulators
The external power supply uses a large medical-grade toroidal transformer with independent left/right channels, reducing noise and improving overall signal purity.
Sound characteristics:
• high resolution with low distortion
• powerful, controlled low frequencies
• rich and full midrange
• smooth and detailed high frequencies
• wide, stable soundstage with strong separation
The combination of LCR equalisation and discrete amplification delivers a natural, balanced presentation with excellent musical detail and clarity.
Build and usability:
The VIDA Supreme is designed for flexibility and ease of use. Functions such as gain adjustment, mono switching, subsonic filtering, and cartridge degaussing allow fine control over playback.
The large MUTE button and automatic muting circuit protect speakers and amplifiers from unwanted noise during operation.
Specifications:
• MM gain: 40dB
• MC gain: 62.5dB (for cartridges under 14Ω)
• output impedance: 47Ω (RCA/XLR)
• RIAA accuracy: ±0.25dB (10Hz–20kHz)
• THD+N: 0.008% (MM/MC)
• input noise: MC -144dBV / MM -126dBV
• main unit: 420 x 350 x 106mm (9.2kg)
• PSU: 270 x 154 x 85mm (3.2kg)
Note:
The VIDA Supreme’s modular design allows further cartridge matching via optional plug-in boards, making it suitable for both modern and specialist analogue systems.
