AVReviews

The first ever streamer from the Swiss high end company, Nagra, which was launched at the Munich 2024 show, has arrived to us for a review. So let's find out what did we thought about the Nagra Streamer.

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

Full disclosure: During the review, I realized that I couldn't part with the Nagra Streamer, so I ended up purchasing it for myself.

Bottom Line

About Nagra

We've written about Nagra several times before, for instance in our review of the Nagra Classic Int integrated amplifier, which has become the permanent amplifier in my system. However, here's a brief recap:

Nagra was founded in 1951 in Switzerland by Stefan Kudelski (1929–2013), a Jewish immigrant of Polish origin. Stefan invented a groundbreaking portable recording device, which he named "Nagra 1". The word "Nagra" means "it will be recorded" in Polish. Over the decades, Nagra has established a global reputation as a leader and standard-setter in the recording industry, serving both professional and security markets. The company even earned two Oscars, and in 1969, a Nagra recorder was used by Apollo astronauts on their journey to the moon.

Nagra entered the home audio market in 1997 with the launch of the Nagra PL-P tube preamplifier. The device was met with immediate success, leading to the development of a diverse home audio division. Today, Nagra's offerings are divided into two main series: the Classic series and the HD series, which include amplifiers, DACs, and phono preamplifiers.

In recent years, Nagra has expanded its product line, first with the introduction of the Nagra Reference Anniversary turntable to mark the company's 70th anniversary, followed by the launch of the Reference turntable and the Reference Phono Cartridge. After solidifying their presence in the analog domain, Nagra unveiled their first-ever network streamer at the High End Munich 2024 show. Therefore, it is now possible to assemble a complete system from Nagra products, with both analog and digital sources.

Changes in the streamers market – why launch a streamer now

The evolution of the streamers market and the gradual entrance of traditional audio companies is a fascinating subject that I explored in my article, "Audio Streamers – Changes in the Market," published ahead of our trip to the High End Munich 2024 show.

Many established audio companies have hesitated to enter the streamer market, likely due to the significant differences from their usual products. This market requires specialized skills, including software development and ongoing product maintenance—areas that traditional companies might not excel in. As a result, they preferred to stick to what they know best, leaving the streaming space to newer, more tech-savvy companies. These young companies capitalized on this opportunity, releasing increasingly sophisticated devices. Many of these streamers come with built-in DACs and can even function as preamplifiers, reducing the need for consumers to buy such products from traditional audio companies. In recent years, some of these young companies have gone further, introducing power amplifiers, thereby directly competing with the established players.

Streaming has become the dominant audio source today. While there were still some turntable demonstrations at the last High End Munich show, streaming clearly took center stage. It seems that traditional companies were caught off guard, allowing younger companies to make significant inroads with innovative and smart products. Now, traditional audio companies need to "fight" back to reclaim their share of the market and attract the younger audience.

For a company like Nagra, launching a digital source is crucial not only for attracting new, younger customers but also for satisfying their long-standing, loyal customer base. Until now, Nagra didn't offer a streaming solution, forcing their customers to seek alternatives from other brands. Many of these customers would have preferred to complete their systems with Nagra products, if such an option had been available.

Technological advancements have also lowered the barriers to entry for companies like Nagra to enter the streaming market. Today, a variety of third-party and OEM solutions, along with protocols like Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Roon, as well as free UPnP-based solutions like mConnect, can significantly reduce the amount of custom code needed. Although these solutions have existed for some time, their maturity and stability have only recently reached the point where they are reliable enough for high-end audio applications.

Under Review: Nagra Streamer

After all this long introduction we will describe the main star of this article. The Nagra Streamer is the company's first audio streamer and it belongs to the Classic series of Nagra products, which is their "more affordable" series. The streamer comes in a chassis with modest dimensions, or as Nagra describes it on their website: "It was designed to be as large as necessary but no larger". 


The chassis of the streamer is made from a solid billet of aluminum that undergoes a CNC machine cutting process.

The Nagra Streamer supports Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect. Other streaming services, such as Qobuz, can be streamed through a free 3rd-party solution, such as mConnect. There is also support of more general protocols such as Airplay 2 and UPnP\DLNA.
In addition, local files can be played by connecting a portable drive to the USB input, the playback can be controlled using mConnect. The Nagra Streamer is also expected to undergo Roon Ready certification, but the process is not yet complete (in the meantime, Roon can be used over Airplay).

Before we continue, I want to applaud Nagra for including Spotify Connect support in their streamer. While Spotify is the most popular streaming service, its lack of a lossless tier has led some high-end audio companies to dismiss it as "non-audiophile" and exclude it from their offerings. Even though I also subscribe to Tidal, Spotify remains my go-to platform for discovering new music. I'm pleased that Nagra chose to support it, recognizing its value to listeners like me.

The Nagra Streamer has a wired network connection only, there is no WiFi (or Bluetooth) support here. I already mentioned the USB input for connecting an external memory device. On the outputs front you will find the proprietary Nagra output called Nagra Link, which is suitable for exclusively to Nagra DACs and a coaxial output, for all other DACs.

The Nagra Link connection supports files up to DSD256, while the coaxial output is limited to 192kHz and DSD64 (via DOP). This choice by Nagra indicates that their primary focus was on customers using a Nagra DAC. However, it’s a bit disappointing that there’s no USB Audio output, which would have allowed all users to stream higher-quality files.

The Nagra Streamer comes with an external power supply, as an upgrade path, it can be replaced by a connection to the Nagra Classic PSU.

The dimensions of the device in mm are: 166 width, 41 height and 185 depth. The weight is 1.9 kg.

Design and build quality

The Unboxing video:

Package content: the streamer, an external power supply, the Nagra Link cable (not shown in the image) and a user manual.

As we mentioned, the Nagra Streamer's chassis is crafted from a solid billet of aluminum, precision-cut using CNC technology. This process gives it a seamless, precise appearance. Due to its compact size, the device seems like a solid "brick" of aluminum. As is customary with Nagra, the top panel features the signature beveled corners that are a hallmark of their design.

The design of the Nagra Streamer is minimalist, exuding a sense of maturity and seriousness. The absence of a screen or buttons is a clear departure from the current trend of streamers with large, colorful touchscreens. I believe Nagra is making a statement that, although a streamer represents a modern audio source, it can still be designed with the timeless elegance characteristic of their other products.

I admire the ultra-minimalist and clean design Nagra has chosen for their first streamer, but there are a couple of design choices that I feel could be refined. The company’s logo, embossed in a white/light gray shade on the metallic gray chassis, is one example. Although the logo is large, its visibility is limited due to the similar colors. Personally, I think a black logo would stand out more, or if subtlety was the goal, a smaller black logo in the corner—like other models in the Classic series—might have been a nice touch:

The second design choice that I found a bit less appealing is the inclusion of a permanent orange light that stays on whenever the device is powered up (it blinks when first turned on until the device connects to the network). Although the light is fairly subtle, it can still be somewhat distracting in a dark room. I would have appreciated an option to turn it off.

Overall, I found the design to be solid, conveying a high end product and the build quality is outstanding.

Functionality and user experience

In both design and user experience, Nagra has chosen to take a different path from the mainstream trends in the world of streamers. The Nagra Streamer features no screen, no buttons (not even an on/off button), nor a remote control, meaning there are no any physical means of control at all. Additionally, there is no dedicated app, so you won't find features like configuration options, output selection, or software updates. While most streamers strive to offer a multitude of features, the Nagra Streamer focuses on providing only the essentials.

This approach reflects Nagra's traditional audio philosophy, where each device is designed to fulfill its specific function precisely, with the belief that any unnecessary additions could introduce interference or distortion. To maintain the purity of the signal path, each device is meant to perform its task with minimal complexity. As discussed in the first episode of our video podcast, titled "On Players, DACs, and Volume Control" I pointed out that while volume control circuits are now integrated into nearly every device, only one such circuit is necessary in an entire system. True to this philosophy, the Nagra Streamer does not include volume control or any tuning or sound processing features, making it the purest streamer I’ve encountered.

So, how do you use the Nagra Streamer?
It's quite simple. For streaming from Spotify or Tidal, you control it directly from the respective apps using Spotify Connect or Tidal Connect. I find this to be the best way to enjoy these services. While Spotify Connect is a very stable protocol, Tidal Connect can be less reliable, an issue I've noticed even with other streamers like the Lumin U2 Mini. For other streaming services or local file playback, you'll need to use a third-party app like mConnect, as recommended by Nagra. While mConnect gets the job done, it's far from the smoothest or most advanced app available. Once the Nagra Streamer receives Roon Ready certification, it will likely become the ideal solution for playing local files or using Qobuz, for those who prefer it.

In summary, the Nagra Streamer offers a control experience that is incredibly straightforward for using Spotify, Tidal, or AirPlay. However, when it comes to playing local files or using other streaming services, the reliance on mConnect is less convenient. While Nagra's approach admirably simplifies streaming for even the least tech-savvy music lovers, there is a potential downside in terms of future support. If a new streaming service emerges, it’s uncertain whether Nagra will be able to add support, leaving users dependent on third-party solutions like mConnect.

The listening test

The listening test this time consisted of a number of listening sessions, which included streaming from Tidal, Spotify and comparisons to the Lumin U2 Mini streamer. The system I used for the review included YG Acoustics Carmel 2 speakers, a Nagra Classic Int integrated amplifier and an MSB Discrete DAC with two external power supplies. The cable I used to connect the Nagra streamer to the DAC was a Van den Hul coaxial cable, which was loaned to me for the purpose of the review. You will find full details about the system as usual at the bottom of the article.

During my initial listening sessions with the Nagra Streamer, I didn't focus on detailed analysis but simply aimed to enjoy the music and experience the product naturally. As I listened, certain characteristics stood out to me, which I mentally noted to revisit during more critical evaluations. Even at this early stage, it was clear that I was hearing something unique.

So, what was this "something unique"? A remarkably low noise floor, a three-dimensional and immersive soundstage, and a smooth, delightful audio presentation. Typically, I notice a significant difference in quality between local files and streaming services, with local files usually offering more layers, details, and a richer, more natural sound. However, with the Nagra Streamer, the streaming quality felt much closer to that of local files. This might be due to the external power supply, the absence of processing mechanisms or volume control, the circuit design, or the effective noise isolation. Whatever the reason, the sound was smooth, rich, and thoroughly enjoyable, even when streaming.

During the critical listening phase, I streamed content via Tidal Connect, starting with Agnes Obel's "Fuel to Fire." The piano was well-separated, the vocals precise, delivered in a near-whisper that felt almost enchanted. Agnes's close proximity to the microphone created an intimate effect. The cello was powerful, filling the entire soundstage with an enveloping, three-dimensional presence. The overall presentation was both powerful and emotionally charged.

To elevate the energy, I chose "Ain't Got No Reason" by Dojo Cuts. The bass comes through punchy, tight, and clean, yet with a pleasing depth and softness that balances the intensity. The vocals are well-separated, capturing a high level of nuance. The rhythm, the most energetic part of the track, is delivered with impressive clarity, creating a large and airy soundstage that enhances the overall experience.

The next two tracks I explored are from the folk rock genre, one of my favorites. First up was the ballad "Heartworn Traders" by the duo Ida Mae, from their outstanding album Click Click Domino. This dramatic Americana ballad was delivered with thrilling power, remarkable clarity, and impressive separation between vocals and instruments. The guitar's detail was so pronounced that I noticed nuances I hadn’t picked up on before. The dynamic rise in the chorus felt incredibly natural and smooth, enhancing the song's emotional impact.

The second piece from the folk genre was Jeff Mailfert's Trecolpas, here the transfer is full of subtlety, again a tremendous level of detail in the guitar, the vocals are separated and delivered with great cleanliness and micro-dynamics.

After these two pieces, I had to stop for a moment and take a breath. The Nagra Streamer transfer took the emotional intensity of these pieces, which I love so much, to new levels and I felt simply overwhelmed. We can talk about details and analyze the product, but in simpler words when music makes the listener feel that way, that is a sign of something really special. As you can probably guess, this was the moment when the decision to purchase the product was made.

To complete the first part of the listening test, I reviewed two albums by Israeli artists recently featured in our weekly "Recommended Music Albums" section.

First up is Can’t Stop Running by Adam Ben Ezra, released in 2015. Although it's categorized as jazz, the album blends elements of rock and diverse genres. The electric guitar is dynamic and detailed, while the piano is accurate with a slightly rounded top end, making for a very enjoyable listening experience.

The second album is Waves, a debut by Israeli composer and pianist Dina Kitrossky. This recording, played through the Nagra Streamer, delivers a clean and immersive sound. The trumpet is smooth even in the higher notes, the piano is fast and precise, and the drums are tight. The album features a three-dimensional soundstage and the overall transfer is lively, natural, and exciting.

Playing local files

For the purpose of testing playing of local files, I connected my portable SSD, which is usually connected to the pc running Roon Core, directly to the USB input on the Nagra Streamer.

To play local files, I used the mConnect app, which comes in several variations. In order to play the files, first the Nagra streamer needs to selected in the PlayTo screen, then in the library screen I chose the Nagra Streamer Server and then I could select the file I wanted.

I played two 24-bit 44.1kHz files: first, Agnes Obel's Fuel to Fire, and then Wolfgang Haffner's Silent World. I compared these with streaming from Tidal. As noted at the start of the listening test, the differences between Tidal streaming and local files through the Nagra Streamer were less pronounced than with other devices I’ve tested. This indicates that the streamer makes Tidal files sound almost as good as local files, rather than suggesting it doesn’t play local files well. While I did notice a slight improvement in airiness, and perhaps a minor enhancement in stage and dynamics with local files, the Tidal stream still offered a natural and rich transfer with multiple layers.

also tested a file in DSD format, selecting Beautiful Life by Chantal Chamberland in DSD64 quality. The Nagra Streamer successfully handled the DSD format, delivering excellent sound quality with a remarkably low noise floor, detailed vocals, and an airy, natural transfer.

I found the experience of playing through mConnect not stable and reactive enough nor enjoyable, certainly compared to Roon's rich interface.

Comparison: Nagra Streamer vs. Lumin U2 Mini

During the entire test, I repeatedly compared the Nagra Streamer with my current streamer, the Lumin U2 Mini. Initially, I used two different cables: the Nagra Streamer was connected to the MSB Discrete DAC via a coaxial cable, while the Lumin U2 Mini used an AES/EBU cable. This setup allowed me to switch between sources without leaving the sofa, making the comparison easier. However, I realized that for a fair comparison, I needed to use the same cable for both streamers to eliminate any influence of cable quality and type on the results.

As mentioned, I made many comparisons, but let me give an example with the track "Return of the Ellington" by the talented Rosalie Cunningham. This energetic piece features multiple instruments. On the Nagra Streamer, the rhythm is punchy, the vocals are well-separated and centered, and the guitar is dynamic and engaging, resulting in a very enjoyable listening experience. Compared to the Lumin U2 Mini, the Nagra Streamer provides more air between the instruments, stronger bass, better dynamics, and a smoother, more natural sound with an analog feel. In contrast, the Lumin U2 Mini sounds slightly more closed and less dynamic.

Overall, I found the Nagra Streamer’s presentation more enjoyable and more compelling.

It's important to note the price difference between these two models: the Nagra Streamer costs about twice as much as the Lumin U2 Mini. A fairer comparison would be with the Lumin U2, which includes a linear power supply, a dedicated USB output for audio, and various other sound enhancements. While my comparison focused solely on sound quality, it's also worth mentioning that Lumin devices offer significant advantages in terms of features and capabilities. They come with a wide range of outputs, an advanced control application, and more.

Summary

With a vast selection of streamers available at various price points, these devices have become the primary source for many audio enthusiasts around the world. The Nagra Streamer, the first streaming device from the Swiss company, offers a distinctive and refined approach. It features an extremely minimalist design, exceptional build quality, straightforward functionality, and a strong focus on delivering high-quality, faithful sound reproduction.

On the downside, the Nagra Streamer has only one output option for systems that don’t use a Nagra DAC, and it lacks the popular USB Audio port, which limits the quality of files you can stream. Additionally, it is not yet Roon Ready, so Roon users will need to wait for future updates.

The bottom line is that the Nagra Streamer is a unique digital source that combines minimalism with precision, offering a clean, dynamic sound and a vast three-dimensional soundstage. The listening experience it provides is both emotionally engaging and pleasurable.

Price: 21,600 NIS (according to US price + VAT) 
Warranty: 3 years

The system I used for the review: 
Speakers : YG Acoustics Carmel 2 
Integrated amplifier : Nagra Classic Int 
Streamer for comparison : Lumin U2 Mini 
DAC : MSB Technology Discrete DAC with two external power supplies 

Cables :  
Coaxial cable between the sources and the DAC: Van den Hul 
XLR cable  between the DAC and the amplifier: Nordost Blue Heaven 
Speaker cables : Nordost Blue Heaven 

Power: 
Power cables  for the amplifier, the Lumin U2 Mini and the DAC: Nordost Blue Heaven 
Power Distribution Block : QBASE QB8 Mark II 
Power cable for the distribution block: Nordost Red Dawn