The Nagra TUBE DAC Review. Otherworldly.

The Nagra TUBE DAC Review. Otherworldly. 

By Steve Huff

Over the last 38 years or so I have heard some pretty awesome audio gear. Just a small handful of these audio jewels have been really great, just falling short of “desert island” status. Most are just awesome or very good but fail to “stick” as to where I couldn’t live without it. It’s rare that I find a true desert island end game holy grail piece but I know they exist as this review is proof of that for me. A piece that once you hear it and have it there is no where else to go that actually betters the experience for you and you just can not go backwards from it.

As good as these rare pieces are, these kind of audio products can never be called “the best” as that always depends on the taste of the listener (you). There could be a best piece of gear for you, for me, but not one for all. If this were the case and there was a universal best there wouldn’t be so many brands trying to sell you on their version of what they feel is best.

I used to love my records. Early digital kind of sucked. 

Audio has been my hobby since I was 16 when I used to listen to one album every night, front to back, while alone in my room. I would buy one new record every week and it was almost like a ritual. Instead of running around in the streets I was more of a loner, staying in to listen to music. Heck, I am still the same way today. A loner who likes his family time, privacy, peace and listening to music.

For me, back in the mid to late 80’s, I was growing a huge record collection that over time became unruly. Tons of space was needed to store the discs and they were heavy as well. Ever try to move thousands of albums to a new home? It’s a chore.

I moved these albums a few times, box after box but boy did times change. I did move to CD when the CD became a thing and I owned one of the first CD players made back in the day, which would be awful by todays standards I am sure. Early digital (CD) kind of sucked. It was lean, bright, splashy and almost too crystalline, at least what I had was. It was hyped as hyper clear which is not a recipe for hart touching music. Gone was the warmth and flow of a great vinyl record spinning on a normal turntable and in its place was a silver shiny DISC that sounded somewhat sterile in those early days of digital, being played by a laser instead of a stylus.

For the last couple of decades I have heard digital technology get to where I feel it bests and far exceeds the album experience of my teen years. Not by a little but rather by a lot. The again, my system then was nothing special but I did feel that analog vibe and have fond memories of those times.

As the years went on and I got more and more into audio, I tried to keep up with my vinyl but when I invested a ton of cash in a full blown high end analog setup, I still preferred my digital front end (that was not Nagra, but much more modest). It was then that I decided to get out of vinyl and earlier this year (2024) I did just that after going back and forth for a few years, trying again to keep analog in my life.

Today my main system does not include a turntable. Instead I decided to invest the most $$ into the digital front end of source and DAC to optimize how I prefer to listen today. For me, these days, streaming is more enjoyable as I can discover so much new music without having to pay $50 for an album. I can listen to $1500 worth of albums in a day, all for the cost of my streaming subscriptions to Tidal, Qobuz and Spotify. Sure, lesser DACs can sound just average with the likes of Spotify but some can make Spotify sound as good as high res DSD (Spoiler: This Tube DAC does that).

I have heard several high end DACs such as the DCS Lina and Bartok ($13k, $20k), Weiss 501 and MKII ($10k, $12k), Chord DAVE ($14k), Nagra Classic DAC ($15k), Holo May KTE ($5500) and many others such as those from Denafrips, LAIV, Mola Mola and others. These DACs all sounded phenomenal and brought something of their own to the table. All sound quite different from each other. None were DACs that were so good that I couldn’t live without though I missed a couple of them when they left.

Here at the end of 2024 or 38 years into this hobby, I have thought I have seen and heard it all when it comes to audio, but nope.

Before we jump into the deep end I would like to say that I have heard over 50 DACs just over the last 4 years. DACs that range in price from $12 to $48,000 (This Nagra retail cost). Yep, that $12 DAC was pretty awful but sadly the DACS that have left lasting memories on me have almost always been those that cost between $5-$15k. Sure, there are many fantastic DACs for much less but if you are of the very picky variety when it comes to your audio system, you know the drill. If you want that emotion to hit you, or for the music to sound like music vs hyper artificial sounds, then again, you know the drill. 

I am one who does seek out that last bit of magic, and I have always been this way with my audio setups.

So yea. I have heard a ton of DACs and even streamers over the last few years. I have learned first hand just how important the source is, and I find it just as important as the speakers and more so than the amp. But this is what works for me, your situation and thoughts may differ.

So these days I focus only on digital streaming for my system and my Analog setup is gone though I kept my fave records from my teen years until now which ended up being 100 or so.

What is usually missing from many digital front ends is that the soul of the music can be missing. Some have touches of it, some lack it completely. I once bought a highly raved about $300 DAC from Amazon as I was told it was just as good as the exotic DACs. It wasn’t and it did even get close so was sent back and I did not review it as I would not own it myself, so why would I? It was rough up top, thin in the mids, grainy in the mids and had lackluster body and bass. As I always say, we usually get just what we pay for.

Sure we can easily get the details, open stage, transparency, three dimensions of sound fro lesser DACs but it seems there is always something missing after the long term. It is why some still prefer Analog and invest big money into their vinyl rig. It’s not easy to get digital streaming to sound as smooth, soulful, rich, deep and magical as the very finest vinyl systems, with the finest album pressings.

A Kiss from a Rose 

One product that has really stepped up my own digital experience has been the HiFi Rose RS130 Streamer. Ive owned it for over a year now and I have tested other streamers with cost up to $18k. To date, none have bested the $5300 RS130 for me and my tastes, yet. I haven’t heard them all of course. I am sure there are other boxes out there that meet or exceed the Rose, but they will probably cost you much more. No, they WILL cost you much more.

No, not all streamers sound the same.

Most streamers under $1500 do sort of sound the same (Wiim, Bluesound, Sonos, Eversolo A6/A8) but when you get to the upper level where quality parts are used and careful design choices are made, this is when you will notice the differences and the refinement. Innuos, Lumin, Aurender, Rose, Grimm are just a few of the really good brands. If you are looking for a HiFi Rose RS130, my site sponsor here is Dedicated Audio and they are a dealer. 

There can be pretty substantial differences. I have three streamers here now and all sound different.

HIFI TIP: Before you spend big money on a DAC like a Nagra, be sure you have a dedicated streamer than can let that DAC shine. I mean, I wouldn’t buy a $20k DAC to feed it with a $500 streamer. You would be wasting some of the DACs capability. I also wouldn’t use a computer as very good streamers far surpass them in sound quality, at least in my experience.

In this review I will be evaluating the Nagra Tube DAC with the HiFi Rose RS130. I will update this review later on when I test it with the new $5k Nagra Streamer using a fiber connection to the DAC. 

Let’s Get to the TUBE DAC! 

I just recently acquired a used but babied Nagra Tube DAC (yea, silly me bought it) that retails for close to $50k with classic PSU and VFS plate. I paid $18k for all three pieces and then bought a spare new Nagra tube and a remote for it for $300, as that was missing. Nope, I did not have a spare $18k laying around but I have a credit card and my idea was to give it a try, see if it was worth it/scratch that itch I had for it, and then sell it for what I had in it to pay the card as no way I could keep it long term.

No, Nagra did not send this to me nor was I paid a cent for this review.

I have done this before and even did it 2-3 years ago when I had the Nagra Classic amp, Classic pre and Classic DAC in the house. That system was incredible to me, bought it well used, but back then I knew that I could not keep it for long, so it was sold to pay off the debt.

I lost nothing and gained nothing financially but did gain the knowledge that Nagra is for real when it comes to HiFi. The build, the design and the sound is about as good as it gets from this Swiss brand for my tastes. Nagra clearly takes the “cost no object” approach to audio and it pays off in not only the design and quality of build, but the sound as well.

So what got me started on Nagra in the first place? 

I used to frequent Arizona HiFi in Phoenix AZ and they are a full blown Nagra dealer. I would listen to their reference system that housed Nagra amps, preamps and DACS, Nordost cables and it was stunning. I would daydream about winning the lottery to buy an all Nagra classic system but knew deep down it would never happen. I believe I was not meant to be a rich guy in this world but rather just a happy peaceful guy who doesn’t care about financial riches, but “human experience” riches (love, happiness, peace) instead. While owning Nagra may be a “status” thing for some, just as Leica is for some photographers, for me it’s just about the sound, heritage and style.

Oh, and what a sound Nagra brings!

Long story short: When I had that used classic system in a few years ago, it was heavenly.

I was drawn to the sound as the classic system (Pre/Amp/DAC) was transparent but with body, had some glow but also with bewildering floating details. The soundstage was of the very real kind, yet natural and so musical. It brought a holistic and sublime sound that was a step above most of the others I have heard. It wasn’t perfect, nothing is, but it was an emotional kind of connection to the music with that classic setup. As effortless and beautiful as I have heard in my close to 40 years being into audio all while being small, light and beautiful.

When I had that classic system I also had the older “starter” DAC called the “Classic DAC”.  The Classic DAC was quite nice but has now been replaced by the Classic DAC II ($18k). Of all of the pieces I had at that time, the pre-amp was my fave, followed by the AMP, then the Classic DAC. But while I had that Classic DAC I happened to read up on the higher end TUBE DAC, which replaced their HD DAC that I have heard many times at AZ HiFi.

The Tube DAC was said to be several levels up from the Classic and the original HD DAC. I was drooling just reading about this DAC but knew back then that I would never be able to hear it in my space as I do not have and never will have the spare $48k to buy the set of DAC, Power Supply and the plates that stop vibrations in their tracks (oh and they do make a difference).

While the OG Classic DAC was wonderful, it wasn’t a DAC that I “couldn’t live without” but it did cement wonderful memories into my brain. The OG Classic DAC competed well with the likes of the Weiss 501, the DCS Lina and others of that lineage but the Classic was the most organic of them all.

I tried to forget about Nagra and did for a while. 

Then one day in late 2024 I saw a rare used Tube DAC setup, with the VFL plate, Classic power supply and the Tube DAC itself for sale. This was rare as I only saw the Tube DAC for sale once before, and it was without the PSU or VFL plate. It was $17,500 well used and it sold weeks before this one was listed. Seeing the entire setup with PSU and VFL for just over that cost was tempting for me.

It was in mint condition even having the cellophane still on the display. The one was traded into a dealer for something higher up the chain (really?) and they were asking $21k for it (retail $48k). I offered $18k and told myself that if they didn’t take it, that I would not buy it. I was secretly hoping they would decline my offer but they accepted it. This put me into a sticky situation. As I have already mentioned, using a credit card for something like this is dangerous, especially if I find I can not live without this DAC. Regret sucks. I did pay for it and it didn’t take long to arrive. I guess I can say I was able to get a whopping $30k off of a new set, so there is that.

Two days later the DAC arrived via UPS and I unpacked it all from the Nagra boxes, which are lovely. I saw a manual, a new sealed set of gloves and a report with the actual tests on this exact DAC, handwritten and all. Before any Nagra gear leaves the factory it is tested by a real human to make sure all is perfect. Then those measurements are put down to paper and included in the box.

This DAC looked brand new, not a scuff on it, but had 1100 hours on the clock and the single tube. The tube is said to last between 5-10,000 hours so all was good. The shop I bought it from was Paragon, and their website is HERE. 

I have been enjoying the very well reviewed Holo May KTE DAC for some time and gotten used to its sound here which was full bodied, rich, analog like yet with clarity and nice resolution. It’s my pick for a DAC under $10k if one loves the analog vibe. 

When I replaced the Holo May KTE DAC with the Nagra Tube DAC I did not expect to hear much of a change as the May KTE is stunning, and hits above its price. I said to myself “no way this Nagra DAC will be that much different”.

Well…how wrong I was. When the Nagra went in, it was all over. The sound was even more natural, had some warmth and a big smooth body to the music. There were zero traces that I was listening to digital streaming and yet I thought it sounded better than almost any analog vinyl rig I heave ever personally heard. This DAC was creating magic, even 16/44 from Spotify was sounding like the finest DSD material. So much information and resolution. So much depth and detail, all while remaining completely analog like in sound.

The sound was super refined as well as smooth, yet so rich and detailed. What I really loved was that the sound was so big, with a life size scale to the instruments and vocals. The details were not of the treble variety but there were details from top to bottom emerging, some I never noticed before, even in the lower registers. These details, all of them, sounded life size and realistic as I have ever heard, meaning very realistic and with beautiful timbre. The treble was smooth and unlike most every DAC I have heard in the past. The entire top to bottom range was filled in with music, no holes existed. Nothing rough, edgy or splashy here either.

Some DACs bring an artist to the room and I have heard this effect more than a few times. You know, close your eyes and envision the artist singing in front of you AND having it be believable? Well, the Tube DAC did so while making the artists and instruments sound life sized. Everything sounded big, separated, had body, and the resolution and detail was astonishing, all while being smooth as silk. This was with the Pure Audio Project Duet 15 speakers at the helm, which also had a hand in this. With the Borresen X2’s thought, this remained a constant. The music was very real, holistic, and large sounding.

I thought the May KTE was analog like (and it is) but when comparing them side by side, after the Nagra, I could hear some digital traces in the May and some poorly recorded 1980s songs sounded a little rough on the May (and most all other DACs). With the Nagra it was as if, like magic, the bad recordings were all remastered in real time to a quality master recording, with stunning imaging and a sweet soul vibe. Not sure how it is doing this magic but the Swiss knows some things I do not. Maybe Aliens have landed long ago at the Nagra factory and shared some new tech with them, lol. Kidding of course. Maybe it’s just the synergy of the system with the Electrcompaniet amp, Pure Audio Project speakers and the Rose Streamer. Maybe.

Some will say this kind of sound is not good, as we should hear the warts and all. Sorry, not me. If I can get rid of the warts, I welcome it. When track after track kept impressing me it was as if the audio Gods were telling me something. “Here it is Steve, what you have been searching for your entire adult life is HERE”.

I was rediscovering so many tracks that I love but do not always sound great with other processors. Here, they sounded beautiful and honest. Realistic and life sized through the Pure Audio Project Duet 15 Speakers (which are open baffle and AMAZING).

SURREAL

The way the music floated from the speakers was surreal at times, with some music. As good as the May KTE is at portraying the music in a grain free and analog way the Nagra was doing it at the next level. The Nagra was separating the main singer, background singers, instruments and everything in a way that was masterful. Each sound had its own life and body as well as a richness that was palpable. I was able to hear very deep into the recordings. Sometimes there were barely audible sounds emerging that were obscured in the past and now they were here, flowing from the speakers.

As I sat listening I said to myself “So this is what a $50k DAC sounds like”? Then I asked “why do we have to spend this kind of money to get this kind of sound”? I mean, this is not even the flagship DAC from Nagra as they have their HD DAC X which retails for over $70k and yes, I am sure it does more than the tube DAC but I also know it sounds a bit different.

I feel the tube DAC is a sound I could die with, so I have no personal interest in the $70k box. Heck, I am not even curious as the Tube DAC has fulfilled all I could ask for in a converter, and then some. Also, there is no way I will ever be able to purchase even a used HD DAC X so there is that : )

But man, I wish this sound and build quality was available for under $10k or under $5k. Then again, if this was the case there would no longe be any very special pieces out there in the audio world. Nothing to look forward to or to dream about.

Let me just say I feel that for most audio fans (including me) the retail price for a brand new Tube DAC setup is absurd at $48k and there is not any kind of “value” or “deal” here unless you are very wealthy. 

What about buying used?

Well, at the used price I got this setup for, it’s 100% worth the cost I paid, and then some.

I guess if I was the target audience for this I would say that $50k is worth it but since I have no concept of having that kind of disposable income, that is a tough thing for me to say. I mean there are DACs being sold in the $150k range so this Tube DAC at $48k may seem like a great buy to some. I have no prejudice against cheap or expensive gear and like to review it all when I can, if worthy of it. Even though I am not a wealthy guy, I appreciate what Nagra is doing here just as I used to appreciate what Leica did with their cameras and lenses back in the early days of digital cameras. I do not discriminate against anyone or anything, even low or high priced audio gear, as long as it is worth the price of admission.

Some seem to get angry when I review expensive gear but it always seems to get more interest and views than the affordable stuff, go figure. There is something out there for everyone from low to high to absurd cost within audio. Who am I to judge based just on an exotic price or because I can not afford it? I love this kind of stuff even if I am not the target audience. I’m just a guy who did a dumb thing by placing this on my credit card because now I want to keep it.

POWER

One reason this DAC is so refined is due to the Classic Power Supply (which truly takes this DAC to the heights it can reach) but also the fact that the Tube DAC has 25 power supplies inside of the unit, that powers each and every internal piece that needs power separately. That’s crazy but crazy cool. Over engineered? Sure, but that’s a pro not a con as far as I am concerned.

The external Classic PSU powers the digital bits and analog bits inside, hooking up with 2 cables (included), one for analog, one for digital.

Talk about being refined. The Tube DAC is super refined when it comes to sound. No noise, intensely black backgrounds and a natural musical way of delivering the music. The stage is perfect. Very wide, and very deep, tall and 3D front to back as well. Each sound, each voice, each instrument is brought forth in a layered way that allows us to hear everything within a recording. It does so with life, realism, beauty, body, smoothness and honesty. Nothing ever sounds etched or bright. Nothing ever sounds lean, threadbare or grey. It just doesn’t sound like digital music and even streaming Spotify is otherworldly good and this helps me to justify the cost of this DAC alone as I love Spotify. With the Nagra, O prefer Spotify streams to Tidal streams ever so slightly in regards to sound quality.

I will say this is a DAC that will grow on you more and more. The more you listen, the more you will be sucked in and want to listen more. It’s not going to wow you out of the gate, but after some hours you will start to hear what is going on. Once this happens, it will be tough to go back to a lesser DAC.

NOW…

Those who want more “bite”, “crispness” or “impact” may want to look elsewhere for a DAC as the Nagra Tube is not about that. Sure, it can bring impact but in a natural organic way. It’s so hard to describe in words but this is not a DAC like the Chord DAVE or Weiss 501. I’d say it’s the Yin to the Dave’s Yang. More ethereal and holistic vs uber detailed up top and excitable. I do have a Weiss 501 MKII here and am enjoying it immensely. I keep telling myself the Weiss MKII would be my “ultimate” DAC of choice if I didn’t jump all in on the Nagra. The Weiss MKII is also a stunner but doesn’t quite reach the heights of the Nagra, though it is also quite special.

I read one review just recently on the Tube DAC and the reviewer said he thought every track he heard from this DAC was the best he heard, until the next track came on, then that was the best. I agree as I have had the same experience. Listening deep into the night I would say “wow, I never heard this song sound so good” then the next “Wow, this is surreal, how is this happening”? Those late night sessions were incredible, and this piece tugged at my emotions again and again as it brought forth a heartfelt sound.

Some may ask me about the Nagra Classic DAC II, which recently replaced the Classic DAC. The Classic DAC II is not the replacement for the Tube DAC but for that OG Classic, which was not in the same league as the Tube DAC. The DAC ladder at Nagra in regards to cost is now Classic II (lowest cost), Tube DAC (mid tier) and then the HDX DAC which is $73k and the flagship.

I have not heard the Classic II but am sure it sits close to the Tube DAC as it uses “trickle down” tech from the Tube and HDX DAC. The Classic II is also more affordable new at $18,500 for the DAC itself so a package with PSU and VFL Plate would be around $35k vs $46k for the Tube DAC. The Classic II also deletes the Tube of the Tube DAC, no tube in the Classic.

Instruments Sound RIGHT with this Tube DAC

Instruments sound real, saxophones sound life size, Pianos have weight and clarity and let me stress “lifelike”. When listening to Tom Adams “Seven Birds” there was a very 3D presentation that sucked me in so much I listened to the whole album that night at 2AM. This album is called “Voyages By Starlight” and that’s exactly what it felt like when listening. It was as if I was taking a voyage and this is part of what makes this DAC the Holy Grail for me. It just takes you “there” and while I know there are technically “better” DACS out there that cost even more, this is my groove right here. It’s not about the wow but more about long term satisfaction. 

The best compliment I can give the Nagra Tube DAC is that it makes the music sound as if there is no tweeter, midrange or bass driver in the room. What?!?! It makes my Duet 15 speakers sound as one, and if they are not even there when using it the HiFi Rose RS 130.

As for the cost…I then look back…and think. 

I have spent more than $18k on speakers that didn’t bring this kind of experience or all out enjoyment.

I have spent more on an integrated amp that also did not deliver what this DAC does.

Heck, over 38 years in audio I have LOST more money with buying and selling than this DAC cost me.

The DAC and source to me are very important within a system and when a truly fantastic high end DAC leaves my space, the system doesn’t sound the same. So the DAC within a high end system, I feel, is very important. 

This happened to me years back when the Chord DAVE left my system. When the Weiss 501 left my system. When the Nagra Classic left my system. Things just didn’t have the same kind of flow and it was noticeable. Of course this only pertains to those of us who set up our systems for imaging, depth, ect. This means pulling out your speakers from the walls, toeing them in correctly, sitting in the spot where we gain all of the qualities to our ears. It’s a science! For those who just want music in your space, any integrated amp and speakers today will do that. So do not buy a DAC like the unless your room and system are up to the task of allowing it to shine. This DAC alone will not make magic but it can within the rest of your system, when set up for it.

Streamers? Just how much difference do they make? 

I also have been testing out different streamers with the Nagra Tube DAC and all of them sound pretty amazing, yet all sound different.

The new $3600 Eversolo A10 all in one is great with the Nagra when used as a streamer. It brings a beefy yet clear and beautiful spatial sound, but loses out to some excitement and depth to the Rose. It  just doesn’t sound as large and dramatic as the Rose RS130 which brings more exposed details, solidity and spatial reproduction but these differences are maybe 15%. The Eversolo used as a streamer also sets the stage a bit back, the Rose a bit into the room so the Rose is more 3D and holographic with the Nagra. To the Eversolo’s A10 credit, it is meant to be an all in one of streamer, DAC and preamp. It’s not a master of one but excellent at doing it all (and it’s their best yet vs the A6 and A8).

I then tried the $300 Wiim Ultra as a steamer and it sounded musical and great as well but was not up to the two streamers above in all out performance. It was as if the DAC was being a little bit choked as I was not hearing all of the magic as I did with the Rose. So if you buy this DAC, it deserves a top tier streamer as well. I wouldn’t want one without the other. Even so, damn the music was sounding delicious, even with the Wiim. I am nitpicking here as you can still hear the Nagra character even when using the Wiim. It is just all out much better with the Rose

Speaking of streamers for the Nagra Tube DAC….

I will soon be testing this DAC with its apparent perfect companion, the $5k Nagra Streamer seen above. Yep, Nagra is sending me one to review thanks to a Nagra dealer who set this up for me, Unveiled Audio . This dealer sells Nagra as well as many other high end brands. See their site here.

I expect the Nagra streamer to be the perfect companion to the Nagra Tube DAC and will use the Classic PSU to power it as well as use the fiber cable connection. I will update this review when I get that done which should be in December sometime. As for now, the Rose RS130 is my preferred streamer for the Nagra and all other DACs, my reference. If the Nagra bests the Rose I will be amazed but yea, I think it will when connected to the Tube DAC.

TIP: Only audition Nagra if you can fund it otherwise you may shed some tears if you have to return it without a purchase.

UPDATE: Oh, as I was writing this review a new DAC arrived for review. The Weiss DAC 501 MKII which now uses 4 DAC chips, two per channel. The Weiss comes in at $12k and it is also a stunner of a DAC. Just in a different way from the Nagra. Less holistic, more impactful. Both are super refined but the Nagra is warmer in tone but not any less detailed and just as refined (no traces of digital ick).

The Nagra has some honey dripping where the Weiss has fresh spring water flowing through its veins. Both are supremely musical and either would be a dream to own. Just different presentations as well as designs. The Weiss is a small, but handsome, black box with touch display. The Nagra is two jewel like boxes, a preamp as well, with a smaller display and the fancy VFL plate that adds a touch of class and prestige (for those who care about these things).

FINAL WORD: The Nagra Tube DAC is the best DAC I have ever heard for my ears (and it is not even close) but the price is insane and really meant for the upper 1% of us when buying at new retail prices (or maybe your dealer gives a great deal). I have no beef with that as it is how it should be. We should get what we pay for and well, the best always costs us as “cost no object” designs are well, costly. I get it and if I were flush with cash I would be saying “HELL YEA, THIS WAS WORTH IT”, even if paying retail. But you have to be mighty passionate about audio to feel as I do about this costly DAC, or I should say the cost of this DAC : )

If I could, I would buy an all new set of classic gear NOW and that includes the Classic Amp, Pre-amp and Streamer to go with this DAC. If only. 

But Why Spend So Much?

Sure, yes, of course… 100% we can spend so much less and still enjoy the music immensely. I have shed tears with DACs inside of an integrated amp. So no, spending this money on a DAC is in no way needed for anyone. It’s not a need but it seems like a want for many of us who are infected with the audio bug and some audio fans are also perfectionists. There are those within audio who seek the best for them, no matter the cost. They want the best and why not? If funds are a plenty, heck yea, go for it. For a guy like me, it will be tough to pay that credit card (and interest) but if I sell this thing I will never be able to acquire it again. I will forever be haunted by the memory of my nights listening to the system with the Tube DAC in place. I am one of those crazy audio freaks who is not rich in cash but rich in passion. That’s all I got.

I used to love Leica cameras for the experience, build, heritage and image quality so it is no surprise I am drawn to the Leica of Audio, Nagra. It’s one brand, for me, that squashes G.A.S. in its tracks. A brand that would allow me to forget all about the gear once and for all and just fully enjoy the music. Listening to a Nagra system brings an immersive heartfelt emotional experience. Almost any Nagra piece will be remarkable as that is what they do. Wether that is a Classic Amp or HD Amps, the older Classic DAC or newest HDX you will be in for a treat.

See more on the Nagra Tube DAC at the Nagra website.