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.

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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 12 V DC power supply the Nagra MPS.
In the first case, simply use the provided mains AC cable.
Connecting the mains
Place the front panel selector in the OFF position, noted O. Insert the IEC cable
into the connector of the Nagra CLASSIC DAC.
You may then push the mains switch into the Iposition.
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, only
use the same fuse type.
Connecting the Nagra MPS
Start by removing the IEC cable from its plug. The mains
switch position is no longer relevant when an external power
supply is connected.
Please note that the LEMO plug features a red dot that must
be facing upwards for correct insertion into the power input
connector.
Place the front panel selector in the OFF position. Insert the
LEMO plug from the external power supply into the DC
connector as shown above.
You will hear a click, indicating that the plug is securely
locked in.
You should connect the BLACK tail cable on the MPS side.
To disconnect the LEMO plug. Hold the fluted section of the plug as shown in the
picture and pull backwards.

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Nagra –CLASSIC DAC
Front panel
1. LED and Modulometer intensity switch, pushed up will increase the
intensity, down will reduce it, there are 6 levels of intensity
2. Nagra Modulometer indicates the digital level in dB FS (Full Scale) 0 dB
being the maximum level
3. LCD display
4. Controller knob, it has several features, described below
5. Main selector, OFF is standby* position
6. IR sensor and remote LED
*In standby mode the power consumption is less than 1W.
3.
2.
4.
5.
6.
1.

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Nagra –CLASSIC DAC
Basic operations
The typical Nagra rotary selector offers 4 positions.
The OFF is equivalent of STANDBY. The unit is still
powered but with very little power consumption.
R is for Remote control.
MUTE, the unit is on but the signal is muted.
ON the unit is playing.
Rear
switch
Front
selector
Action
0
Any
The unit is totally off
I
OFF
The unit is in standby
I
R
The unit can be triggered on and off by the remote
I
MUTE
The unit is on and muted (for warming-up for instance)
I
ON
The unit is playing
Setting your CLASSIC DAC
Thanks to its LCD display and the controller, you will be able to personalize your
CLASSIC DAC to fully integrate it in your system. Please take some time to know
more about the settings that you can change
to enjoy more music.
How to access menus
It is simple, there is only one knob that does
everything!
The CONTROLLER has different functions. You
can rotate it or press it.
If you push the controller and hold it for 3 seconds, you will access the menus.
You can navigate inside the menu tree by rotating the Controller. Whenever you
want to exit the menu, press and hold the Controller.
How to operate the Controller knob
Controller
Normal operation
Inside menu
Rotate
Change input
Scroll up or down
Press and hold (3 S)
Access menus
Go backward
Press once
None
Validate, go forward
Don’t touch anything
Enjoy the music
We suggest you to navigate a bit inside the menus to get familiar with the
navigation controller, then you can start the set-up.

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Nagra –CLASSIC DAC
Menu tree or map
Here is the menu tree or map, that will help you in finding the function you are
looking for. It may look complex, but actually once you have set-up your
CLASSIC DAC, you won’t need to change it often or at all!
Language
English
Français
DEUTSCH
ESPANOL
ITALIANO
In. Names
Edit
AES
Restore
S/PDIF 1
S/PDIF 2
OPTICAL
USB
Audio
Ph. Rev
NORMAL
Reverse
USBPower
AlwaysON
InActive
Remote
RC-5
DEVICE 1
DEVICE 2
DEVICE 3
DEVICE 4
DEVICE 5
DEVICE 6
About
Soft V.
Op. Time
S.Number
DAC Rev
DAC Temp
Setting the language
You might want to start by setting the language!
First, press and hold the Controller button for 3 seconds.
Press the Controller once, then you can select the
language
Rotate the controller to the desired language, then
press it once to select it.
The menu will come back to the previous screen
Language
Français
Langue

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Nagra –CLASSIC DAC
Naming inputs
You have 8 characters available to name your inputs. Name can include letters,
numbers and special signs.
The letters are available in the following order:
A…Z_a…z_-*#/,.:;0123456789
Once Iinside the Menu, INPUT NAMES is the first possibility:
Press the Controller button to go inside this setting
Press the Controller button once. You can now Edit.
AES is the first input, this is its technical name, now
you can choose the name to be displayed on the
CLASSIC DAC when you select the AES 1 input.
Keep turning the Controller if you wish to edit another
input.
Let’s change S/PDIF 1 name.
The underscore appears below the letter you can change.
By rotating the Controller, you can scroll the alphabet in the following order:
A…Z_a…z_-*#/,.:;0123456789
Let’s select C and push the Controller to go to the
next letter.
Once you are done, simply press and hold Controller
button for a few seconds. This will take you back to
the input names.
Reseting input names
If you are unhappy with the name you have chosen, you can reset all the input
names to “Factory Settings”. Go in the In. Names Menu, select Restore:
Push once
Rotate to display Restore
Push once
Push again, the factory names have been restored.
In. Names
Edit
S/PDIF 1
C/PDIF 1
CDP
In. Names
AES
Edit
Restore
Confirm