Another question on file data types:
If an album was converted from analog to DXD, is it generally better to buy the DXD file, or the DSD file from which the DXD was converted? The albums I'm looking at were masted on Nagra gear (2XHD label).
The Nagra DACs convert everything to DSD, correct?
Therefore, is it better to feed it DSD at the highest bit rate possible, even if the native recording is in DXD? Or is it better to feed it DXD?
Nagra convert PCM to DSD. I think all delta sigma dac have pcm to dsd conversion step before converting to analog and lowpass-filtered, Nagra just do it by its own (good) way. To my ears, Nagra's sound has many similarities with dsd’s ”house sound”, which is quite gentle/soft, natural and 3d, regardless the input is pcm or dsd. If I were you, I would still keep the dxd, because I prefer PCM which I feel more realistic, more vivid, more lifelike (in many other dac, like Chord dave, dcs bartok). But if you think nagra is your end game dac, you can stick with DSD. Just my 2 cents!
Is there anyone here trying i2s of the Nagra HD dac? The manual says it’s reserved for future product. Now Denafrips Gaia is giving i2s over Rj45, I’m not sure if they are compatible.
On my side, I really hope NAGRA will launch some NAGRA sources ( like a music server ? ) using their " Nagra link " that is already implemented on the TUBE Dac.
I would shut down the Classic PSU when not in use. The super caps don’t need a warm up time. All caps have a lifespan, and I don’t imagine they will be cheap to replace.
However, I’m curious if the two chassis DAC X or the preamp keeps the PSU on all the time?
Thanks, that is what I have been doing. But I know other power supplies I have used - eg Naim Supercap - benefit significantly from being left on all the time, so was curious what others do.
Previously, Nagra Classic PSU would be left ON all the time, whilst Tube DAC switched to horizontal stand-by when not used...Now tried 2 weekends with Classic PSU also OFF ( horizontal position ), and within 1-2 hrs there is no difference in SQ. So I will also switch OFF Classic PSU when not in use.
I would shut down the Classic PSU when not in use. The super caps don’t need a warm up time. All caps have a lifespan, and I don’t imagine they will be cheap to replace.
However, I’m curious if the two chassis DAC X or the preamp keeps the PSU on all the time?
I don’t think so. When I turn on my hdx dac, I get this “charging super caps” message on the display. It seems to me that, should the PS be on all time, such a power on stage would not be necesssary.
I don’t think so. When I turn on my hdx dac, I get this “charging super caps” message on the display. It seems to me that, should the PS be on all time, such a power on stage would not be necesssary.
Right, charging the caps is not the same as a warm-up time. I think you just confirmed that for the DAC X the power supply is not kept on all the time, or the charging message would not appear.
I wouldn’t touch those, that’s why they’re not in the manual. I don’t have the HD DAC but perhaps someone else here can take a photo of how there’s is setup.
For a second location, I will need to drasticaly reduce the complexity of my equipment, so... If I decide to directly use the Headphone-out of the NAGRA Tube Dac, which Headphone does pair very well with NAGRA's headphone output? (I do not expect the level of my BHSE + Stax SR009s, but .... I hope to be close )
For a second location, I will need to drasticaly reduce the complexity of my equipment, so... If I decide to directly use the Headphone-out of the NAGRA Tube Dac, which Headphone does pair very well with NAGRA's headphone output? (I do not expect the level of my BHSE + Stax SR009s, but .... I hope to be close )
I use the Tube DAC with Focal Stellia and a DoubleHelix Prion4 and ZMF Verite Closed and their silver cable. Both sound great!
I also have a BHSE + Stax SR009, although I haven't listened to it in years , so I can't compare properly.
But I think the Nagra blows away the BHSE - I've not heard a more musical or engaging digital sound than through the Nagra.
Enjoy!
I use the Tube DAC with Focal Stellia and a DoubleHelix Prion4 and ZMF Verite Closed and their silver cable. Both sound great!
I also have a BHSE + Stax SR009, although I haven't listened to it in years , so I can't compare properly.
But I think the Nagra blows away the BHSE - I've not heard a more musical or engaging digital sound than through the Nagra.
Enjoy!
Do I prefer the Stellia or the ZMF VC? They are different, and both excellent!
As mentioned by others in this forum, the Stellia have a bit better detail - violins and vocals for example sound a little more natural.
The VC have a wider soundstage, more low end, and are generally more “fun” and less “clinical” sounding.
If I could choose only 1, I would go with the ZMF VC - they are more beautiful (although the Stellia are close), and that’s a matter of personal opinon.
You can’t go wrong with either.
The stock Stellia cable is not great - replace it as soon as you can. I didn’t do any A-B comparisons once I got the Prion4, as it’s not even close.
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? ) using their " Nagra link " that is already implemented on the TUBE Dac.
, so I can't compare properly.
. But, do you prefer Stellia or ZMF with the NAGRA ?