Nagra Tube DAC

The Nagra TUBE DAC is a no-compromise D/A converter that can reproduce DSD 256 and 384 kHz PCM signals with an unparalleled natural rendition.


Following the path to high definition sound laid down by the world-acclaimed HD DAC, we wanted to offer the latest sampling frequencies and resolution. We took the opportunity of extending the HD DAC X project with a whole new digital interface and converter to update and upgrade the HD DAC.


The new digital core is built on the experience gained from the HD DAC. The design features an entirely new converter as well as a new USB interface. The result is highly impressive and also a major improvement in every format, even regular red-book CD through S/P Dif, for instance.


The TUBE DAC is designed to convert a digital signal to analog with total integrity and without introducing the slightest impurity or coloration to the original sound. This objective has been totally achieved, and sound has never reached such a true level of definition.


The effort put into the design and exactitude of the Nagra TUBE DAC was exceptional from every perspective. Its circuits, which adopt the DSD 4x (Direct Stream Digital 256) run at the highest resolution available today, 256 times that of a standard CD and four times that of SACD.


DAC ANALOG SECTION

The analog section was also the object of a no-holds-barred approach. Thanks to the quality of the signals supplied from the digital conversion circuits, the traditional steep slope filters have been totally eliminated. The consequence of this is the preservation of transients and harmonics, enabling the music to present an exceptionally natural sound. Some of the critical design elements include ultra-high-performance drivers, hand-wound transformers and a tube-driven output stage.

CONNECTIVITY

The TUBE DAC is equipped with extensive connection possibilities, allowing integration in all types of domestic and professional systems. It is particularly suited to computer environments thanks to its new generation audio USB input, through which it receives signals up to the DSD 256 format from a PC or MAC.


INTERNAL POWER SUPPLIES

There are 25 precision ultra-low-noise internal power supplies that drive the unit, giving each element its own independent and pure supply source. The Nagra TUBE DAC converter needs two external power supplies, one for the digital section and the other for the analog, keeping the two sections independently isolated.

This unit comes with 2 Nagra ACPS III power supplies.

CLASSIC VFS PLATFORM

Vibration Free System

The VFS and CLASSIC VFS (for AMP and for Source) both consist of two base plates, placed one above the other, designed to eliminate mechanical vibration causing noise in other elements of the system, in particular the highly sensitive preamplifiers. The CLASSIC VFS is specifically reserved for use with the deeper chassis, like HD DAC, CLASSIC DAC, TUBE DAC, CLASSIC PREAMP, CLASSIC AMP, CLASSIC INT and CLASSIC PSU, as they are larger than the standard VFS plates.


VIBRATION FREE SUPPORT

The VFS and CLASSIC VFS (for AMP and for Source) is a system consisting of two solid aluminum plates, placed one above the other to eliminate external mechanical vibration. Vibration absorption is often underrated in hi-fi systems, and should be studied carefully so as to get the best out of the equipment. All electronic circuit boards inside Nagra equipment are mounted on special silencing-blocks anyway, but the VFS allows you to go one step further in truthful sound reproduction.


FEATURES

Vibrations can be externally generated, caused by the acoustic waves of the music, transmitted through the ground (a nearby traffic for example) or even by mechanical playback of CD or LP.


The VFS uses a technology developed for the space agency, consisting of a very special damping material that allows a dramatic vibration damping and shock absorption. Each half of the VFS uses a different cushion to absorb a specific range of mechanical frequencies, which is why the VFS consists of a double layer of plates, that must be used together.


Tube equipment is far more sensitive to vibration than solid state devices. This is why VFS are highly recommended on Nagra tube equipment.


TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

ELECTRONICS TUBE DAC

Internal processing: 11.2 MHz, 72 Bits

Compatible digital formaThe Classic PSU can be used with the CD range of products, VPS phono stage, JAZZ, Melody and the latest Classic DAC, Classic PREAMP, HD DAC and TUBE DAC. It will revitalize any Nagra devices and allow them to express their full potential.ts: PCM 24 bits up to 384 kHz, DXD, DSD 256

Bandwidth: 5Hz to 40 kHz (+0 – 3dB)

Noise level: -128 dBr (linear)

Interchannel phase: <0.5° at 20 kHz

Distortion: < 0.02% (at -20dBFS)

CONNECTIONS

Digital inputs: 2 x S/DIF, 1 AES/EBU, 1 Optical, 1 Audio USB (mode 2), 1 x I2S (Nagra format)

Outputs: 1 stereo on RCA connectors, 1 stereo XLR

NAGRA ACPS III SPECIFICATIONS

120 V
90-132V~

DC output 12.3 V, max 1 A