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Thread: Nagra HD DAC

  1. #1

    Nagra HD DAC

    I have seen very little mention of this DAC in this forum.

    Disclaimer: I have not listened to many DACs. I purchased Berkeley Alpha 2 and then Berkeley Reference DAC, after listening to a handful of highly regarded DACs. The music just sounded more accurate to me with Berkeley than, say, dCS, which never felt musically "right" to me, especially in the bottom end.

    I had planned on upgrading my Berkeley Reference DAC to a Ref 2. Spent a couple hours listening to Ref2 at a local dealer last week. This was with my speakers players (Rockport Atria), but not my preamp and amp (listened direct through DAC with Nagra Classic Amp).

    In any case, after listening for about an hour Ref 2 DAC and Nagra Classic Amp, I asked to hear the Nagra HD DAC for a change. I was shocked at my reaction: listening to the same exact tracks that I just heard for an hour with Ref 2 DAC, I had a completely different reaction listening to Nagra HD DAC. The music was so emotionally involving, musical. A great energy to every track I heard. Alive. I didn't sense that I was missing resolution. But it was just one of those things where you lose yourself in toe-tapping musical bliss. And there was one especially great sign: while chatting with my audio guy and the volume turned way down, the music still was totally captivating. I was emotionally moved!

    Now, I am in no way saying this is a better DAC than Ref 2. Could be the synergies the Nagra HD had with the Nagra Classic Amp. And my system has a VAC Signature SE preamp in it, so maybe I was missing some tube warmth in the system I was listening to. More than likely I am guessing this is just another sign of me discovering the sound I am seeking. Organic, warm but not mushy at all, LIVE sounding, oh so musical (to me).

    But still, I left seriously impressed with this little DAC. Has anyone else been impressed by this DAC? I am going to try it out in my home environment. And this has also motivated me to listen to Lampizator GG, thinking maybe I want a tubed DAC after all. I have never heard Lampy and I know they are beloved around here.

    Anyways, just wanted to pass along my impression. It was startling to me and challenged one of the assumptions I had taken for granted (that Berkeley was the right DAC for my almost entirely PCM listening).

    Any love for Nagra HD Dac among others?

    -Justin

  2. #2
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    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    Bitten by the TOOB bug I see! Yeah, I am a Lampi fan and I liked what I heard of the Nagra Dac last year, but more $$$. https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2015/...nce-statement/

    I would suggest the GG and a tube rectified Atlantic (less than $7K loaded). Chipless DSD512 and superclocks are a must for both!
    NORMAN
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  3. #3
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    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    yeah i own the hd dac for about two years now....and i love it!
    have the classic amp for a year now.....and love it!
    own the cdp for many years.....as a system the price becomes really ok compared to others, while the hd dac alone seems a lot of dollars.
    really love this nagra-sound, just as you described it.
    i could do with a second amp for more power and i do wonder what the new pre would add

  4. #4

    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    me too.. and in a full nagra system (jazz, cdp, vps, mps, 300p)
    really enjoying it with my nagra cdp and media server
    best DAC I have ever heard...
    next step 2 x classic amps

  5. #5
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    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    Welcome jussy1254!
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  6. #6

    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    Today, with my BHSE tube amp + Stax SR009, I compared quite intensively TotalDAC, DAVE, dCS Rossini DAC and the NAGRA HD DAC.

    The NAGRA HD DAC with my BHSE was by far the most involving and enjoyable !

    I Finally got some saoul & spirit into my music ! Much more than with TotalDAC, DAVE or Rossini, all 3 being very precise and detailed but... NOT very exciting ( to my ear).


    Until I heard the HD DAC, I had the feeling that all those high-end DAC sounded almost the same, but with HD DAC there is something more, some emotion I did not get with the other DACs.

    So... I wonder if the NAGRA Classic DAC will bring the same magic or if I really need to get (pay) the HD to get this feeling ?

  7. #7
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    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    Have you ever tried a Lampizator? To my ears, the DHT in the Lampi Big 7 and GG is outstanding.


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    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

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  8. #8
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    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by bmichels View Post
    Today, with my BHSE tube amp + Stax SR009, I compared quite intensively TotalDAC, DAVE, dCS Rossini DAC and the NAGRA HD DAC.

    The NAGRA HD DAC with my BHSE was by far the most involving and enjoyable !

    I Finally got some saoul & spirit into my music ! Much more than with TotalDAC, DAVE or Rossini, all 3 being very precise and detailed but... NOT very exciting ( to my ear).


    Until I heard the HD DAC, I had the feeling that all those high-end DAC sounded almost the same, but with HD DAC there is something more, some emotion I did not get with the other DACs.

    So... I wonder if the NAGRA Classic DAC will bring the same magic or if I really need to get (pay) the HD to get this feeling ?
    The digital section of the Nagra HD DAC was designed by Andreas Koch, who owns Playback Designs. While there is certainly more to the overall performance of any DAC than the digital section alone, I would respectfully suggest that you check out their Merlot DAC if you have the opportunity to do so. It's getting very favorable reviews and is quite reasonably priced compared to the competition. Good listening my friend, and I hope that you soon find your destination DAC.

  9. #9

    Nagra HD DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by audio.bill View Post
    The digital section of the Nagra HD DAC was designed by Andreas Koch, who owns Playback Designs.
    Before setting up his own joint Andreas Koch was working at Meitner as well.


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    Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.

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  10. #10

    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by Kuoppis View Post
    Before setting up his own joint Andreas Koch was working at Meitner as well.
    AHHH ! So I shall also look at for example the EMM-XDS1 V2 DAC/CD/SACD which was on my list ? anyone heard it ?

  11. #11

    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by bmichels View Post
    AHHH ! So I shall also look at for example the EMM-XDS1 V2 DAC/CD/SACD which was on my list ? anyone heard it ?
    Yes indeed. I have the Meitner MA1, which is the same product as the EMM Labs DAC 2X, except the latter has some higher quality components. I do like the sound of if, it brings all the details but has no harshness in the sound.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    “Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”

    Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.

    Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.

    HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.

  12. #12
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    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by Kuoppis View Post
    Before setting up his own joint Andreas Koch was working at Meitner as well.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    actually Andreas has quite a bit more relevant experience than that.

    he started with Studer/ReVox designing digital in the 80's, then with Dolby again designing digital, then with Sony in the 90's working on designing the 8 channel dsd 'Sonoma' which was the original dsd recording mixing device.

    likely Andreas has more dsd background than anyone else and been at it longer.

  13. #13
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    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    The Nagra HD is a nice DAC. I can see where many would like its sound. To me the industrial design of Nagra is pretty cool but since many of the products do not fit the standard audio footprint it is hard to mix their products into a setup. Not my first choice but I would never question why someone would desire to purchase it.
    Jim

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  14. #14

    Nagra HD DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike Lavigne View Post
    Sony in the 90's working on designing the 8 channel dsd 'Sonoma' which was the original dsd recording mixing device.
    This was done together with Meitner at Meitner as Sony contractors in case I remember it correctly and triggered both Meitner's and Koch's DSD development path.

    Koch worked first for Meitner before he went to set up Playback Designs (and took the other German guy with him).

    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    “Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”

    Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.

    Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.

    HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.

  15. #15

    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    db post

  16. #16

    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    I have never heard the famous ACCUPHASE sound. The DAC that I prefer so far is the NAGRA HD DAC. Very musical but very precise.

    --> Is ACCUPHASE in the same emotional territory than NAGRA ? Similar or different sound signature ?

    Their TOL DP-950 (CD/SACD) + DC-950 (DAC) is at the same price than the NAGRA HD DAC + NAGRA CDT !

  17. #17

    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by Kuoppis View Post
    Yes indeed. I have the Meitner MA1, which is the same product as the EMM Labs DAC 2X, except the latter has some higher quality components. I do like the sound of if, it brings all the details but has no harshness in the sound.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    Please
    provide

    Another MA-1 user here. Everything is up sampled to double DSD. The DAC 2 has a much more sophisticated power supply. I enjoy its treble performance, an area a lot of digital has difficulties due to digital filtering.

    It beats the Nagra DAC I had previously, (but I am talking about the original Nagra with Sharc DSP). 24/96, 24/192, DSD no problem via the USB interface.

  18. #18
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    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    I also have a complete Nagra system. I just received the Nagra Classic Preamp. In few words it blew my mind and exceded my expectations.

    This is what my Classic Amp was missing. Jazz Preamp but the classic preamp is many steps ahead. One of the best preamp I've listened to.
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  19. #19

    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by audioholic View Post
    I also have a complete Nagra system. I just received the Nagra Classic Preamp. In few words it blew my mind and exceded my expectations.

    This is what my Classic Amp was missing. Jazz Preamp but the classic preamp is many steps ahead. One of the best preamp I've listened to.
    I am happy for you that you enjoy so much your NAGRA Classic Preamp. I can see in your signature that you have some wonderful "toys" including the great C.E.C. TLOX CD Transport. I hope it sounds as goos as it looks ?

    I also see that you owe a HD DAC and a Classic DAC. As you know I am very tempted to get the HD DAC since it is so far the only DAC that was bringing me emotion and soul. All the other TOL DACs that I heard sounded (to y ears) "perfect" but... life-less.

    --> My question is: Does the Classic offer also this great Nagra sound or do I have to go the HD DAC to really get this magic that moved me ? Does the HE DAC sound really better than the Classic DAC ? Also, does the MPS really bring a substantial sound quality increase ?
    On the Go: A&K SP1000 > Shure KSE 1500
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  20. #20

    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by audioholic View Post
    I also have a complete Nagra system. I just received the Nagra Classic Preamp. In few words it blew my mind and exceded my expectations.

    This is what my Classic Amp was missing. Jazz Preamp but the classic preamp is many steps ahead. One of the best preamp I've listened to.
    Congrats on your Classic Preamp...can you share more about it vs your former Jazz? My dealer is getting a Classic preamp soon and I'll be able to demo it at home...Thanks in advance
    Speakers: Rockport Altair 2
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  21. #21

    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    After the DAVE, the TotalDAC & the dCS Rossini, I tried today the ARIES CERAT KASSANDRA, a 60 Kg monster, hand made by a guy in Chypre. I tried it connected to my BHSE, with the DAVE also present. I found it a little more airy (open) and enjoyable than the DAVE, only by a slight margin, but .... NAGRA HD DAC remain still my prefered choice.
    My last testing is Wednesday with the VITUS SCD-025 which is a DAC + CD Player in a single box. It is Supposed to be very good sound, and I will have with me again the DAVE to compare. If I like it a lot, this will simplify my set-up by using 1 box instead if 2 ( CD + DAC), if NOT, then I will have to find the... extra budget to buy the NAGRA ;-)




    On the Go: A&K SP1000 > Shure KSE 1500
    At home : ARIES > Denafrips Terminator R2R DAC > BHSE > STAX SR009
    -> for sale : Piano Forte PFVIII, Eddie Current 445 tube Amp (with many different tubes).
    Review Chord MOJO v/s HUGO et WooAudio WA8 v/s TU-05 & HUGO

  22. #22
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    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by bmichels View Post
    After the DAVE, the TotalDAC & the dCS Rossini, I tried today the ARIES CERAT KASSANDRA, a 60 Kg monster, hand made by a guy in Chypre. I tried it connected to my BHSE, with the DAVE also present. I found it a little more airy (open) and enjoyable than the DAVE, only by a slight margin, but .... NAGRA HD DAC remain still my prefered choice.
    My last testing is Wednesday with the VITUS SCD-025 which is a DAC + CD Player in a single box. It is Supposed to be very good sound, and I will have with me again the DAVE to compare. If I like it a lot, this will simplify my set-up by using 1 box instead if 2 ( CD + DAC), if NOT, then I will have to find the... extra budget to buy the NAGRA ;-)



    The one box digital hub makes so much sense. I think you'll love the liquid sounds of Vitus.


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    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

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  23. #23

    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    The one box digital hub makes so much sense. I think you'll love the liquid sounds of Vitus.

    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    I liked it indeed, so much that... I bought it. it sit now besides my BHSE tube amp & ED445 tube amp. Perfect match (the dAVE was there for comparaison testing)


    Attached Images Attached Images
    On the Go: A&K SP1000 > Shure KSE 1500
    At home : ARIES > Denafrips Terminator R2R DAC > BHSE > STAX SR009
    -> for sale : Piano Forte PFVIII, Eddie Current 445 tube Amp (with many different tubes).
    Review Chord MOJO v/s HUGO et WooAudio WA8 v/s TU-05 & HUGO

  24. #24
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    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by bmichels View Post
    I liked it indeed, so much that... I bought it. it sit now besides my BHSE tube amp & ED445 tube amp. Perfect match (the dAVE was there for comparaison testing)


    Nice!


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

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  25. #25

    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    Sorry but the Lampi killed the Nagra HD. Even the dealer was stunned.

    Attached Images Attached Images

  26. #26

    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    Would you be able to elaborate more? Thanks.

  27. #27

    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by nicoludio View Post
    Would you be able to elaborate more? Thanks.
    A Lampi fan I believe
    On the Go: A&K SP1000 > Shure KSE 1500
    At home : ARIES > Denafrips Terminator R2R DAC > BHSE > STAX SR009
    -> for sale : Piano Forte PFVIII, Eddie Current 445 tube Amp (with many different tubes).
    Review Chord MOJO v/s HUGO et WooAudio WA8 v/s TU-05 & HUGO

  28. #28

    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by bmichels View Post
    A Lampi fan I believe
    No, just a religious demoer who listens rather than speculate. There isn't much about being a fan here when even the dealer off another brand is stumped. Just wish people will listen to some classical live concerts and actually compare electronics

  29. #29

    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by nicoludio View Post
    Would you be able to elaborate more? Thanks.
    Full report tomorrow

  30. #30

    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by bmichels View Post
    A Lampi fan I believe
    As for your remark, a very easy way to check a fan boy is to see if I have ever recommended their server and GM70 amps strongly. Not yet. Lukas has to work on those

  31. #31

    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    Hi Bonzo,
    That's a nice system. Is it yours?

  32. #32
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    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by bmichels View Post
    A Lampi fan I believe
    Apparently, so is the dealer now. LoL

    I heard the Nagra more than a year ago and liked it a lot, but STILL preferred the B7 with the DHTs. The electronics then was Absolare and the speakers were the half a million dollar Stenheim Ref Statement towers.

    Lampi is cheaper too.

    The Lampi HeadDac got great feedback in Warsaw 2015 show....corroborating what ALRainbow says.
    Lampi is more about sound and less about bling.
    NORMAN
    Custom PC with Memory Player Software Suite/ Modded Denon CD transport>Lampi GG1 (and sometimes PACIFIC) DHT tube Dac> Rowen 850W Isolating Transformer/ Rowen SS Preamp and PA1 monoblocs/Lampi Silk power cond. with Phase flipper> Heil AMT KITHARA & Syrinx in parallel hookup. Swiss cables (Reference line) for PC/interconnects and speaker cables. Goldmund Sweetcord PC. FTA Callisto unpowered USB cable. Basic analog: vintage Lenco L78 TT with Rowen mat, Denon MM cart, iFi iPhono2 with 15v Hynes SR3 LPSU. Synology 12 TB NAS. 2nd system:KenWin Bluetooth speaker 3rd system TBI Millemnium amp with Aulos speakers and SB Duo hookup.

  33. #33
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    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by bonzo View Post
    Sorry but the Lampi killed the Nagra HD. Even the dealer was stunned.

    No surprise.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

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  34. #34
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    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by kzhtoo View Post
    Hi Bonzo,
    That's a nice system. Is it yours?
    Dealer showroom he said.
    NORMAN
    Custom PC with Memory Player Software Suite/ Modded Denon CD transport>Lampi GG1 (and sometimes PACIFIC) DHT tube Dac> Rowen 850W Isolating Transformer/ Rowen SS Preamp and PA1 monoblocs/Lampi Silk power cond. with Phase flipper> Heil AMT KITHARA & Syrinx in parallel hookup. Swiss cables (Reference line) for PC/interconnects and speaker cables. Goldmund Sweetcord PC. FTA Callisto unpowered USB cable. Basic analog: vintage Lenco L78 TT with Rowen mat, Denon MM cart, iFi iPhono2 with 15v Hynes SR3 LPSU. Synology 12 TB NAS. 2nd system:KenWin Bluetooth speaker 3rd system TBI Millemnium amp with Aulos speakers and SB Duo hookup.

  35. #35
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    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by wisnon View Post
    Apparently, so is the dealer now. LoL

    I heard the Nagra more than a year ago and liked it a lot, but STILL preferred the B7 with the DHTs. The electronics then was Absolver and the speakers were the half a million dollar Stenheim Ref Statement towers.

    Lampi is cheaper too.

    The Lampi HeadDac got great feedback in Warsaw 2015 show....corroborating what ALRainbow says.
    Lampi is more about sound and less about bling.
    Agreed.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  36. #36

    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by wisnon View Post
    Dealer showroom he said.
    I have a question unrelated with Nagra HD DAc, prompted by the picture at the dealer showroom: How is the matching of the YGs Haileys with the Burmester amp? Any comments on the pairing are appreciated.
    Tim

    Playback Designs mps-5, Nagra Classic Pre, Nagra Classic Amp, YG Carmel 2s, Signal: TaraLabs Muse, Power: Ansuz D & C, Mainz-8D, SRA Craz3 Rack.

  37. #37
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    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by bonzo View Post
    Sorry but the Lampi killed the Nagra HD. Even the dealer was stunned.
    So, in your opinion, you and the dealer prefer the Lampizator DAC to the Nagra HD DAC. Others may or may not agree.

    Ken
    "No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
    --------------------------------------------
    Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
    Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
    Speakers: Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2
    Power: Two AudioQuest Niagara 5000’s with AudioQuest Dragon and Hurricane Power Cords

  38. #38

    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by Alpinist View Post
    So, in your opinion, you and the dealer prefer the Lampizator DAC to the Nagra HD DAC. Others may or may not agree.

    Ken
    Have "others" compared? The difference is too large on all fronts to be a preference. I can understand a preference between Ortofon Anna, a95, and Koetsu. In this case, the Lampi is leagues ahead on all fronts. Fine to disagree, but after you compare. Anyone visiting London is welcome to borrow my Lampi for the comparison.In this case, opinion is backed by experience

  39. #39

    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by nicoludio View Post
    Would you be able to elaborate more? Thanks.
    http://zero-distortion.org/yg-hailey...-audio-lounge/

  40. #40

    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by 4music View Post
    I have a question unrelated with Nagra HD DAc, prompted by the picture at the dealer showroom: How is the matching of the YGs Haileys with the Burmester amp? Any comments on the pairing are appreciated.
    http://zero-distortion.org/yg-hailey/ followed by the link I posted in the previous posts should summarize my experience with amps for YGs. I would strongly consider Vitus class A stereo though I have never heard it on the YGs.

  41. #41
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    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    Ked, did the Nagra HD use XLR interconnects? and did it have the optional output transformers for those XLR outputs?

    http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showth...l=1#post428071

    likely I will have the Nagra HD with those transformers in my room briefly this week along side the GG.

  42. #42

    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike Lavigne View Post
    Ked, did the Nagra HD use XLR interconnects? and did it have the optional output transformers for those XLR outputs?

    http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showth...l=1#post428071

    likely I will have the Nagra HD with those transformers in my room briefly this week along side the GG.
    I didn't check, I will ask and find out.

  43. #43
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    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by bonzo View Post
    Have "others" compared? The difference is too large on all fronts to be a preference. I can understand a preference between Ortofon Anna, a95, and Koetsu. In this case, the Lampi is leagues ahead on all fronts. Fine to disagree, but after you compare. Anyone visiting London is welcome to borrow my Lampi for the comparison.In this case, opinion is backed by experience
    Bonzo,

    You can declare your opinions are fact all day long but in the end they are still only your opinions. Room, system synergy, musical tastes and personal preference all play into what one considers to be "best".

    Ken
    "No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
    --------------------------------------------
    Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
    Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
    Speakers: Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2
    Power: Two AudioQuest Niagara 5000’s with AudioQuest Dragon and Hurricane Power Cords

  44. #44

    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by Alpinist View Post
    Bonzo,

    You can declare your opinions are fact all day long but in the end they are still only your opinions. Room, system synergy, musical tastes and personal preference all play into what one considers to be "best".

    Ken
    Agree. As an example I really prefer the NAGRA or my VITUS over the DAVE and my best friend find that his DAVE is clearly superior to booth !
    On the Go: A&K SP1000 > Shure KSE 1500
    At home : ARIES > Denafrips Terminator R2R DAC > BHSE > STAX SR009
    -> for sale : Piano Forte PFVIII, Eddie Current 445 tube Amp (with many different tubes).
    Review Chord MOJO v/s HUGO et WooAudio WA8 v/s TU-05 & HUGO

  45. #45
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    Re: Nagra HD DAC


    Interesting your battery powered comments , I'm of the same opinion , my first battery powered device was in the late 70's and then as you i felt we lost drive and dynamics , smooth but soft . Well since then i have had and heard many different ones over the decades and still hold on to my original findings . Some years ago we were listening to a Pr of Rowland research mono blocs and i had mentioned how the amps sounded smooth but lacked jump almost as if they were Battery powered , turned out they were ...


    Most recently a good friend had just finished his Battery powered Phono stage and we both felt it was too laid back and soft sounding vs my Fet10 phono stage , we will see if that changes with a new Linear supply ..

    Regards

  46. #46

    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by a.wayne View Post
    Interesting your battery powered comments , I'm of the same opinion , my first battery powered device was in the late 70's and then as you i felt we lost drive and dynamics , smooth but soft . Well since then i have had and heard many different ones over the decades and still hold on to my original findings . Some years ago we were listening to a Pr of Rowland research mono blocs and i had mentioned how the amps sounded smooth but lacked jump almost as if they were Battery powered , turned out they were ...


    Most recently a good friend had just finished his Battery powered Phono stage and we both felt it was too laid back and soft sounding vs my Fet10 phono stage , we will see if that changes with a new Linear supply ..

    Regards
    Just your opinion.

  47. #47
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    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by Alpinist View Post
    Bonzo,

    You can declare your opinions are fact all day long but in the end they are still only your opinions. Room, system synergy, musical tastes and personal preference all play into what one considers to be "best".

    Ken

    The Best Amplifier is usually the best after considering the load being driven and demand , Ked did suggest it could be different on a different pr of speakers just not so on the YG ...

    I have encountered the very same effect many times over the years ....




    Regards

  48. #48
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    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by bonzo View Post
    Just your opinion.

    Yes , of the same opinion ....

  49. #49

    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by a.wayne View Post
    The Best Amplifier is usually the best after considering the load being driven and demand , Ked did suggest it could be different on a different pr of speakers just not so on the YG ...

    I have encountered the very same effect many times over the years ....




    Regards
    he is not referring to the amps but to Lampi vs Nagra dac

  50. #50
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    Re: Nagra HD DAC

    Ohhh OK ... Shamed









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