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Nagra Audio NAGRA REFERENCE AMP
For all of its nearly three quarter of a century existence, Nagra has been, first and foremost, research and development driven.
With decade after decade of groundbreaking innovations, Nagra has set lofty standards in diverse categories of audio devices.
This is nowhere more apparent than in our high-end, high performance audio division.
When introduced, Nagra’s HD line set new technical and sonic standards that reflected years of thoughtful research combined with exhaustive listening tests designed to corroborate the scientific advancements that each HD product brought forth.
Since our founding in 1951, Nagra’s company culture has driven our pursuit of perfection. Combine this with the Swiss tradition of precision engineering and it was inevitable that continuing research and development on the HD line platforms would ultimately result in advances that justify the release of a product line-up which
substantially extends the sonic envelope of the HD line.
The latest products to bear the appellation “Reference” are the Reference PREAMP, Reference DAC and Reference AMP.
The Reference AMP finds its roots in the HD AMP. The HD AMP was originally designed about 10 years ago and it is based on several previous technological advances of predecessor Nagra AMP.
Designed in parallel with the Reference PREAMP, the Reference AMP is the ideal power amplification partner in a reference level system. The Reference AMP is an iron fist in a velvet glove. Boasting a new power supply 25% larger than the HD AMP, it features many mechanical and electronic improvements.
Hundreds of hours of intensive listening sessions resulting in cumulative sonic advances, allow us to introduce an amplifier pair that illuminates the subtle artistry of a delicate piece of chamber music while also offering the capacity to reproduce the “jump factor” of a large scale orchestral crescendo or the “to the core” sensation generated by the power of the latest piece of electronica.
The Reference AMP features:
– New uprated 2000 VA transformers, isolated in an epoxy potting
– New adjustable resonance decoupling feet, featuring phenolic and pure copper
– New input circuit, with super low output impedance to drive the amplifier circuit
– Increased class A range of operation
– New inner line and speaker cables, selected for sonics and sourced from a highly regarded high-end manufacturer
– Internal three-stage mechanical damping to silence deleterious vibrations of key parts
– New WBT Next-Gen speaker posts
– Damping factor controlled outputs, A for deeper bass, B for tight bass to match your speakers / room
– Aesthetic casework changes to match the Reference line design, including hallmark Nagra chamfering
– Reference medallion on the front panel as part of the Reference family of products
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NAGRA REFERENCE AMP
Nagra Audio's NAGRA REFERENCE AMP is a reference-class monoblock that combines brute-force power with refined musical detail. Delivering 250 W RMS into 8 Ω (and 30 W pure Class A), a 0 Hz–120 kHz bandwidth and THD+N below 0.03%, it offers reference-class dynamics and transparency that translate to controlled slam, delicate microdynamics and an expansive soundstage. Best of High End highlights a 25% larger power supply, uprated 2000 VA transformers in epoxy potting, adjustable resonance feet and internal three-stage damping—all engineered to reduce vibration and coloration.
The amp's precision monitoring (modulometer, clipping LED), WBT Next-Gen posts and low output impedance suit demanding loudspeakers and serious systems. Ideal for audiophiles seeking a high-end, powerful amplifier that prioritizes control, neutrality and build excellence.
Pros
- Exceptional dynamics and headroom supported by a larger power supply and uprated 2000 VA transformers, enabling authoritative transient control and large-scale orchestral peaks.
- Very low distortion and extended bandwidth (0 Hz–120 kHz, THD+N <0.03%) deliver transparent, neutral sound with clean high-frequency presentation.
- Reference-class construction: three-stage mechanical damping, adjustable resonance feet and premium connectors (WBT Next-Gen) reduce vibration and improve long-term reliability and interface quality.
Sound Quality
93/100
Dynamics
94/100
Reviewers praise both delicate microdynamics and the ability to reproduce explosive orchestral peaks, and the spec sheet shows 250 W RMS into 8 ohms with 1000 W on lower impedances and 30 W pure Class A — indicating abundant headroom and current capability. The substantially larger power supply (25% larger than HD AMP) and uprated 2000 VA transformers with epoxy potting strongly support authoritative transient control and slam. Monoblock implication from the 'not related for mono amplifiers' crosstalk note and the heavy 56 kg chassis further justify a +1–+2 dynamics uplift for superior channel power delivery.
Soundstage Imaging
90/100
While the review does not dwell explicitly on imaging numbers, its emphasis on low output impedance, enhanced Class A operation and mechanical damping implies tight channel separation and stable imaging under load. The combination of large transformer capacity and three-stage mechanical damping should support excellent image focus, depth and stability even at demanding levels.
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Build Quality
95/100
Nagra details a substantial engineering effort: 25% larger power supply, uprated 2000 VA transformers in epoxy potting, new WBT Next‑Gen posts, three-stage mechanical damping and adjustable resonance decoupling feet (phenolic and pure copper). The heavy 56 kg chassis per unit and precision monitoring (modulometer, clipping LED) indicate reference-class construction; inferred monoblock nature further supports top-tier internal power supply and channel separation.
Value for Money
86/100
Reviews do not comment on price; given the lack of value commentary we apply the neutral baseline. The amp offers 250 W into 8 ohms, 30 W pure Class A operation, extensive mechanical and power-supply upgrades, and a quoted price (range provided) placing it in the ultra‑high‑end segment — performance appears commensurate with that tier but reviewers did not explicitly rate value.
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