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.