Zanden & Nagra

veindoc

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Apr 5, 2013
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Northern California outside SF
This week is full. Tonight I get home audition of Nagra Jazz with Msa amps. Tomorrow Zanden comes by with new 3100 preamp and their tube amp 8120 I think. Then I get to mix and match both with my CR-1s. Friday get to California Audio Show. Totally psyched and hopefully within a few days decisions with be made. Impressions to follow shortly

Nick
 
Nick,

Congrats on playing with the new toys. Please keep us updated. I am very interested.

I am sure the Zanden will be wonderful.
 
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Zanden & Nagra

Interested to know your thoughts on the Jazz.
 
Re: Zanden & Nagra

Sounds like a great time Nick !! Have fun and let us know what you think.
 
Zanden & Nagra

Initial impression of both preamps very very positive. Sadly could not audition Zanden 8120 tube amp. It was just physically too big especially height wise for my space. More thoughts soon. The jazz has some of the neatest ergonomics, remote user interface, and really great sonics with tremendous micro detail , air and soundstage. Bass still slight edge to XP-20. However I want to let Jazz warm up for a couple more days. Nagra. Msa lovely but definitely would need two for my cr-1 speakers. Zanden new 3100 pre somic warm and sweet. However new remote and chassis is some type of opaque ivory color resin that is nothing like their two chassis gold previous pre. Hard to say whether its look suits my taste as it is so unique. More info to come later.
 
Re: Zanden & Nagra

Did this topic ever get concluded? Interested in both preamps!

I have to say that I had the Zanden 8120 (integrated version) and was very very very unsatisfied both with sound and service support from Zanden. I consider this the Toyota v. Lexus, Honda v. Acura, etc., etc., etc. although of course YMMV.
 
I've not heard the 8120 But the Zanden 9600mkII with 3000mkII driving Magico S5(mk2?) sounded wonderful.
 
I've not heard the 8120 But the Zanden 9600mkII with 3000mkII driving Magico S5(mk2?) sounded wonderful.

Sorry...should have been more clear with my analogies. The new(er) Zanden (100 series) is Toyota vs. Lexus, etc.....IMO. The 9600/3000 is worlds apart in build/parts/design/sound from the new.
 
I adored my nagra jazz. fantastic preamp. sold it when i went digital only and used the HD-Dac as a digital pre
 
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