Nagra CLASSIC DAC User manual

P/N: 2055125151
All rights reserved –© 2020 rev1
CLASSIC DAC –D/A converter
Instruction 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
Connection block ..................................................................................... 5
Powering the CLASSIC DAC....................................................................... 6
Connecting the mains............................................................................... 6
Connecting the Nagra MPS ........................................................................ 6
Front panel ............................................................................................. 7
Basic operations ...................................................................................... 8
Setting your CLASSIC DAC........................................................................ 8
How to access menus............................................................................ 8
How to operate the Controller knob ........................................................ 8
Menu tree or map ................................................................................. 9
Setting the language............................................................................. 9
Naming inputs.................................................................................... 10
Reseting input names.......................................................................... 10
Audio settings ....................................................................................... 11
Absolute phase................................................................................... 11
USB power......................................................................................... 11
Remote ............................................................................................. 11
About................................................................................................ 12
Software version ................................................................................ 12
Operation time ................................................................................... 12
Serial number .................................................................................... 12
DAC Rev............................................................................................ 12
T for Temperature .............................................................................. 12
USB set-up with computers..................................................................... 13
More information on inputs and formats ................................................ 13
Connecting the CLASSIC DAC to your system......................................... 13
Operating your CLASSIC DAC ..................................................................... 14
Nagra Modulometer ............................................................................... 14
LED and Modulometer intensity adjustment .............................................. 14
Removing the battery protection.............................................................. 14
Remote control...................................................................................... 15
Using a “universal remote” with the CLASSIC DAC ..................................... 15
Burn-in period ....................................................................................... 15
Case cleaning ........................................................................................ 15
Technical specifications.............................................................................. 16
Declaration of conformity ........................................................................... 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;
There are no user adjustments inside the CLASSIC DAC or the power
supply, do not attempt to open them.
Warranty
Audio Technology Switzerland SA certifies that this device has been inspected and
tested before leaving the factory.
Every Nagra unit goes through our test laboratory. The result of the
measurements is recorded in the “Protocol” documentation that comes with your
device.
We guarantee our products against all manufacturing defects, for a period of
three years for the CLASSIC DAC and six months for the tube, running from the
date of delivery to the customer (validated by the serial number on the device
casing and the invoice from an official Nagra dealer). This warranty is only valid
for the original purchaser of new equipment.
This limited warranty covers the repair and replacement of defective parts,
excluding any other remedy.
The absence of a serial number invalidates the warranty.
We decline any responsibility for damages resulting directly or indirectly from the
use of our products.
As we constantly strive to improve our products, we reserve the right to modify
them or change their specifications without notice.
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 this product shall not be treated as household waste.
Instead it shall 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.

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Nagra –CLASSIC DAC
Congratulations
Congratulations! You have just acquired one of the best digital-to-analog
converters ever built.
The CLASSIC DAC was created by an engineering team with more than 60 years’
experience designing world-class products for the professional audio, national
security and military businesses. The professional and Hi-Fi product ranges are
designed by the same Research and Development department.
Nagra launched its Hi-Fi range to allow the wider public to benefit from technical
advances that are often the privilege reserved for professionals. In so doing, the
ultimate sonic excellence has been shared throughout the Hi-Fi range.
Ever since its creation in 1951, Nagra has been building devices that offer
unparalleled performance, and the company has received many awards for its
technical innovations and the excellence of its products over the years. Among
the most prestigious, Nagra has been awarded three Oscars® and an Emmy®.
Our experience, precision and dedication to detail has been implemented to do
service to music, your music. This is why we wish you many hours of listening
pleasure and memorable moments enjoying your CLASSIC DAC.
Thank you for your trust.
Package contents
In addition to this Instruction manual and the CLASSIC DAC itself, the box
contains:
Mains power cord*;
A printed record of the exact measurements, response curve
characteristics of your device, measured in the Nagra laboratory;
DAC Remote control (2 x AAA cells inside);
A pair of “Haute Horlogerie“ grade microfiber gloves;
Please contact your Nagra dealer if anything is missing.
* Depending on the country of purchase, the cable supplied by Nagra will feature
a European, Swiss or US mains power plug.

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Nagra –CLASSIC DAC
Installation
Positioning
In order to avoid risks of fire and electric shock, the CLASSIC DAC should be used
exclusively indoors.
If possible, it is preferable not to place other HiFi elements on top of your
CLASSIC DAC and free access to the ventilation holes, located under the device
and on the top surface, must be maintained at all times to allow sufficient natural
cooling during operation.
The Nagra CLASSIC DAC must be placed on a stable horizontal surface. We
strongly recommend the use of the special anti-vibration support plates, HD
VFSL, Vibration Free Supports, developed by Nagra. These consist of two solid
aluminum isolated plates that use the same silicon base damping material as the
Nagra CD mechanics. These plates will eliminate any mechanical vibrations that
may interfere with the sonic excellence of your CLASSIC DAC.
Connection block
1. Analog outputs, use either RCA or XLR, but not simultaneously.The
XLR connectors are unbalanced.
2. Ground connector
3. Digital inputs (from left to right):
a. USB for PC or MAC computer connection
b. Optical via TOSLINK
c. AES / EBU, 2 inputs
d. S/PDIF: 1 on BNC, 1 on RCA
4. DC power input
5. Mains IEC input, fuse holder and switch
Note about the Ground connector
This feature is seldom used but often handy to solve specific setup issues. Your
Nagra dealer will assist you on when and how to use this connector.
1.
3.
2.
5.
4.