Nagra CLASSIC DAC II User manual

P/N: 2055225159
All rights reserved - © 2023 rev 1
CLASSIC DAC II
User manual

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Nagra - CLASSIC DAC
Table of contents
Safety warning ..............................................................................................3
Warranty........................................................................................................3
Congratulations.............................................................................................4
Package contents ......................................................................................4
Installation.....................................................................................................5
Positioning .................................................................................................5
Powering the CLASSIC DAC.....................................................................6
Connecting the Mains ................................................................................6
Connecting the Nagra Power Supply.........................................................6
Connection block on rear panel .................................................................8
Audio inputs...............................................................................................9
Front panel...............................................................................................10
Operations...................................................................................................11
Basic operations ......................................................................................11
Setting your CLASSIC DAC.....................................................................11
Nagra Modulometer .................................................................................12
Modulometer & display intensity adjustment............................................12
IR Remote Control Unit............................................................................13
Using an “universal” RCU with the CLASSIC DAC ..................................14
Maintenance................................................................................................15
Case cleaning..........................................................................................15
Technical specifications ..............................................................................16
Replacement parts......................................................................................17

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Nagra - CLASSIC DAC
Safety warning
•Read this manual carefully before operating the CLASSIC DAC.
•Should you have any questions on how to setup or use your CLASSIC DAC,
please contact your Nagra dealer.
•Audio Technology Switzerland SA declines any responsibility in the event of
an accident caused by the non-observance of these instructions or any other
form of user negligence.
•The CLASSIC DAC is CLASS I equipment. It is essential that it is connected
to a Mains socket outlet with a protective earthingconnection when using the
AC power supply.
•The CLASSIC DAC must not be exposed to dripping or splashing liquids and
no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, should be placed on it.
•There are no user adjustments inside the CLASSIC DAC, do not attempt to
open it.
Warranty
Please refer to the addendum enclosed in this User manual.

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Nagra - CLASSIC DAC
Congratulations
Congratulations! You have just acquired one of the best digital-to-analog converters
ever made.
The CLASSIC DAC was created by an engineering team with more than 70 years of
experience designing world-class products for the professional audio, national security
and military businesses.
Since its inception in 1951, Nagra has built products that continue to earn a reputation
for delivering ultimate sonic performance. Numerous awards have been bestowed upon
Nagra for its technical innovation, excellence in design and flawless construction
including two Oscars® and two Emmys®.
The professional and Hi-Fi ranges are both designed by our Research and
Development department. Nagra has launched a Hi-Fi range to allow the wider public
to benefit from technical advances that are often the sole privilege of professionals.
This technology exists in the service of music, your music. We wish you great moments
of listening pleasure with your CLASSIC DAC.
Thank you for your trust.
Package contents
Besides the manual and the CLASSIC DAC itself, the box contains:
•Mains cable*
•IR Remote Control Unit with 2x AAA-Dry cells
•Pair of “Haute Horlogerie” grade microfiber gloves
Please contact your Nagra dealer if anything should be missing.
* Depending on your country, the power cord features either a US, European or Swiss
plug.

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Nagra - CLASSIC DAC
Installation
Positioning
The CLASSIC DAC is designed exclusively for indoor use in a moderate climate.
There must be enoughspace all around the chassisfor adequate ventilation. Ventilation
should not be impeded by covering the ventilation openings with items such as
newspapers, tablecloths, curtains, etc.
The CLASSIC DAC must rest on a stable support. We recommend that you use the
Nagra CLASSIC VFS FOR SOURCE. The VFS, developed by Nagra, consists of
isolated solid aluminum plates using the same silicone base damping material as the
Nagra CD mechanics.

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Nagra - CLASSIC DAC
Powering the CLASSIC DAC
The CLASSIC DAC can be powered either by its own internal power supply or by an
external +12V(+12.6V) with the Nagra MPS or the CLASSIC PSU. Inthe first case,
simply use the AC Mains cable provided.
Connecting the Mains
Place the Mains power switch on the rear panel of the unit
in the OFF position, marked «0».
Insert the C13 IEC connector of the power cable into the
C14 IEC Appliance inlet of the CLASSIC DAC.
You may then push the Mains switch into the «I» position.
Fuse replacement
The fuse holder includes a replacement fuse.
The fuse type is: FST 5x20mm 250V / T 500mA L.
Should you need to replace it, use only the same
fuse type and value.
Should the fuse blow more than once, please
contact your Nagra dealer for assistance.
Connecting the Nagra Power Supply
Start by removing the power cable from the C14
IEC Appliance inlet of the CLASSIC DAC. The
Mains switch position is no longer relevant when
an external power supply is connected.
Place the front rotary selector in the OFF
position. Insert the LEMO connector from the
external power supply cable into the DC socket
as shown beside. You will hear a click that
indicates the connector is securely locked.
Please note that the LEMO plug features a red
dot that must be facing upwards for a correct
insertion into the DC power input socket.
The BLACK-sleeved LEMO plug should be connected to the CLASSIC PSU or the
BLACK-sleeved LEMO plug with the additional BLACK ring to the Nagra MPS.
To disconnect the LEMO plug, hold the fluted
section of the connector, and pull it backwards.
C13 IEC
connector

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Nagra - CLASSIC DAC
L [m] ATS P/N
1.25 7055050020
BLACK BROWN
LEMO DC POWER CABLE
FOR NAGRA CLASSIC PSU
Only use LEMO cables with BLACK & BROWN sleeves
to benefit from the best Nagra CLASSIC PSU features
The BLACK-sleeved LEMO plug should be connected to
the Nagra CLASSIC PSU
Nagra audio device
L
3
5
7055050025
7055050027
Nagra 2021 rev 1

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Nagra - CLASSIC DAC
Connection block on rear panel
4
1
2
3
5
6
1
Output block with 2x RCA
2
RESET of digital inputs board (NADM)
3
Input block with
USB, OPTICAL, AES, Optical Nagra Links, S/PDIFs digital inputs
4
DC power input on 3 pole LEMO socket
5
Ground post
6
IEC Appliance inlet with Mains connector, Mains fuse, and Mains switch
To obtain optimal performance from the CLASSIC DAC, it is preferable to leave the
device switched on for about 15 minutes before use, so that the internal components
can reach their optimum operating temperature.
Note about the Ground post
Use of this feature is seldom necessary but can sometimes come in handy to solve
specific setup issues. Your Nagra dealer will assist you on when and how to use this
connector.

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Nagra - CLASSIC DAC
Audio inputs
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Input type
Input format
1:
USB B-type
DSD: up to DSD256 (DSD4x)
PCM: up to PCM 384kHz
2:
TOSLINK EIAJ optical
(MM fiber)
PCM: up to PCM 192kHz
3:
AES/EBU
PCM: up to PCM 192kHz
4-7:
N-Link (MM fiber)
DSD: up to DSD256 (DSD4x)
PCM: up to PCM 384kHz
8:
S/PDIF 1 BNC
PCM: up to PCM 192kHz
9:
S/PDIF 2 RCA
PCM: up to PCM 192kHz

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Nagra - CLASSIC DAC
Front panel
1
2
3
4
5 6
1
LCD display and Modulometer backlight intensity switch, pushed up will increase
the intensity, down will reduce it, there are 7 intensity levels.
2
Nagra Modulometer indicates the digital input level in dBFS (Full Scale) of the
currently selected input. 0 dB being the maximum level. The black needle
corresponds to the signal on the left channel and the red needle to that of the
right channel.
3
LCD Display.
4
Controller knob to select the digital input and the phase inversion mode.
5
Front rotary selector.
6
IR window and remote control LED.
When turned ON, the CLASSIC DAC will go through a short preheating sequence
(around 15s). This is to optimize the warming-up of components. This will allow your
CLASSIC DACto offer excellent performancefor a longer period, since the components
are managed gently. «HEATING» appears on the display during this sequence.
Note: In case of an accidental return to the OFF position of the front rotary selector for
less than 1 second, the preheating is not reapplied.

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Nagra - CLASSIC DAC
Operations
Basic operations
The typical Nagra front rotary selector offers 4 positions.
•OFF is similar to a STANDBY mode.
•Ris for Remote control.
•MUTE, the unit is ON, but the audio signal is muted.
•ON, the unit is fully operational.
WITH AC POWER
WITH DC POWER
Rear
Mains
switch
Power
supply
output
Front
rotary
selector
Action
0
OFF
Any
The unit is totally off.
I
ON
OFF
The unit is in STANDBY mode. The device is still
powered but the consumption remains very low.
I
ON
R
The unit can be triggered ON and OFF by the IR
Remote Control Unit.
I
ON
MUTE
The unit is ON and muted (for warming-up).
I
ON
ON
The unit is fully operational.
Setting your CLASSIC DAC
Thanks to its LCD display and the controller, you will be able to set up your CLASSIC
DAC to fully integrate it within your system.
How to configure
It is simple, oneknob that does everything.
You can rotate it or press it. If you rotate
theController,you selectthe desiredinput.
If you push on it, youset/remove the phase
inversion mode.
When the phase inversion mode is active, the character «Ø» appears in the lower right
corner of the display:
Phase inversion mode active
USB
PCM 44.1kHz Ø

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Nagra - CLASSIC DAC
Nagra Modulometer
Nagra Modulometer is inheritedfrom the second recorder
developed by Nagra back in 1952, the Nagra II. The
Modulometer is a typical Nagra precision instrument that
displays the necessary information to perform the best
possible recordings. In the case of the CLASSIC DAC,
the Modulometer displays the digital input level. The 0 dB
corresponds to full scale signal, meaning the maximum
digital level.
Left channel - black needle
Right channel - red needle
Modulometer & display intensity adjustment
This toggle switch allows you to adjust the Modulometer & display
backlight intensities. Pushing the toggle switch up will increase the
intensity, pushing it down will lower the intensity all the way to no
illumination. There are 7 different intensity levels.

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Nagra - CLASSIC DAC
IR Remote Control Unit
The Remote Control Unit, with batteries installed, should not be
exposed to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like.
The CLASSIC DAC currently comes with the RCU-III IR Remote Control Unit with
Philips RC-5 format encoding.
Input selection
N/A (+1 in the input list)
Mute
Input selection
(-1 in the input list)
Direct input selection
Operation LED
(will blink when a key
is pressed)
Opening screw to
access the battery
drawer
Power ON - OFF
(only with device front rotary selector turned on the Rposition)
Direct input selection
A
USB
C
S/PDIF 1
E
N-LINK 1
B
AES
D
S/PDIF 2
F
N-LINK 2
There is no direct selection key to the OPTICAL input. Use «+» key to select it.
Input selection with «-» and «+» keys
Press on «-» key to select one input before the current selection in the input list.
Press on «+» key to select one input after the current selection in the input list.
Power ON - OFF key
Toggle key to switch ON and OFF the CLASSIC DAC. When switching ON, the
CLASSIC DAC automatically select the last input active before the last power OFF and
its condition (input muted or not muted).
Note: Only operative when the front rotary selector is turned on the R position!
Battery installation/exchange
Open the battery drawer by removing the screw located on the back side of the Remote
Control Unit with a small Phillips drive screwdriver.
Replace empty batteries with either 2x new AAA-Dry cell battery or 2x AAA-NiMH/NiCd
rechargeable battery externally loaded.
By ensuring battery is disposed of correctly, you will help prevent potential negative
consequences for the environment and human health. The recycling of materials
will help to conserve natural resources. For more detailed information about
recycling of battery, please contact your local authority, your household waste
disposal service or the shop where you purchased the battery.

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Nagra - CLASSIC DAC
Using an “universal” RCU with the CLASSIC DAC
The CLASSIC DAC only responds to IR (Infra Red) signals coded in Philips RC-5
format. A default code 19 has been allocated to the CLASSIC DAC as a Digital-to-
Analog converter.
Should you wish to program your universal Remote Control Unit, please use the
following table:
Code
Function
1 to 7
USB to OPTICAL inputs
12
Power ON - OFF
13
Mute ON - OFF
32
Input change step-up
33
Input change step-down
37
Phase inversion mode ON - OFF

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Nagra - CLASSIC DAC
Maintenance
Case cleaning
Clean the CLASSIC DAC casing using a soft, lint-free, slightly damp cloth. Do not use
any cleaning products which could have a corrosive effect.

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Nagra - CLASSIC DAC
Technical specifications
Digital inputs
1x Audio USB (UCA2), 1x AES/EBU, 2x S/PDIF, 2x NAGRA-
LINK, 1x Optical.
Analog outputs
Unbalanced RCAs
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
5 Hz - 40 kHz
+0 / -1 dB
Crosstalk
> 100 dB
Inter-channel phase
<0.1 °
@ 20 kHz
Power supply
1x 12 V / 0.8 A
1x 12.6 V / 0.8 A
or
100-240 V~±10%
50-60 Hz
With MPS, Classic PSU
With Classic PSU
With Mains
Power consumption
Pmax 10 W
Standby mode < 1W
Operating temperature
+15°C to +35°C
+59°F to +95°F
Moderate climate
Operating environment
Indoor only
IP30
Dimensions L x W x H
380 x 280 x 76 mm
15 x 11 x 3 in
Overall
Weight (net)
5 kg / 11 lbs
Specifications may change without notice

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Nagra - CLASSIC DAC
Replacement parts
ATS ref
Part description
Comment
4181310500
FST 5x20mm 250V - T 500mA L
Replacement fuse
7055324000
Remote Control Unit for Classic DAC
Replacement unit

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Nagra - CLASSIC DAC
Disposal of old electrical & electronic equipment (Applicable in
the European Union and other European countries with
separate collection systems).
This symbol on the product or on its packaging indicates that it
should be handed over to the applicable collection point for the
recycling of electrical and electronic equipment.By ensuring this
product is disposed of correctly, you will help prevent potential
negative consequences for the environment and human health.
The recycling of materials will help to conserve natural
resources. For more detailed information about recycling of this
product, please contact your local authority, your household
waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased the
product.
Applicable to the following devices:
Nagra CLASSIC DAC and all the package contents