Nagra Reference Phono Cartridge

[Zeotrope]

I have about 15 hours on my Nagra 4ohm cartridge. I concur with @jfrech - it really strikes a perfect balance between detail and resolution, warmth, and 'musicality'. It sounds almost digital in some ways (specifically referring to the benefits of digital!), but then just destroys even the best digital sources with layers of tonality and timbre. Now, I don't know how much of this is the cartridge vs the tonearm and table itself...

Using 50ohm Load and 60dB Gain.
Using the DarTZeel 18NS as the phono stage and preamp. I don't feel anything is missing, sonically. But to have come this far without the HD Phono would be a miss, so I think the HD Phono is on the horizon

 

[Rotatoubib]

Zeotrope, what about the Zanden 1200 signature? Could be a nice contender too

 

[Rotatoubib]

New kid on the block

Mono & Stereo © 2023: New CH Precision P10 Phono Stage

 

[XV-1]

Show me the money $$$$

 

[Rotatoubib]

P10 Twin Chassis Phono-stage US $76,000 / €77,000
P10 Four Chassis True Monaural Phono-stage US $132,000 / €132,000
Optional EQ Cards /pair US $2,250 / €2,200

 

[Zeotrope]

Zeotrope, what about the Zanden 1200 signature? Could be a nice contender too

Indeed! Just checked it out. Looks beautiful too. Solid technical philosophy.
Ah, to have the time to audition and own all of these great components!

 

[Zeotrope]

P10 Twin Chassis Phono-stage US $76,000 / €77,000
P10 Four Chassis True Monaural Phono-stage US $132,000 / €132,000
Optional EQ Cards /pair US $2,250 / €2,200

I do like that Nagra comes in significantly below this… HD Phono will be dual mono and I’ve heard list for USD80K. A “bargain”!

 

[Rotatoubib]

In favor of the Nagra, a probable optimal compatibility with their cartridge

 

[howiebrou]

I do like that Nagra comes in significantly below this… HD Phono will be dual mono and I’ve heard list for USD80K. A “bargain”!

I'm starting to feel my equipment is a serious bargain compared to these prices!

 

[Rotatoubib]

I'm starting to feel my equipment is a serious bargain compared to these prices!

I'm sorry to say that high end audio is becoming a luxury product, and that potential customers are increasingly rich...this explains it

 

[jfrech]

Zeotrope, what about the Zanden 1200 signature? Could be a nice contender too

I've always wanted to hear this phono stage. I agree about it being a nice contender. I'll likely gravitate to the Nagra HD Phono, because of what I already own. But I'd still love to hear it one day!

 

[Rotatoubib]

I will try to organize a comparative test of the Nagra and the Zanden, with the Nagra cartridge, at my dealer place

 

[jfrech]

I will try to organize a comparative test of the Nagra and the Zanden, with the Nagra cartridge, at my dealer place

I'll be very curious of your impressions! Especially if he's using a Nagra pre with both phono stages...

 

[Rotatoubib]

I was told that the first Nagra will be shipped in September, so we will have to wait. Anyway I prefer to wait for the CH Precision P10 review. Of course, my comparative test of the Nagra and the Zanden will use the HD pre

 

[Zeotrope]

Has anyone seen the Modulometer on the HD Phono? If it’s like other components, it will show the input or output for each channel. This could be useful for things like checking azimuth and balance.

 

[Rotatoubib]

You can evaluate the cartridge output on both channels with the modulometer on your HD pre (not the phono) , on input position, right?

 

[Zeotrope]

You can evaluate the cartridge output on both channels with the modulometer on your HD pre (not the phono) , on input position, right?

I guess so, but I don’t have an HD Pre.
I’m assuming the HD Phono will show L and R input or output levels?

 

[Rotatoubib]

I guess so, but I don’t have an HD Pre.
I’m assuming the HD Phono will show L and R input or output levels?

Sorry! I am not sure, but probably . A friend of mine did a video in Nagra room in Munich yesterday, I will tell you as soon as I get it

 

[jfrech]

Has anyone seen the Modulometer on the HD Phono? If it’s like other components, it will show the input or output for each channel. This could be useful for things like checking azimuth and balance.

Here's a pic. I suspect it isn't used for that. But I LOVE the idea you're on. For this kind of Monday I'd tell Rene .

I wonder what the "option" selector is for? Could it be a test input for a something like you're asking???

 

[Rotatoubib]

I think that the modulometer will measure input and output levels for right and left channels, as it does with the pre