Nagra Reference Phono Cartridge

[jfrech]

So my new Nagra Reference Phono cartridge arrived last week and my dealer mounted it up yesterday. I have the 6 ohm, MC-6 version. I have less than 10 hours playing time, so a ways to go on breaking in and fine tuning. It's a quite a cartridge however, the clarity is pretty sweet already.

I also have a Allaerts MC2 Formula 1 and a ClearAudio Goldfinger Statement for comparison.

More comments to come. I can say, if you have a chance to hear this cartridge or you're in the market for a top tier cartridge, make sure this one is on your short list.

 

[Robert Young]

Really looking forward to your assessment and impressions

 

[adrianywu]

Hoping they will release an improved tape playback head too......

 

[jfrech]

I am playing around with various loading options. I have about ~10 hours playing time on it now, it's beginning to open up and relax some..

The clarity is impressive right off the bat...

 

[Zeotrope]

Congratulations!
What is the expected break-in time?

 

[jfrech]

Congratulations!
What is the expected break-in time?

This cartridge has changed very little. I'd over the first 10 hours it relaxed some. It just sounds wonderful. Amazing clarity, drive, very even handed up and down the frequency range. Deeply engaging. I have about 60 hours on mine. I am so happy I purchased this.

 

[Rotatoubib]

Its indeed a fantastic cartridge, maybe the best actually; Nagra recommends a loading setting between 100 and 300 ohms: which one seem the best one for you?

 

[jfrech]

Its indeed a fantastic cartridge, maybe the best actually; Nagra recommends a loading setting between 100 and 300 ohms: which one seem the best one for you?

I am quickly coming to a similar conclusion. The Nagra cart is my favorite. Others can do differing things, but not sure one can say better. It's a complete package sonically, in the very very top tier. I tried 100, 180, 320 and preferred 180 the best on my Nagra Classic Phono...

 

[Rotatoubib]

Thank you; the new Nagra HD pre phono should be available soon. Could nicely complete your Nagra set...maybe?

 

[jfrech]

Oh yes. I have been pining for the HD Phono for quite awhile. I suspect it is coming out soon finally, maybe they'll launch it at the Munich show?

 

[Rotatoubib]

If my information is right ( I think it is) , yes it should be available after Munich High End, probably at the same price that the HD pre...

 

[mtemur]

who is producing this cartridge for Nagra? Is it EMT?

 

[Rotatoubib]

Its a mystery

 

[Zeotrope]

Was the HD Phono at last week’s Montreal show?
I will ask Rene, he is coming over to my place next week with a special item (but not the HD Phono)…
My guess is also around $50k, or around 2X the price of the Classic Phono, but this is just my own guess…

 

[mtemur]

Its a mystery

I don’t think it is. On the picture @jfrech shared a couple of posts earlier I spotted a signature. If I’m not mistaken it’s Micha Huber’s. I think I have seen that signature many times on EMT cartridges.

 

[jfrech]

I don’t think it is. On the picture @jfrech shared a couple of posts earlier I spotted a signature. If I’m not mistaken it’s Micha Huber’s. I think I have seen that signature many times on EMT cartridges.

I think it is EMT. Built to specs that Nagra states. A few of the EMT's seem to share the Saphire/Titanium cantilever the Nagra uses...

 

[Zeotrope]

Stereophile just quoted the HD Phono price, and it’s the same as the HD DAC X.
(keep in mind this is in CAD, not USD)

Filtronique: Nagra, Wilson Audio, Modulum , Siltech

Remember in my first post when I said "How cool it would be if I'd turned into Alternate Rob with a half-million dollar system waiting for him at home?" Well, the system I encountered in one of Filtronique's rooms would fit the bill nicely.

www.stereophile.com

 

[jfrech]

Stereophile just quoted the HD Phono price, and it’s the same as the HD DAC X.
(keep in mind this is in CAD, not USD)

Filtronique: Nagra, Wilson Audio, Modulum , Siltech

Remember in my first post when I said "How cool it would be if I'd turned into Alternate Rob with a half-million dollar system waiting for him at home?" Well, the system I encountered in one of Filtronique's rooms would fit the bill nicely.

www.stereophile.com

Oh wow, I just about freaked out seeing the pricing...but now see the CAD vs USD. Not that I like the USD either . I am very curious about the HD phono...

 

[Rotatoubib]

Stereophile write : Nagra HD DAC X, and it seems that its Phono Classic on picture, so?

 

[jfrech]

Stereophile write : Nagra HD DAC X, and it seems that its Phono Classic on picture, so?

HI and Yes, they didn't show the HD Phono at that event...