AVReviews

This time, we had the pleasure of reviewing a Swiss-made high-end digital-to-analog converter – the Nagra Classic DAC II. In this review, we’ll explore various aspects of DAC design philosophy, discuss Nagra’s unique connectivity choices, and, of course, describe the Classic DAC II’s features and sonic performance, including a comparison with another top-tier DAC. Let’s begin.

We thank the audio store and recording studio "Avi Yaffe", the official importer of the Nagra brand in Israel, for providing us this unit for the review.

Bottom Line

About Nagra

For our readers, the name Nagra likely needs no introduction. This Swiss manufacturer is one of the few audio companies I follow closely, and my personal system currently includes no fewer than three Nagra components: the Nagra Classic INT integrated amplifier (read full review – in Hebrew), the Nagra VPS phono stage (read full review – in Hebrew) from the previous generation of the Classic line (now replaced by the Classic Phono), and the company’s very first streamer, the Nagra Streamer (read full review). Together with several listening sessions at Avi Yaffe’s showroom – Nagra’s official Israeli importer – and various show demonstrations, I believe I’ve developed a deep familiarity with the brand’s products in general, and the Classic line in particular.

For those who haven’t read our previous reviews, here’s a brief look at the company’s background:
Nagra was founded in 1951 in Switzerland by Stefan Kudelski (1929–2013), a Polish-born Jewish immigrant. Kudelski invented a groundbreaking portable tape recorder, which he named the “Nagra I” – nagra in Polish means “it will record.” In the decades that followed, Nagra became a world leader and standard-setter in professional and security recording equipment, earning two Academy Awards for technical achievement. In fact, during the Apollo missions of 1969, Nagra recorders were used by astronauts to capture their journey to the Moon.

Nagra entered the high-end home audio market only in 1997 with the launch of the Nagra PL-P tube preamplifier. The product’s quality and sonic refinement were immediately recognized, establishing Nagra as a serious force in high-end audio. Today, the company maintains a dedicated home audio division alongside its professional and security equipment lines.

For many years, Nagra’s home audio range was divided into two main families: the Classic series, the more accessible line, and the HD series, representing the brand’s flagship. In recent years, however, Nagra has expanded in both directions.

First came the introduction of the new Reference series — a statement-level lineup that began with the Reference Anniversary Turntable, created to celebrate Nagra’s 70th anniversary. This was followed by the Reference Turntable, the Reference Phono Cartridge, and, by late 2024, the Reference PREAMP and AMP — evolved versions of the HD preamplifier and monoblocks.

Equally interesting is the launch of the Compact Line, inspired by the Nagra Streamer. Earlier this year, Nagra released the Compact Phono stage, followed by the Compact PSU external power supply, which can upgrade components from both the Compact and Classic lines. To complete the range, the company also introduced the Compact VFS, a vibration-isolation platform designed specifically for the new series.

Under Review: Nagra Classic DAC II

The Nagra Classic DAC II is a digital-to-analog converter built around the company’s proprietary Nagra Audio Digital Module (NADM). Very little official information has been shared about this circuit, and it seems Nagra prefers to keep the exact implementation details undisclosed. What we do know is that the NADM engine supports an impressive range of high-resolution formats: PCM up to 384 kHz, DSD up to 256 (DSD4x), and DXD. This same digital engine also powers Nagra’s upper-tier DACs,, such as the Tube DAC and the HD DAC X.

Of course, DAC performance depends on far more than the digital conversion process itself. The quality of the analog output stage and the power supply are equally crucial. In the Classic DAC II, Nagra employs a fully discrete Class A topology in its analog output stage, built with military-grade transistors, ensuring exceptional linearity and minimal distortion.

The internal power supply has also been refined and is now quieter than before. For those seeking the best possible performance, the DAC can be paired with an external power supply, such as the Classic PSU, providing a clear upgrade path for enthusiasts who wish to push the device even further.

On the connectivity side, the Classic DAC II offers a generous selection of inputs: two coaxial, one optical, one USB audio, one AES/EBU, and two proprietary Nagra-Link inputs. The analog output is available in RCA only.

Additional technical specifications:
Output impedance: ZOUT < 430 Ω
Output level: 1.5 VRMS
Analog output Noise level: -128 dBr @ 1 kHz 1.3 V (Linear)
Distortion: < 0.02 % @ -20 dBFS
THD + N: < 0.03 % @ 192 kHz
Frequency Response: 5Hz – 40kHz +0 / -1 dB
Crosstalk: > 100 dB
Inter-channel phase: <0.1 ° @ 20 kHz

The DAC’s dimensions are 280 mm (W) × 76 mm (H) × 380 mm (D), with a weight of 5 kg.

The Classic DAC II is one of two DAC models in Nagra’s Classic line, the other being the Tube DAC. Beyond the obvious use of tubes in the latter, there are several functional differences. The Tube DAC includes a volume control, allowing it to serve as a digital preamplifier, and it also features XLR outputs (though the design is not fully balanced by default), providing more connection flexibility.

Another major distinction is that the Tube DAC lacks an internal power supply altogether – it requires two external units, one for the digital section and one for the analog. This means it must be paired with the high-end Classic PSU or other compatible Nagra power supplies. As a result, the overall system cost of the Tube DAC is considerably higher than that of the Classic DAC II.

Thoughts on Unbalanced Topology and Proprietary Connectors

There are two points worth pausing on when discussing the Nagra Classic DAC II.
The first is Nagra’s decision to remain faithful to an unbalanced topology, contrary to the trend among many high-end manufacturers who favor fully balanced designs. While balanced architectures are often regarded as a hallmark of precision and high performance, Nagra follows a different philosophy: the shortest possible signal path, minimal noise, and maximum accuracy. When these principles are upheld – especially when cable runs are not excessively long – the theoretical advantages of balanced connections become far less relevant.

My takeaway from this approach is that audio quality cannot be defined solely by “audiophile” labels such as fully balanced or dual mono. There’s more than one right way to engineer exceptional equipment, and sometimes what truly matters is simplicity, precision, and the reasoning behind the design choices.

It’s also worth noting that some Nagra components feature XLR connectors, though these aren’t always part of a truly balanced circuit. In some cases, they are included simply for user convenience and broader system compatibility.

The second point concerns proprietary connectors, such as Nagra Link. In the past, I tended to be skeptical of such designs – why not just stick to industry standards and maintain full interoperability with other brands? Over time, however, I’ve come to appreciate the other side of the argument: dedicated connectors can enable deeper system integration and free designers from the constraints of standardized protocols.

In the case of the Classic DAC II, Nagra provides a generous selection of standard digital inputs (USB, AES/EBU, S/PDIF, and more), so there’s no issue with compatibility. As long as proprietary connections complement rather than replace standard ones, I’m actually in favor of the approach.

Specifically, the Nagra Link is an optical cable with a unique locking mechanism, capable of transmitting signals up to PCM 384 kHz and DSD256 – the maximum resolutions supported by the DAC, identical to those achievable via the USB input. The same connection type is also found on the Nagra Streamer.

Design and Build Quality

The Nagra experience begins the moment you open the box. The packaging immediately conveys a sense of luxury and seriousness, with precisely engineered foam inserts and a packaging layout that exudes purpose and care.

All models in the Classic line share the same timeless, meticulously executed design language – a finely brushed aluminum chassis with gently rounded edges, the signature power selector, and of course, Nagra’s iconic Modulometer with its warm orange illumination, whose brightness can be adjusted to taste.

A small LED display provides crisp, legible information about the selected input and incoming signal quality, while the input selector (labeled Controller) is positioned to its right for intuitive operation.

An integral part of Nagra’s Classic components is the Vibration Free Support (VFS) platform. While this is an optional accessory and a rather costly one, a single glance – and lift – reveals its exceptional build quality and substantial weight, leaving no doubt about the engineering effort behind it. In the case of the Classic DAC II, I found the difference immediately noticeable. The DAC itself weighs just 5 kg and feels fairly lightweight; once placed on the VFS platform, with its feet perfectly nesting into the recesses, the unit suddenly feels far more substantial – solid, grounded, and stable on an entirely different level.

One aspect that surprised me most about the Classic DAC II’s design is its depth – it’s noticeably deeper than the Nagra VPS phono stage, which means the VFS platform designed for the VPS isn’t compatible with the DAC.

A final note on design: when several Nagra components are stacked together, their illuminated Modulometers glowing softly in unison, the sight truly embodies the concept of “pride of ownership.”

Functionality and User Experience

When it comes to operation, the Nagra Classic DAC II is a textbook example of the “less is more” philosophy. Functionality here is minimalist – almost to an extreme. You power on the unit using the main selector on the right, choose your desired input with the Controller knob, and that’s it. The only adjustable parameter is phase inversion, which can be toggled by pressing the Controller.

Personally, I find this simplicity deeply appealing. I appreciate the choice to design a DAC without an internal volume control, and I also value the absence of digital filters or menu settings that often complicate the user experience. This design keeps the focus exactly where it should be – on pure, high-quality signal conversion.

The DAC comes with a remote control identical to that supplied with Nagra’s integrated amplifier. Each button corresponds directly to one of the inputs, though you can also cycle through them using the left and right arrows. In “R” (Remote) mode, the DAC can be powered on and off via the remote – a practical feature for daily use, though I personally still prefer the tactile feel of switching it on and off manually.

That said, the remote is not among the unit’s strong points – neither in design, build quality, nor usability. Considering the exceptional craftsmanship of the rest of the device, I would welcome a future upgrade in this area.

Another minor quirk is that the remote carries no model label, making it virtually identical to the one supplied with Nagra’s amplifier. This could easily cause confusion for users who own multiple Nagra components.

The Listening Test

The review unit arrived as a demo sample, so it wasn’t brand new and didn’t require a burn-in period. Still, I spent a few days familiarizing myself with its character before moving on to focused listening and comparisons. According to the Nagra Classic DAC II user manual, it’s recommended to let the device operate for about 15 minutes before listening, allowing its internal components to reach optimal operating temperature and deliver peak performance.

My reference system for this review included the Nagra Classic INT integrated amplifier, the Nagra Streamer as the main source, YG Acoustics Vantage 3 loudspeakers, and cabling primarily from the Nordost Blue Heaven series.

Before diving into specifics, it’s safe to say that this is a true high-end DAC in every respect. If I had to pinpoint one defining quality, it would be its distinctly “tube-like” character. Many solid-state audio manufacturers aim for that elusive quality – the softness and depth often associated with tube-based designs. It’s hard to define precisely what “tube sound” means, but it generally refers to a three-dimensional, holographic soundstage, smooth, liquid tonality, a rich, full-bodied midrange, and above all, a natural, emotionally engaging presentation that simply invites you to keep listening.

The pairing of the Classic DAC II with the Nagra Classic INT amplifier produced exactly that kind of sound -unmistakably tube-like, with a large, 3D soundstage, silky texture, and wonderfully rendered vocals, slightly brought forward in the soundstage. The level of detail and separation was exceptionally high, but never exaggerated or analytical. Instead, what emerged was a rare combination of smoothness, naturalness, and overall harmony, resulting in one of the most pleasant and musically involving digital listening experiences I’ve encountered.

My personal preference leans toward softer music – vocal recordings or mellow instrumental jazz – so much of my initial listening focused on those genres. Naturally, the DAC’s smoothness and emotional vocal presentation complemented such material beautifully. However, it’s important to note that the Nagra Classic DAC II also excelled with dynamic and electronic music. A great example is “Hallelujah, Love Is Real” by David Ramirez, from his album My Love Is a Hurricane – where the DAC delivered excellent dynamics, deep, well-textured bass, and a spacious, lively presentation that felt effortlessly natural.

Performance via Coaxial vs. Nagra Link

During the first few days of listening, I connected the streamer to the DAC using the Nagra Link connection. Later on, I added a coaxial connection between the streamer and the DAC to evaluate whether there were any differences in sound quality between the two. Since the Nagra Link is capable of transferring higher-resolution files, I made sure to conduct the comparison using CD-quality files only, in order to keep the test fair and consistent.

The results were very close, and it was quite difficult to discern any meaningful differences. If one listens carefully, the Nagra Link connection might sound slightly cleaner, relaxed, and more natural – but the difference was truly minor and could just as easily be attributed to the cables used.

Because the gap between the two connections was so small, I was later able to connect the streamer to two DACs simultaneously for direct comparison.

Comparison: Nagra Classic DAC II vs. MSB Discrete DAC

Naturally, we now arrive at the central part of this review – and one that was especially exciting for me – the comparison between two top-tier DACs: the Nagra Classic DAC II and the MSB Discrete DAC. What made this comparison particularly fascinating is that these two products represent almost opposite philosophies in both design and engineering.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, it’s clear that we’re looking at two very different worlds. The MSB features a clean, modern industrial design with precise, minimalist lines, while the Nagra embraces a retro-elegant aesthetic highlighted by its iconic Modulometer, a hallmark of the brand’s visual identity. The size difference is also notable: the MSB is a full-width component (432 mm), while the narrower Nagra (280 mm) suits systems where a compact yet luxurious appearance is desired.

Personally, I’m more drawn to Nagra’s design – it has a timeless charm and a sense of understated luxury. Still, one can’t overlook the uncompromising mechanical precision of the MSB, especially in the flawless machining and the solid, monolithic feel of its chassis. When it comes to the remote control, however, the advantage clearly goes to MSB, whose sleek aluminum unit feels far more premium than Nagra’s lightweight plastic remote.

Features and Functionality

The difference in philosophy extends to functionality as well. The Nagra Classic DAC II adheres to a purist design approach – a straightforward DAC without unnecessary extras. It offers a wide selection of digital inputs, including USB Audio, and integrates seamlessly into most systems.
The MSB, on the other hand, adds volume control, allowing it to function as a digital preamplifier. It also includes a richer settings menu, with options such as screen brightness adjustment (including a complete off mode), phase inversion (also available on the Nagra), and two selectable output levels, among others.

This highlights a fundamental design difference: Nagra prioritizes minimalism and simplicity of operation, while MSB provides a modular, highly configurable platform.

The analog outputs further emphasize this contrast. The Nagra offers RCA outputs only, while the MSB includes XLR outputs exclusively. Personally, I would have appreciated having both output types on each device, to maximize system flexibility.

Upgrade Options

The two brands also differ significantly in their upgrade philosophy. The Nagra includes a high-quality internal power supply, but it can be upgraded with the external Nagra Classic PSU and the VFS vibration control platform. This represents a focused and deliberate approach to system enhancement, consistent with the product’s character.

MSB, by contrast, is built on a fully modular architecture. Users can upgrade power supplies, add new input modules, or integrate the Digital Director unit. It’s a comprehensive and flexible ecosystem – though one that requires the user to choose a specific upgrade path and invest accordingly.

In conclusion, this comparison illustrates just how different these two companies are in their design philosophy – yet both execute their vision at the very highest level.

Sound Quality

While the Nagra and MSB take almost opposite paths in design and functionality, the story changes when it comes to sound quality. Here, the differences become much subtler. Both DACs operate at an exceptionally high level, and neither takes an extreme or deliberately contrasting sonic approach. Yet, with careful listening, distinct nuances do emerge.

It’s important to note that the Nagra Classic DAC II had a natural advantage in my setup, since most of my system components are also from Nagra – creating a particularly seamless and synergistic match. This synergy is no coincidence; Nagra designs its products to complement one another in tonal balance and overall presentation.

To describe the sonic difference, imagine a spectrum: at the far left sits an analytical, precise, “studio-like” sound that can feel a bit dry; at the far right, a warm, rounded, and emotionally rich sound reminiscent of tube-based systems. The MSB Discrete DAC would fall near the middle of that scale – impressively detailed and accurate, yet smooth and slightly analog in character. The Nagra Classic DAC II, by contrast, leans a small step to the right – towards a more organic and gently warm presentation, with a touch of softness that evokes the charm of tube sound.

On “Lale Minna” by the German trio Triosence, from the album Stories of Life, the Nagra gave the midrange and piano a slightly more forward presence, with a livelier and more intimate stage, while the bass blended naturally and harmoniously. The MSB, on the other hand, offered a more relaxed overall balance, with bass that was a touch tighter and more detailed.

To explore vocal differences, I used my Ayre CX-8 CD player and played several tracks from Heather Nova’s Breath and Air. The Nagra Classic DAC II truly excelled in vocal presentation – the voice was centered, spread beautifully across the stage, and felt closer and more emotionally connected to the listener. The MSB presented a more even-handed balance, with slightly less intimacy but marginally higher definition in the midbass and bass regions.

It’s important to emphasize that the distinctions between these two DACs are subtle – audiophile-level nuances rather than dramatic contrasts. Both deliver exceptional levels of detail, quietness, and dynamic range, combined with a smooth, emotionally engaging musical flow.

Internal vs. External Power Supply

The topic of using external power supplies is one whose benefits I have repeatedly observed over the years, particularly in terms of their impact on sound performance. In my view, there are two main reasons for this. The first is the quality of the power supply itself, which can provide a more stable and cleaner current – the foundation for any audio component. The second reason stems from the fact that the power supply is physically moved outside the device, significantly reducing noise and interference. High-end devices with internal power supplies often rely on sophisticated isolation to prevent noise leakage, but in the end, there’s no better isolation than simply relocating the noisy component outside the chassis.

I didn’t have the Nagra Classic PSU at my disposal, but my phono stage, the Nagra VPS, comes with an external power supply. After consulting with the importer, I learned that I could also use it with the Nagra Classic DAC II. While it is somewhat or a lesser quality than the dedicated Classic PSU, it still allows one to enjoy the second benefit I've described –physical separation and reduced noise.

For this comparison, I chose “Beautiful Life” by Chantal Chamberland in DSD64 quality. I first listened with the DAC running on its internal power supply, and then switched to an external supply. The difference was immediately noticeable: the sound became cleaner, the highs more distinct and transparent, fine details easier to perceive, the vocals gained more micro-dynamics, and the overall soundstage expanded. For me, this represents a clearly perceptible improvement.

I then returned to a comparison with the MSB Discrete DAC, and this time the differences were more tangible – the Nagra offered superior dynamics and a larger, deeper soundstage. That said, it’s important to remember the price gap between the products. Considering the cost of the Classic PSU, a fully fair comparison would likely be with one of MSB’s higher models.

To conclude this section, I’ll note that if you have any way of acquiring an external power supply like the one included with the Nagra VPS, it could very well be the most cost-effective upgrade. Another option is the new Compact PSU. While it is significantly less expensive than the Classic PSU, it still represents a substantial investment. Additionally, the Classic PSU can power up to three Nagra components, whereas the Compact PSU is intended for a single device only.

Performance with Video Content via Optical Connection

In the final part of the listening test, I used the optical input of the Nagra Classic DAC II to evaluate its performance when connected to a television. Many DACs offer a range of settings specifically for TV connections, ensuring proper lip-sync and timing, but since the Classic DAC II has no such adjustments, I had some initial concerns.

I tested it with a recent clip from “The Old Guard 2” on Netflix, featuring Charlize Theron fighting Uma Thurman. The effects were impressively synchronized, and the soundstage was vast, with the helicopter moving precisely from left to right and into the depth of the stage. My conclusion is that the Nagra Classic DAC II is fully capable of integrating a high-quality stereo system with cinematic content via an optical TV connection.

Summary

The Nagra Classic DAC II is far more than just another digital-to-analog converter – it is a distilled expression of Nagra’s philosophy. Just as I experienced with the Nagra Streamer, this DAC demonstrates how the company consistently applies an approach that prioritizes meticulous acoustic engineering and functional minimalism over a multitude of features or gimmicks – even in the digital domain. This is a converter that doesn’t aim to impress with specifications or settings, but rather to deliver a listening experience that is natural, dynamic, and emotionally engaging.

When the Classic DAC II is paired with other components from the Classic series, the result is a system where every component speaks the same language – a precise harmony that bridges technology and artistry.

The Nagra Classic DAC II is a clear example of how a digital product can sound natural, musical, and soulful – a device that simply makes you want to keep listening, again and again.

Price: 79,400 NIS (according to US price + VAT) 
Warranty: 3 years
VFS Price: 8,900 NIS
Importer: Avi Yaffe

The system I used for the review: 
Speakers : YG Acoustics Vantage 3 
Integrated amplifier : Nagra Classic Int 
DAC for comparison: MSB Technology Discrete DAC with two external power supplies 
Streamer: Nagra Streamer
CD Player: Ayre CX-8
TV: LG OLED E8

Cables :  
Coaxial cable between the streamer and the DAC: Nordost Blue Heaven + Nagra Link cable 
XLR cable  between the MSB DAC and the amplifier: Nordost Blue Heaven 
RCA cable  between the Nagra DAC and the amplifier: Nordost Blue Heaven 
AES/EBU cable: between the CD and the DACs: Shunyata Research Alpha V2
Speaker cables : Nordost Blue Heaven 

Power: 
Power cables  for the amplifier, the Nagra Streamer and the MSB DAC: Nordost Blue Heaven 
Power Distribution Block : QBASE QB8 Mark II 
Power cable for the distribution block: Nordost Red Dawn