And finally more official info about the all new (64 500 US$) Nagra HD DAC and beautiful photos from Costas Kekemenis… “We are living in a digital era, most of the music we have access to is digital. Whereas a physical media such as a CD or streamed from a server, they are data. Except a few notable exceptions, digital data have to be converted to analog to be reproduced acoustically. This is a very critical step that can dramatically impact the overall system performance. Nagra reputation in digital conversion is not new and dates from the Nagra D, in the early 90s. The Nagra D was the first 24 / 96 kHz recorder available on the market. To meet Nagra quality expectations, our Research & Development had to design its own discrete A/D and D/A converters.”
In 2013, Nagra introduced the HD DAC a statement D/A converter that is highly regarded and received numerous awards. The introduction of the Nagra HD PREAMP in 2018 and the evolution of music files resolution toward DSD 256 (or DSD 4x) encouraged Nagra to design a new reference D/A converter.
The new Nagra HD DAC X is a major evolution of the world-acclaimed Nagra HD DAC.
Like the HD PREAMP, the HD DAC X is a two-chassis design. The HD DAC X shares most of its power supply and mechanical vibration control solutions. The power supply is based around a massive bank of super capacitors that has the advantage of silent operation, like battery, but are more stable given that they do not discharge over time. Each electronic stage uses individual power supplies with its dedicated low-noise regulator. The HD DAC X uses no less than 37 different power supplies and the digital section itself has 16 of them.
Inside the audio unit, the digital section is a completely new design, including a new proprietary USB input. The converter can play signals up to DSD 256 (or DSD 4x). The digital section is designed to be upgradeable, whereas software or hardware to cope with the evolution of formats and sources.
The HD DAC X features an extensive selection of digital inputs, including two Nagra-optical inputs for future Nagra high resolution sources. The analog section has been the object of extensive research and listening sessions. It adopts a dual-mono topology and each channel has its inter-stage transformer and tube. The transformers are of a new design and are hand-wound at Nagra facility in Switzerland.
The result is a life-like sound with warmth, texture, extreme dynamic and extended frequency response beyond what was ever achieved by other D/A converters. The sound stage is spectacular with a 3D feeling with depth and elevation. The HD DAC X reveals some details that are often masked by other D/A.
First production units are being delivered in January 2019. The suggested retail price list in the USA is 64 500 US$.
Contact: Matthieu Latour, Marketing Director, matthieu.latour@nagraaudio.com
About ATS – Audio Technology Switzerland
Founded in 1951 by Stefan Kudelski, NAGRA has been designing some of the most influencing equipment in the audio industry. From the Oscar ® Awards winning NAGRA professional tape recorders to the rewarded NAGRA HD electronics, the company has continuously perpetuated the utmost excellence in electronics design and manufacturing. In 2012, Audio Technology Switzerland S.A. formerly Nagra Audio division is created. Still largely owned by the Kudelski family, Audio Technology Switzerland designs, manufactures and market NAGRA professional, high-end audio and security products. It is continuing the tradition of sophistication and originality that has established the prestige of the NAGRA brand all around the world for over 60 years.