Nagra CLASSIC AMP?
- Thread starter joeinid
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John - glad you got the log-in problems fixed!
Thanks for sharing the pic of the Classic.
Could you kindly describe it's sound compared to other amps you've had?
Thanks for sharing the pic of the Classic.
Could you kindly describe it's sound compared to other amps you've had?
Hi Mike, thanks for your help. I can compare the Nagra Classic to the Nagra MSA, Nagra VPA and Ayre MXR/MXR20. I had each in my system before I purchased the Classic amp. (The Ayre MXR's I had owned for ~5 years)
First up is the MXR. The Nagra Classic is more linear (even) top to bottom. More textural in the bass as well as going lower. It's also higher resolution through out the frequency range and more dynamic. The music has more energy to it. The final point is the musicality and the 3d imaging. This is the part that really won me over. The MXR is more effortless at very high volume levels, the Nagra Classic has it's limits. I have a BIG room, 25x35ft, 12 ft ceilings, and my Rockports while efficient are a tough load. The Nagra Classic is plenty fine for me. I rarely hit the limits and most of the time the Nagra never leaves class A.
The MXR-20's have more energy and resolution than the MXR's. Better Bass too. On the surface, they are simply better amps than the prior MXR's, however I felt the MXR20's missed that musicality that the Nagra classic possesses. The Nagra is more interesting to listen too. (at 1/2 the price I might add)
The Classic vs the MSA, while the MSA has that Nagra musicality and is incredibly wonderful to listen to (like the MXR's), the Classic simply presents more information (resolution), presents it better in space, unravels the music better, and has more power. If you love your MSA's keep em. Great amps. The Classic is better however.
The Nagra VPA's were a harder decision. Incredible presentation of space, unravels the music nicely, never runs out of gas, but they in comparison to the Nagra Classic don't quite have the same resolution and bass control. The VPA's do present more wetness to the sound. More weight on the notes if you will. Those 15inch drivers on my Rockports just "locked in" with the Classic in way that I couldn't let go. Again the Classic is ~1/2 the price of the VPA's.
Now that I've had the Classic amp for about 3 months, it just keeps drawing you into the music. I listen to jazz, light classical, folk. If I was into full out orchestra's I may want a 2nd Classic for the extra power or some other amp. I'm quite smitten by the Classic amp. I think it's a steal for the money considering I choose it vs 2 other amps at ~30k.
KeithR
Active member
Thanks for your comments on Ayre vs. Nagra - I had similar thoughts when I auditioned the Ayre VX-5 in my system, particularly on 3d imaging. Sounds like my Dart is more like your Nagra. Excellent Swiss company 
I have been running VPAs' for eight years now. I like how much energy they have in the bass (due to the transformers) and the richness of the audio palette. With WE 845 replicas they have even more authority and presence.
Regards
Steve
John - did you ever have a chance to try the 300p? I'm considering the 300p or VPA's for my Avantgarde Duo Mezzo XD's.
- Thread Author
- #28
Not at home. I have heard it at my dealers on several occasions. Given your speakers efficiency it likely is a AWESOME choice. It has beauty and space of the VPA's and bass control of the Classic. Incredible s/n ratio. But only 20 watts. If I had a smaller room or speakers like you...it rockets to the short list fast. Or if I had a 2nd system I'd buy the 300i and a VPS what a killer integrated + phono.
I'm hoping to hear the HD amps in 2-3 months. Almost afraid of what those might sound like
Odyssey
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u-sound
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anymore reports about the classic amp ?
audioholic
New member
I've been a follower of Nagra high end products for a long, long time and always felt appealed by its organic and natural sound and its luxury finish quality. I confirmed this at CES 2016. The system was wonderfully engaging, it sounded very musical and organic with the Wilson Sabrina speakers and considering today's stratospheric price tags for a system performing this well, it could be considered a bargain. The system consisted in its new Classic Integrated amplifier, CDP player connected to the also new Classic DAC. If I remember correctly total cost including the Wilson Sabrinas and all cables from Transparent was around USD 40,000.
This is why I would love to listen to the new Nagra Classic Stereo Amplifier and paired with the Jazz Tubed preamp.
I have recently acquired the new HD DAC with the CDT and have been enjoying many albums like never before. The HD DAC also sounded wonderful with the CEC TL0X transport and Surender N10. Even with the Sonos connect streaming music from computer and Deezer the sound is very musical. The HD DAC removes significantly the "digititis" associated with these sources.
I could say without any hesitation that the Nagra HD DAC is the best DAC I have ever had in my system. I could not agree more with the 2016 Award as Best DAC of the Year granted by Hi-Fi+. I'm sure there will be more awards to come.
This is why I would love to listen to the new Nagra Classic Stereo Amplifier and paired with the Jazz Tubed preamp.
I have recently acquired the new HD DAC with the CDT and have been enjoying many albums like never before. The HD DAC also sounded wonderful with the CEC TL0X transport and Surender N10. Even with the Sonos connect streaming music from computer and Deezer the sound is very musical. The HD DAC removes significantly the "digititis" associated with these sources.
I could say without any hesitation that the Nagra HD DAC is the best DAC I have ever had in my system. I could not agree more with the 2016 Award as Best DAC of the Year granted by Hi-Fi+. I'm sure there will be more awards to come.
Classic DAC is $14,995 MSRP
u-sound
Active member
yes...and the cd player comes on top as well
however, adioholic, thx a lot for posting your impressions. i do own very exactely the same nagra stoff as you and like it a lot too.
i do like the sound and i do love the small size of the gear. i sold my turntable and all lp to buy the hd dac and dont regret it.
will sell the big amps now to get the classic amp.
however, adioholic, thx a lot for posting your impressions. i do own very exactely the same nagra stoff as you and like it a lot too.
i do like the sound and i do love the small size of the gear. i sold my turntable and all lp to buy the hd dac and dont regret it.
will sell the big amps now to get the classic amp.
Carlos,
You have some great equipment. I've heard your Absolare gear, Allnic phono, used to own a SME 20/2 and have heard (and own) the Nagra gear extensively. My dealer had the HD DAC recently, and I have to agree with you, it's a special piece.
My dealer has the Jazz pre and Classic stereo amp, it's a pair made in heaven and beats some many amp/pre combo's for less money. Hope you get to hear it soon...
I've seen a few posts (like the 6moons article) that says Nagra will have a Classic pre amp soon..I'll for sure listen to that in my home...might be a even better pairing with my Nagra Classic amp vs the Jazz.
I'm guessing he meant to say ~60k USD
If Transparent Super...(which are insanely good for the $) might just get around that price point)
We might want a separate thread on Transparent + Nagra...works very nicely in my set up and starting to see this pairing a lot at shows...