XLR out. This is different than our PLL's. The output transformer is the volume control now...so both the RCA and XLR outs is connected to it. There is optional input balancing transformers which I don't have and they are not ready just yet anyway. It's a $4k option. My dealer is going to order a set for me to try when they are available...
Nagra HD Pre Amp arrived today
- Thread starter jfrech
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XLR out. This is different than our PLL's. The output transformer is the volume control now...so both the RCA and XLR outs is connected to it. There is optional input balancing transformers which I don't have and they are not ready just yet anyway. It's a $4k option. My dealer is going to order a set for me to try when they are available...
Had a interesting demo on Friday afternoon. My dealer had a client who owns the Nagra Classic Preamp and is considering buying a HD Preamp.
So in goes the Classic preamp into my system. I thought I noticed real quick some things missing. But we listened to various tracks for about a hour. It was quite enjoyable and sounded very good to me. Switched cables to the HD Preamp. And listened in reverse order to the tracks we just listened to on the Classic. This guy looks up after about 20 seconds, and exclaims, I think you're not playing the same track that we just listened to on the classic. Sounds like a different recording. Exactly what I heard. This was no subtle change...the HD Preamp is quite remarkable is it's ability to sound natural, portray immense resolution, and just draw you into each recording. It's like upgrading speakers..it's major improvement.
The Nagra HD preamp is special.
So in goes the Classic preamp into my system. I thought I noticed real quick some things missing. But we listened to various tracks for about a hour. It was quite enjoyable and sounded very good to me. Switched cables to the HD Preamp. And listened in reverse order to the tracks we just listened to on the Classic. This guy looks up after about 20 seconds, and exclaims, I think you're not playing the same track that we just listened to on the classic. Sounds like a different recording. Exactly what I heard. This was no subtle change...the HD Preamp is quite remarkable is it's ability to sound natural, portray immense resolution, and just draw you into each recording. It's like upgrading speakers..it's major improvement.
The Nagra HD preamp is special.
John,
In your system, the difference was profound to my ears. I already ordered it!! 6-8 weeks of torture but it gives me some time to save a few bucks. It was great meeting you and hearing what you have accomplished and I appreciate the time you took to let me hear your setup. I owe you a nice bottle of vino.
Dave
Great to learn about such direct comparison in your system. BTW, are your system ICs all balanced (XLR)? How are you connecting the Vivaldi?
I'll take that bottle of vino ! Was nice meeting you to and congratulations ! That 6-8 weeks will go by fast !
Yes, all balanced from Vivaldi to Pre to amps. The phono stage is single ended to pre. The HD preamp has optional balancing input transformers (like most Nagra Preamps) I have those on order as they weren't quite ready when my HD Pre was delivered...
Now you confused me!
Are you driving the Nagra HD in single ended mode with Transparent Audio Opus XLR cables? An extra detail - do you know the input impedance of the Nagar HD preamplfier in SE and XLR?
Now you confused me!
An extra detail - do you know the input impedance of the Nagar HD preamplfier in SE and XLR?
Haha sorry. Magnum Opus XLR from DAC to Pre. Opus Gen 5 XLR from Pre to amp. (Magnum Opus RCA from phono to pre then same Opus Gen 5 XLR from Pre to Amp)
The Nagra HD Preamp has a variable output impedance depending where the transformer based volume control is set. Range is .2 ohms to 40 ohms. Transparent says my pre to amp XLR's are set to 50 ohms. And as long as the output impedance is below 50 ohms it's ok. They can set the cables precisely based on your volume range.
The input impedance of the HD Pre is 50k ohms.
Here are the specs if you scroll down on this page: http://www.nagraaudio-hd.com/hd-preamp.html
Thanks . It is what puzzles me - are you just discarding the inverting phase of the DAC, since the Pre does not have input balancing transformers?
In single ended mode? Will it be 100k ohms with the balancing transformer ?
For now yes. I have the input transformers on order (they apparently are sophisticated and take 1 person 1 day to wind/build). Trust me, I do not feel like I am missing anything. I do expect the input transformers will be a improvement and will report back when they arrive ...
I don't know, I will check with my dealer...
IMHO you can expect a significant improvement. I have been playing with OPUS MM2 XLR (mine) and RCA (borrowed ...
) cables to connect the DS Vivaldi DAC to a cj GAT. In order to use my calibrated XLR cables I am also using a Lundhall expensive transformer, converting the balanced to SE. Currently my preferences are 1. pure SE wit SE cable, fuller, more airy, 2. XLR with Lundall - very detailed, but lighter bass and 3. XLR to direct SE adapter, ignoring one phase. In my system it sees to me that the independent unbalancing stage of the Vivaldi sounds better than the Lundhall. But I am still listening.
IMHO you can expect a significant improvement. I have been playing with OPUS MM2 XLR (mine) and RCA (borrowed ...
Currently my preferences are 1. pure SE wit SE cable, fuller, more airy, 2. XLR with Lundall - very detailed, but lighter bass and 3. XLR to direct SE adapter, ignoring one phase. In my system it sees to me that the independent unbalancing stage of the Vivaldi sounds better than the Lundhall. But I am still listening.
interesting...i am CJ Opus MM2 SE -SE from Zanden DAC to GAT 2...and then Opus MM2 SE-SE (but XLR termination) from CJ GAT 2 to Gryphon Colosseum. I have not tried any other way. Given your extensive technical knowledge, do you suggest [someday] i might wish to try something else? The folks at Gryphon did not seem to think so when i asked them...i think they felt simpler is better if my pre is SE.
Input balancing transformers arrived yesterday. They are quite large and some weight to it. Think of something larger than a golf ball, smaller then a tennis ball but squished so not round on all sides. Both transformers were mounted a board than has some circuity on it. It replaces a board inside the HD pre with similar circuity but no transformers. Took my dealer all of 10 minutes to install. Most of that was talking to me and doodling over the build quality inside this preamp.
I only have a few hours listening. But from the first note you can tell. My only balanced source is my digital (dCS Vivaldi), my phono stage is single ended so it won't be effected.
Their is definitely more energy in each note. Better illusion of space and movement, and just more involving in how it more easily unravels the notes before you. Everything just seems more "in focus".
I am assuming a lot of wire inside these balancing transformers, so I can only wonder if some breaking in will occur over time..
I only have a few hours listening. But from the first note you can tell. My only balanced source is my digital (dCS Vivaldi), my phono stage is single ended so it won't be effected.
Their is definitely more energy in each note. Better illusion of space and movement, and just more involving in how it more easily unravels the notes before you. Everything just seems more "in focus".
I am assuming a lot of wire inside these balancing transformers, so I can only wonder if some breaking in will occur over time..
Hello, recently had the opportunity to hear the Nagra HD pre with D Agostino Progression Stereo, was a fantastic combo. I was told that Nagra VPS production will end soon. What about a new Nagra phono amplifier?
My Nagra VPS has been a killer good phono stage. It's my oldest component in my system about 8+ years and counting. Would not surprise me if they replace the VPS with a Classic Phono stage. Maybe one day a HD Phono as well ... let me know if you hear something definitive ...
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