Okay some very strange things going on, I have the optional balanced transformers installed, connected to the amp normally there is zero bass, mid range is emancipated. Clearly something is up. Tried the headphone out, all good plenty of everything through that, had to use the stock HE-1000 cable though as I don't have an adapter. That's on its way. The stock cables are average so there is no way I could accurately describe what I can hear other than to say it sounds promising. The DHC cables improve the sound so much over stock that's its not much fun listening without them.
I will be on the phone to Nagra support tonight to find out whats going on, I am thinking that the jumpers for the balanced outputs need to be configured differently. Of course my balanced cables were too short so another longer set is on its way next week. Honestly you would think by now I would have learned. Have checked the balanced pin outs and they are all wired normally/correctly
So in summary, disappointing really as I can't get a good handle on the sound. For those that are wondering, the on board HP amp is more than capable and drives the HEK's to ear splitting levels.
Surprised that the DAC already has over a hundred hours on it. Nagra clearly do some serious testing which makes the balanced output issue even more strange.
Okay some very strange things going on, I have the optional balanced transformers installed, connected to the amp normally there is zero bass, mid range is emancipated. Clearly something is up. Tried the headphone out, all good plenty of everything through that, had to use the stock HE-1000 cable though as I don't have an adapter. That's on its way. The stock cables are average so there is no way I could accurately describe what I can hear other than to say it sounds promising. The DHC cables improve the sound so much over stock that's its not much fun listening without them.
I will be on the phone to Nagra support tonight to find out whats going on, I am thinking that the jumpers for the balanced outputs need to be configured differently. Of course my balanced cables were too short so another longer set is on its way next week. Honestly you would think by now I would have learned. Have checked the balanced pin outs and they are all wired normally/correctly
So in summary, disappointing really as I can't get a good handle on the sound. For those that are wondering, the on board HP amp is more than capable and drives the HEK's to ear splitting levels.
Surprised that the DAC already has over a hundred hours on it. Nagra clearly do some serious testing which makes the balanced output issue even more strange.
Should have taken a shot with those gloves it came with as you removed the nagra bag covering the unit....
I spoke with another member and he mentioned the same, I asked him if he had noticed that the bass was so weak and almost non existent when new, he said it was weak in the bass and lower mids when new and it did improve greatly with time. He felt that even after the 500 hour mark it was still improving substantially. Can you remember when yours was new, how weak was the bass performance? Could this be a matter of burn in, if so then why such a substantial difference to the headphone output?
I have ordered another set of the DHC cables but with a 6.3MM Jack, Peter is rushing them through, should receive them by the end of next week. Took some photos of the inside and close ups of the balanced transformers plus their instruction sheet so you can change to the RCA's using the symmetrical balanced transformers. Everything looks as it should nothing loose. I am going to try the 2nd option and running through the RCA's.
I spoke with another member and he mentioned the same, I asked him if he had noticed that the bass was so weak and almost non existent when new, he said it was weak in the bass and lower mids when new and it did improve greatly with time. He felt that even after the 500 hour mark it was still improving substantially. Can you remember when yours was new, how weak was the bass performance? Could this be a matter of burn in, if so then why such a substantial difference to the headphone output?
I have ordered another set of the DHC cables but with a 6.3MM Jack, Peter is rushing them through, should receive them by the end of next week. Took some photos of the inside and close ups of the balanced transformers plus their instruction sheet so you can change to the RCA's using the symmetrical balanced transformers. Everything looks as it should nothing loose. I am going to try the 2nd option and running through the RCA's.
