Nagra Streamer

[svenjosh]

I am interested in feedback on the new Nagra streamer. My DAC is Playback designs MPD-8. I confirmed with Nagra that I can use the optical N-link with PBD.

The streamer seems pretty basic which I am fine with. My past experiences include Grimm Mu and Taiko extreme original. I have over 20 TB of music on a server. I am using a custom streamer right now. Based on my research, I just take my current streamer and plug in the Nagra and everything will stay the same.

I am looking to get an idea of the Nagra streamer performance. The only thing I found online was Steve Huff advertorial. Does anyone own or have experience with the Nagra?

Thanks in advance

 

[matthias]

Does anyone own or have experience with the Nagra?

I am curious as well...
If you do a search there are quite a few members here who have one.

 

[metaldetektor]

Exceptional combo

Do not skimp on the power supply

 

[matthias]

Maybe @jfrech , @emyyl and @Tonari would like to chime in?
Thank you

 

[jfrech]

Hi guys. I LOVE my Nagra Streamer. I got to here with with my prior dCS Vivaldi set up (in that case only using the SPDIF output). It sounded better than the network card in the dCS Upsampler. Enough that I took the plunge and bought a Nagra Ref DAC and traded in my dCS Vivaldi DAC/UPS/Clock. I kept my Vivaldi Transport.

I I agree with metaldetekor, it helps to get a Nagra power supply too, I am using a Nagra MPS, used, they are discontinued, can be had for a not to much.

To my surprise and delight, it plays back 32 bit DXD files in addition to 24 bit. DSD up to 4x.

The NLink is excellent...if your Playback designed accepts this..go for it. They include a 2m optical cable. I use Roon or Mcontrol via iOS to control it. I don't here the Roon gap as much as I did with dCS either.

 

[jfrech]

PS it's built like a tank. Heavy block of well machined aluminum....

 

[svenjosh]

Hi guys. I LOVE my Nagra Streamer. I got to here with with my prior dCS Vivaldi set up (in that case only using the SPDIF output). It sounded better than the network card in the dCS Upsampler. Enough that I took the plunge and bought a Nagra Ref DAC and traded in my dCS Vivaldi DAC/UPS/Clock. I kept my Vivaldi Transport.

I I agree with metaldetekor, it helps to get a Nagra power supply too, I am using a Nagra MPS, used, they are discontinued, can be had for a not to much.

To my surprise and delight, it plays back 32 bit DXD files in addition to 24 bit. DSD up to 4x.

The NLink is excellent...if your Playback designed accepts this..go for it. They include a 2m optical cable. I use Roon or Mcontrol via iOS to control it. I don't here the Roon gap as much as I did with dCS either.

Thank you for the very detailed reply!!

 

[metaldetektor]

As an aside, if you're able to find one and want to maximize your set-up (I believe they are currently out of production, as the owner has been on sabbatical for a while), I've had very good results with the Aural Symphonics fiber optic cable (vs. the stock fiber optic cable) --- it's compatible with both Playback Designs and Nagra.

I've had streamer options much more expensive than the Nagra in the house...the synergy with Playback and Nagra DACs is really something and has clearly exceeded significantly pricier options. Do not assume the Nagra isn't a serious piece just because it's inexpensive, by high-end standards.