Nikko Beta 30 Stereo Preamplifier – MM/MC Phono, Made in Japan

A Nikko Beta 30 stereo preamplifier from the early 1980s, made in Japan, with a phono stage for both moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges. It has been tested on our bench and is in good condition.

What it is

The Beta 30 was the control center of Nikko’s early-1980s separates, built to partner Nikko’s Alpha power amplifiers, and it is a lot of preamplifier for the money. The phono stage switches between MM and MC on the front panel, so a low-output moving-coil cartridge plays without a separate step-up. Two independent selectors, Line 1 and Line 2, each choose between phono, tuner, aux and tape 2, and a Line Out switch picks which one you hear, so you can listen to one source while recording another. A sound processor loop with its own in/out switch takes an equalizer or other processor, and there are record and play connections for two tape decks, with tape monitor.

Bass and treble, a subsonic filter, stereo/mono mode, a −20 dB muting switch, balance, a headphone jack and a large volume control calibrated in decibels complete the front panel. On the back are two pairs of preamp outputs, for a second power amplifier or a powered subwoofer, a ground post for your turntable, and three AC outlets, two switched and one unswitched. The faceplate has rack ears, so it mounts in a standard 19-inch rack or sits on a shelf.

Pair it with our Nikko Alpha 230 power amplifier for a matched Nikko set.

The testing it has had

Tested on our bench before listing: every input, output and control, including both phono settings.

Condition

Good, with general wear from years in a stack of components: scuffs and light marks on the top cover. The faceplate and controls present well.

Available for pickup in Kanata, or shipped across Canada and internationally — we have sent equipment to fifteen countries in the past year, each piece packed in-house in 275 lb test double-wall boxes. Live shipping rates for your address are calculated at checkout. Backed by Radique Audio’s Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty and our Perpetual Trade-Back Program. Available for audition by appointment in Kanata.

Nikko Beta 30 stereo preamplifier, early 1980s, made in Japan — MM Specifications

• Type: stereo preamplifier
• Phono: moving magnet (MM, 2.5 mV) and moving coil (MC, 0.25 mV), switched on the front
• Line input sensitivity: 150 mV
• Frequency response: 20 Hz–20 kHz
• Total harmonic distortion: 0.008%
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 62 dB (MC), 82 dB (MM), 90 dB (line)
• Output: 1.8 V
• Inputs: phono (with ground post), tuner, aux, tape 1 and tape 2 play
• Outputs: two pairs of preamp outputs, tape 1 and tape 2 record, headphones
• Sound processor loop: send and return, with an in/out switch on the front
• Controls: Line 1 and Line 2 selectors, Line Out switch, bass, treble, subsonic filter, stereo/mono, MM/MC, tape monitor, muting (−20 dB), balance, volume (attenuator)
• AC outlets: two switched (400 watts total), one unswitched (200 watts)
• Mounting: rack ears for a standard 19-inch rack
• Era: early 1980s
• Made in Japan
• Dimensions: (Width x Height x Depth) 19 x 2.75 x 10.2 inches (482 x 70 x 258 mm)
• Weight: approx. 10.6 lbs (4.8 kg)
• Nikko’s MM/MC control center from the early 1980s: two selectors, a processor loop and rack ears, ready for an Alpha amplifier.

⚠️ Important Information for International Buyers

This unit is configured for North American 110/120V power. Buyers outside North America will require a step-down transformer and appropriate plug adapter.

✅ Buy With Confidence — The Radique Promise

Backed by Radique Audio’s Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty and our Perpetual Trade-Back Program. When you’re ready to move on, we’ll take it back. That’s the Radique difference.

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