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Nagra Audio Nagra CLASSIC DAC II
The new Nagra Classic DAC II is available from May 2023.
The Classic DAC II is the new D/A converter unit for the Classic range of Nagra products
which includes the Nagra Classic PHONOClassic PREAMPClassic AMP and Classic INT
Conversion
The Nagra Classic DAC II, features the same NADM (Nagra Audio Digital Module) digital engine employed in both our world acclaimed HD DAC X and TUBE DAC, and accommodates all current high resolution formats such as DSD 4x (256) and DXD. It will play high resolution with ease but particular development focus on red-book format, 44.1kHz 16 bit reveals striking resolution and musicality for this still vibrant format.
Analog section
The Nagra Classic DAC II output stage features a discreet topology in pure class A. Not to be overlooked, Nagra designers gave particular care to the selection of superior quality components, including individually measured and selected military grade transistors.
Power supplies
In addition to the new digital engine, the Nagra Classic DAC II features an improved, built-in power supply while also allowing the option to connect to our external reference power supply, the Nagra Classic PSU, for ultimate performance.
Connectivity
The Nagra Classic DAC II is the perfect digital front end to compliment existing Nagra Classic series systems while offering world class performance for those who wish to experience Nagra’s hallmark natural, lifelike sound for the first time.
WATT RECOMMENDS
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Professional Reviews 88/100
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
91/100
Build Quality
85/100
Features Connectivity
84/100
Value for Money
85/100
The Nagra CLASSIC DAC II crafts a serene, tonally saturated sound with striking concert-hall depth, nuanced harmonic detail and a graceful, tube-like treble character. 6 Moons found its low-noise FPGA platform especially adept at recovering ambience without artificial edge, while DSD256 capability and an optional external PSU path reinforce its focused high-end appeal.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Deep, layered soundstage retrieval preserves subtle ambience and recorded reflections without relying on aggressive treble emphasis.
Smooth, substantial tonal balance delivers a relaxed, refined and musically saturated presentation.
PCM-to-DSD processing can deliver increased air and image separation with compatible software upsampling.
&
Cons
RCA-only analog outputs mean there is no balanced XLR connection.
Its modest output level was less convincing when driving a long cable into a passive-style volume stage; it benefited from an active preamplifier.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 91/100
Reviewers describe a composed, unhurried and highly refined presentation, favoring tonal density, depth and natural harmonic detail over overt edge definition. The DAC II combines a warmly organic character with convincing low-level information and a notably civilized sense of space.
Tonal Balance and Musicality
92/100
Srajan Ebaen calls the DAC II “marvellous” even with Redbook material and characterizes it as “serene, settled, smooth, soft, stately and substantial.” Its presentation is described as slightly vintage rather than modern, with a 300B-like treble sweetness and an emphasis on relaxed, substantial musical flow.
Resolution and Detail
91/100
The review finds harmonic micro-information and subtle recorded reflections fully present, alongside excellent depth recovery. PCM-to-DSD resampling could shift the presentation toward greater air and image separation, while the DAC’s native character remains more about natural resolution than spotlighting leading edges.
Digital Performance
89/100
The DAC II is said to remain calm and civilized without sacrificing genuine resolution, avoiding an aggressively illuminated or hurried digital presentation. Its dedicated FPGA software and very quiet power supplies support that polished impression, though the review provides little direct listening commentary on noise-floor artifacts or measured digital performance.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
85/100
The review presents the DAC II as a carefully finished luxury component, from its protective packaging and cloth bags to the supplied gloves, manual and USB stick. It also notes the availability of an upgraded external supply, but offers limited direct discussion of chassis construction, internal layout or long-term durability.
Features Connectivity
84/100
Connectivity is extensive for a dedicated DAC: USB, AES/EBU, two S/PDIF inputs, optical and two Nagra-Link ports are joined by a display, remote control and switchable absolute phase. RCA outputs are the only analog connection, with no balanced XLR option, and the Nagra-Link ports were not yet useful with available sources at the time of review.
Value for Money
85/100
At €18,500, the Classic DAC II is positioned firmly as a luxury high-end converter. The review speaks enthusiastically about its sound and ownership experience, but does not directly compare its value with competing DACs or make a clear claim that it is especially compelling for the price.
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Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Nagra Audio Nagra CLASSIC DAC II
- Resolution A/V — in-store — New York City, New York, United States (website)
- Ajasom — online and in-store — Amadora, Lisboa, Portugal (website)
- Alma Music & Audio — online and in-store — San Diego, California, United States (website)
- Arizona Hi-Fi — in-store — Phoenix, Arizona, United States (website)
- Assai Audio — in-store — Centro, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain (website)
- Audio Aktoren — online and in-store — Horten, Vestfold, Norway (website)
- Audio Concept - Luxembourg — in-store — Gare, Luxembourg, Luxembourg (website)
- Audio Gallery — online and in-store — Las Rozas de Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain (website)
- Audio Natali — in-store — Montecatini Terme, Toscana, Italy (website)
- Audio Salon — in-store — Boca Raton, Florida, United States (website)
and 29 more verified dealers