The Nagra Music Streamer Review. Swiss Perfection.
By Steve Huff
QUICK TAKE: This new Nagra Streamer is quite different from the rest of the high end streaming pack that I have reviewed. It’s tiny, fully machined out of a solid billet of aluminum, only has two outputs and doesn’t even have an app for control (this is good in some ways)! It’s a plug and play streamer that works out of the box with Tidal and Spotify Connect. The Streamer can also be used with Qobuz and USB drives to stream and serve. There are no displays, meters or anything blinged out here, but what about the performance?
The Nagra Streamer
The Nagra Streamer Review
I have had this little music box here for a while, using it as a digital music streamer into the Nagra Tube DAC stack via its N-Link fiber connection. You can see my review of the Nagra Tube DAC HERE if you missed it.
I have also used this streamer with non Nagra DACs such as a Weiss 501 MKII DAC, a Denafrips Pontus 15th DAC and I was also able to test it with the new HiFi Rose RD160 DAC, which is a new $5300 DAC that just hit the shelves.
I will talk about my findings here in this review but before I get to anything about the sound that this little beauty pumps out, let me talk a little bit about why this streamer is unique and is the only one I have found in 14 months that has replaced my 14 months long reference, the HiFi Rose RS130. I still love and highly recommend the RS 130 streamer but this little Nagra hooked me in big time due to the minimalist approach as well as the stellar performance it brings with it.
Let me say though right here right now! This streamer will not be for everyone. This Nagra Streamer is quite limited in its outputs and the opposite of a flashy design loaded with all kinds of fancy features. It is fully geared for Nagra users but I found it to be pretty special with any DAC.
I will get to all of this within the words on these pages so if you like, sit back and enjoy.
Unveiled Audio
This Nagra Streamer came to me from Unveiled Audio. They are a full blown Nagra dealer and asked if I would like to check out the new Nagra streamer. Of course I jumped at this chance as I currently have the brands own Tube DAC here at this time. This DAC has the N-Link connection, so should be a perfect way to experience the new Streamer!
The new Nagra Streamer next to the Nagra VII Recorder. They wanted to make the Streamer in a similar size.
This new for the end of 2024 Streamer from Nagra comes in at just under $5,000.
No, it’s not the usual big money Nagra priced item that sits in the $20-$70k price bracket (The Nagra HD DAC X is a $70k investment and they just released info on their newest Reference DAC) but the Streamer is also a rather simple piece, which is just one of the reasons why I fell for it. First off, it’s a very small (7.2 x 6.5 x 1.6 inches) but well machined all metal aluminum box with the Nagra name on the front that sits above a small yellow LED. Oh and the Nagra Streamer’s enclosure is crafted from a solid billet of aluminum, cut using CNC tech. It’s a solid little piece and even has the curved edges of the the other Nagra pieces, like the Tube DAC itself.
The Nagra Tube DAC stack consists of the Tube DAC, the Classic PSU and a VFL Plate. This is sold as a package by Nagra dealers. It is by far the costliest yet most gorgeous DAC I have ever tested. The Nagra look is quite something indeed. The Streamer is an all out perfect mate for any of the Nagra DACs with an N Link connection.
Connecting…1..2…3…
The Streamer LED flashes when powering up and then settles solid after 10-20 seconds when it connects fully to your network. The LED is also exactly the same color as the meters on the Nagra DACs, Preamps and even the amps for a perfect match when using it with Nagra equipment. So setting up the Streamer takes less than 30-60 seconds. Once the LED is solid you are ready to stream. Let’s talk about connections with the Streamer.
Network CONNECTIONS. There is ONE.
There is no wifi mode here so you will have to connect the streamer up via ethernet cable so hardwire is the only option here. There is no USB out, no optical out, and no I2S out. Nope, the usual suspects are not here. There is one COAX output and one N-Link (Nagra Link) out that works with the Nagra Tube DAC, HD DAC, HD DAC X and the latest releases from Nagra, the Classic II DAC and new Reference DAC. Note that the older Nagra Classic DAC (V1) does not have an N Link connection.
This Nagra Link fiber connection 100% eliminates any electrical noise, or well, any noise from the connection. This allows it to be as pure as it can be, and therefore, in theory, the sound is improved. Powering it with the Classic PSU further enhances this lack of noise and makes for a streamer that sounds even more refined and natural.
Also, the fiber cable is super thin and lightweight as well as very flexible, which is a step away from those big thick digital cables that exist in the HiFi world. I love how thin and light it is but this may also mean it can easily be damaged, so be careful with this cable.
I have to say that paring the Streamer with the Nagra Tube DAC into a set of $1400 Class A/B mono amps was a treat and sounded incredible.
Power Supply
There is a nicely done power supply brick that comes with the streamer but for another boost in performance one can connect this to the Nagra Classic PSU to power it up with pure clean power. Unfortunately I did not get the cable to connect it to the classic PSU in time for this review release date but if I get a chance to hear it down the road I will update this review at that time.
APP (LESS)
Nope, this streamer does not have a Nagra app to use with it (and I actually kind of like this). As already mentioned, setting up the Streamer is as easy as plugging in your network ethernet cable, then the COAX or N-Link connection to your DAC, and then the power. Once powered up it’s ready to stream using just your phone or tablet. No complicated setup using an app is needed, it just works. There was none of the “firmware update needed” after plugging it in. It just worked perfectly.
You will be using your WiFi Network to stream to the Streamer from your phone or tablet which must be the same as the network you hooked up to the streamer via your ethernet cable. Easy.
ROON Ready?
This Nagra Streamer will be ROON Ready soon, it is awaiting the ROON certification now (it is now December 12th as I start to write these words). This is normal as ROON takes their time. When done though this will work fully with ROON. Out of the box it works flawlessly and beautifully with Tidal connect and Spotify connect. If you use Qobuz one can use the free M Connect App on iOS or Android with the Nagra.
The third party M connect app is free to download/use and will work with the Nagra streamer if you want to serve from a USB drive, stream from Qobuz or use internet radio.
There is a USB jack on the back as well but this will not work going into a DAC as it is not an output. This USB connection is to attach drives that contain music so placing a ton of high res music on a thumb drive or USB hard drive for example, can be streamed.
Finally in addition to Total, Spotify and Qobuz the Nagra Streamer also can be used with Apple Airplay 2 and UPnP.
USING “The Streamer”
I absolutely love using Tidal and Spotify and use them as my main digital music streaming services (and have for a long long time). I also pay for Qobuz but use it the least for some reason, probably because I do enjoy using Tidal & Spotify “connect” to stream. It’s as easy as can be and the sound is remarkable as is, especially with this streamer.
With these connect features of the native streaming apps, it makes it so easy to stream high quality music to your devices and the Nagra Streamer is 100% on board with this. It also makes new music discovery so easy, which is a big deal to me at least. It’s how I find so much new music.
Sadly, some high end streamers do not allow for these “connect” features, and some even remove Spotify completely from their feature set as they somehow think it is not worthy of high quality hardware. I feel that is silly and nonsense.
I am one who personally enjoys Spotify more than the “high res” services due to the ease of finding new artists, new music and yes, the sound can be phenomenal with the right source. It is after all about the music for me. Check out my 2024 stats with Spotify alone…
I listened to over 2800 artists in 2024 as I discovered so many new ones using the Spotify app. So for me, it is indeed about the music above all else and it is supremely enjoyable when using Spotify connect to the Nagra Streamer.
I do own about 100 high res tracks that I have downloaded and purchased over the years. Honestly, they never sound superior to me in any way vs streaming any service. Maybe they have more sheen and shine, maybe there is more perceived detail but is there more soul and magic? Usually, no. Most times I prefer the SQ of the streaming services to high res tracks I have downloaded because some of them sound just too clean, almost antiseptic. So for me, super high res tracks that have to be paid for and downloaded have been a bust, for me, since they arrived. Even so the Nagra Streamer can handle high res tracks with ease so have no fear! Those who enjoy listening to high res music, the Nagra can and will do it.
Let’s move on.
With my HiFi Rose RS130 streamer I must use the Rose App when playing tracks from Tidal as it does not have the “connect” feature for Tidal and some will say this sounds better. In my reality, when listening to music and getting into that music, one will never hear the difference between “connect” and “native” streaming as the differences here are uber minimal.
There is no display at all on this streamer. So no lit up meters or text. This box can be left out on display or hidden away with ease. There is just one small little yellow LED.
SOUND QUALITY?
Let’s start small with a $10 DAC connected and then build up from there. Oh my!
Before I connected this Nagra box full force to the Nagra Tube DAC via N-Link and using the Classic PSU I wanted to start small and build up to that to see how this Streamer would do in normal situations, other than just using and testing the exotic connections.
I started by hooking up the Nagra Streamer, via COAX, to a $10 DAC I acquired from Amazon (curiosity). I was curious if the Nagra streamer would help the not so hot sounding DAC. The sound of this cheap DAC is kind of “blah” as it has a flat soundstage, some noise and sounds sharp yet dull by nature. “Thunderball” from Tom Jones is a very big sounding song and it has shine, excitement and big vocals. With the $10 DAC hooked to the Streamer the sound was a bit shrill and flat. No, this $10 DAC is not good at all for a full high end system, as I knew already.
This $10 special could be used in a lower tier setup so it has its place (when it works). Just wasn’t for this streamer or setup, as I knew from the start. I just had to hear it in the system though : )
DENAFRIPS to the RESCUE!?!?
Moving to a Denafrips Pontus 15th I used the one sole COAX out of the Nagra into the very heavy but small Chinese R2R DAC. Now the sound from Thunderball was energetic, full of life and had much more impact and thrills, That shrill sound was 95% gone. The sound with the little $5k Nagra box was just as refined and big sounding as when using my $5300 HiFi Rose RS130 to play the same music but added more in the way of delicacy with a dash more of what I will call “natural musical”. Again, this is good.
The rendering of the Nagra is slightly different from the RS130 and it does bring that natural musical Nagra vibe vs using the Rose which is more punchy and sharp as well as more incisive with the imaging. Crazy how even digital music streamers make such a difference in this kind of system.
WEISS, bringing in more of the Swiss.
The Nagra Streamer, using Tidal and Spotify connect just sounded so good with the same track (Thunderball) going into the Weiss 501 MKII. It was bigger, smoother and silkier than the Pontus while never bringing hiccups, slowdowns, freeze ups or stalls. I could switch songs quickly with no lag, fast forward them to the middle without stalls or problems with the Nagra Streaming Box.
It was doing this in an even faster and smoother way vs my HiFi Rose RS130 which surprised me but it was great to see. One thing that bugs me with some streamers is the lag when skipping songs, or even freeze ups when I skip a segment of the track as I do this at times during review evaluations to get to a piece I know very well. This lag is non existent with the Nagra Streamer.
But back two the Weiss with the Nagra. They sounded amazing together and created a stunning digital streaming front end.
The Weiss 501 MKII with the lovely Verum II headphones
The sound was now smooth, refined, all traces of brightness or harshness were 100% gone. Vocals were bigger, more fleshed out and everything was just right. It sounded so lifelike.
I will say this was indeed a very special combo, the Weiss and Nagra, and one that I would call End Game for digital streaming, at least in my world. Sure the Nagra Tube DAC is even more “end game” for me but the Weiss is more easily attainable by more music lovers (including me) and it’s fantastic, in my top 2 favorite DACs of all time. With that said there is a brand new DAC here that arrived recently that is blowing me away in so many ways and comes in for $5300. I will talk about this DAC below being used with the Nagra Streamer as well.
There are many end game combos of streamer and DAC out there though. The trick is finding the one that works for you if end game is what you seek. The Weiss and Nagra Streamer make for a wonderful high end experience. Yes, the Weiss DAC 501 has a built in streamer but it has no app and no “connect” features at all. It’s a UPnP streamer so not the most functional as in you just cant pick up the phone, open Tidal and stream. The little Nagra Streamer allows me to stream in such an easy way to the Weiss 501 MKII and with amazing sound quality and performance.
With the Weiss the sound was that of the Weiss, which is remarkable.
Nagra vs Rose?
Using the one COAX out from the Nagra Streamer sounded a little better (more natural flow) than my Rose using USB or COAX out into the same DAC. This was a shock to me as I assumed, wrongfully so, that the Nagra streamer would only excel using the proprietary N-Link connection to a compatible Nagra DAC. This was not the case.
With the COAX out from The Streamer to the Weiss it was magic and with zero frustration. Sound for these ears was just ever so slightly more musical vs the Rose RS130 streamer which is a mighty feat for such a small box. I listened one day to the Nagra, the next day with the Rose. Repeat, Repeat, Repeat. I kept this up until I realized I preferred the sound and function of the Nagra Streamer more and left it in full time.
The HiFi Rose RD160 DAC and Preamp. This is the latest creation from HiFi Rose and it’s quite stunning in design, features and sound quality.
Of course the Nagra doesn’t have the amazing display or the video capabilities of the Rose. The Nagra Streamer is pretty much without features or tweaks. The focus here from Nagra when creating this box was on build and sound quality above all else. I see it as a purists high end streamer. For those who do not want big and flashy lit up displays but still look for the ultimate in sound quality. Heck, I love nice looking pieces of audio gear but in the case of the Nagra, I also love it for the basic simplicity when it comes to style. The aesthetic is quite nice.
It’s a Nagra thing though really. They have a way of luring you into the music without flash, sizzle or doing things like everyone else does them. Every piece Nagra makes in their audio lineup is something to drool and lust over, at least for me. They hit it out of the park with this new streamer and those who love simplicity will adore this one. They could have made a “classic style” box with display and meters and charged $19k for it but they didn’t. Very surprising but very happy to see they went this route, at least for their first streamer. Who knows what will come years down the road from Nagra when it comes to streaming but this little first effort is a knock out.
HiFi Rose RD 160 DAC and PreAmp
Nagra Streamer into the HiFi Rose RD160 DAC
So the new kid on the DAC block has arrived here in the house in the form of the HiFi Rose RD160.
This is a DAC that was announced quite a while ago and has just been released. I believe this was really meant as a companion to the Rose RS130 flagship streamer as it sits with the 130 in quality of build and design. The RD160 is a flagship product from Rose in the DAC realm. I was curious if the Nagra could sound as good as the Rose RS130 going into the Rose RD160 DAC. It does but again, with the same differences. The RS130 is a little more forceful and incisive where the Nagra is more natural and liquid.
The RD160 is quite a stunning DAC and it’s for sure an overachiever in not only sound but in design. It’s a very hefty and well made piece, just like the RS130. The design is sleek, modern and truly enjoyable with the various displays. The Rose has filters, easily chosen and displayed in the unique and easy to read screen. There is also upsampling. This DAC can do NOS, upsample or even upsample to DSD. By far, for me, the DSD upsample sounded the best, most refined and smoothest of them all. It reminded me most of the Nagra Tube DAC and while it did not reach those heights, it was not terribly far off. I have more time to spend with the RD160 but so far it has really been impressing me for the cost of $5300.
The RD160 even has three power supplies. One powers the analog section, one the digital, etc. Much like the Nagra Tube DAC as well. It seems HiFi Rose is creeping into that very high end territory with the RD160, and you can tell when you listen to it, feel it in your hands and see it in the flesh. The Nagra Streamer performed flawlessly with the RD160 DAC and really excelled in a system of RD160 and two Singxer mono amps with the Pure Audio Project Duet 15 speakers. The Rose is also a preamp so all I needed was the Streamer and the $1400 set of mono amps to set up the system. The sound was spectacular in all ways and delivered all I could ask for.
NAGRA TUBE DAC..The Ultimate DAC?
Going into one of those desert island DACs, the Nagra TUBE DAC, I first connected using COAX and the sound was again, out of this world good. The Streamer and DAC together, even using COAX, was something to behold. Big 3D images appeared within the “devoid of any noise” stage and the ethereal soul of the music was intact as well. This brought a very natural and clean somewhat smooth sound but with an immense stage front to back and side to side. I was loving this and wondered what the N-Link connection would do.
I pulled the N Link cable from the Nagra box and connected it after removing the COAX (used a Nordost Valhalla 1 COAX).
Away we go, and as of yet I have not connected the Classic PSU (no cable) so just using the included power supply with the Streamer.
With the N-Link connection I heard an ever so slight difference with clarity (more of it) and seeing further into the recording. Hearing more unearthed details in an easier way. Wasn’t huge, but it was there, and it was an improvement. There was slightly (very slight) more transparency. It was indeed the finest all out sound so far, the most at ease meaning…music just flowed 100% free of any digital artifacts.
Thunderball was now sounding the most refined, controlled and all out gorgeous…and bested the others though it’s a fight with the Weiss and even with the Rose RD160 which has similar vibes to the Nagra but it is not quite as immersive as the Nagra Tube DAC.
After listening to the Nagra Streamer with four DACs I prefer it most with the Nagra Tube DAC then the Weiss DAC 501 MKII, then the Rose RD160 and finally the Denafrips. All sounded lovely though.
ENTER THE NAGRA CLASSIC PSU
Hooking up the Nagra Streamer to the brands own Classic PSU one must use a cable that does not come with the streamer but costs a bit extra from Nagra. This is a Lemo to DC cable and when hooked up allows the Classic PSU, with its super capacitors, to supply the power to the Streamer.
I did not get the cable from Nagra in time for it to be included in this review but….
I have experienced power supply upgrades with source gear and it can be pretty enlightening to hear the improvements. I would expect a little more refinement and solidity from the sound when connected to the classic PSU. Details should emerge with more clarity and depth.
The Classic PSU with its super capacitors is more like an ultimate power supply and does wonders for the Nagra gear it can power. Silence, beauty, refinement. The power source/supply goes a long way to bringing these things and it will bring some improvements to the streamer. With that said, the Classic PSU is close to $17k new so it should be doing something good. I would not say it is worth it just to power the steamer but if one had a Nagra DAC or Preamp to power as well (it can power three pieces) the Classic PSU is well worth the cost for a Nagra system.
While truly awesome using its own power supply and while wonderful when using just the COAX, the ultimate performance here comes when using the Nagra Streamer with a Nagra DAC and N-Link along with that Classic PSU. Anyone who owns Nagra and wants the all out best streamer for your setup, no question, the Nagra Streamer is the way to go.
In this configuration the sound quality easily surpasses the HiFi Rose RS130 into the Tube DAC. If my permanent DAC for the next decade was the Tube DAC or any other N Link capable Nagra DAC then the Nagra Streamer would be the only option I would want for it. Period. The bonus is that the Streamer is 1/10th the cost of the Nagra DAC stack and doesn’t come with the usual Nagra prices. Nagra delivered big time with their first Streamer.
The very simple but very sturdy and well made rear panel. We see the Ethernet in, USB in, N Link out and COAX out. Than the power supply jack.
Reference Worthy?
As it stands now I went ahead and bought the Nagra Streamer from Unveiled Audio for my own system to replace my 14 month old reference, The HiFi Rose RS130. Will I regret it? I do not know but do not see why or how I would.
I find this little Nagra box can surpass the Rose RS130 with a Nagra DAC and fiber connection and at least sound as good or slightly better (just different) when using COAX with other DACs. It offers up more in the way of simplicity as well, as it was made just for me and my tastes, lol.
I love the lag free performance, the small design, ease of use and the natural liquid sound of this Streamer. The HiFi Rose RS130 is still an amazing streamer and better for some/most due to the feature set. Some need HDMI, some need I2S, some want video, a large beautiful design, etc. I get it and it’s part of the reasons I also enjoyed the Rose.
The Rose has many more connections, apps on board, video capability, remote control and it even upsamples. It’s technically the much better value but if you have a Nagra DAC w/NLink, the Nagra streamer IMO is 100% the way to go.
IT”S ALL ABOUT THE SIMPLICITY AND THE SOUND.
Why I love this streamer? Who would want one?
It’s not for the features as they are very sparse. It’s not about the looks as it’s a small metal silver box but I admit, it looks kind of sexy with its rounded corners and sleek look. It’s not about the connection options, as there are only two. It doesn’t have a remote control for song skipping and there is no Nagra app for any special tricks like upsampling as it doesn’t do that. The Nagra DACs upsample everything to DSD so the Streamer here is just supplying the tracks exactly as they are.
The closest I managed to get in sound quality to the Nagra Tube DAC was when running the Nagra Streamer into the new HiFi Rose RD160 DAC which has the capability to upsample to DSD. This brings some of that Nagra smooth sound, but it’s not as free flowing and ethereal as the Nagra. It gets in the same ballpark though, for 10X less cash. It’s what I will be listening to for the next 2-3 months here in my system. It’s really spectacular.
Oh, and there is no space for internal SSD drives or anything fancy for the exterior with this streamer. It’s really the ultimate minimalist streamer and as I have said for decades, sometimes less can be more, for some.
With that said the sound quality, whether I use the COAX or the N Link to the Nagra Tube DAC or COAX to the Weiss. Rose or Denafrips DAC, is simply up there with the finest of streaming I have heard regardless of brand name or cost.
Heck, even Nagra states it sounds better than their own CD Player, which is quite nice and costly indeed.
When I still had thousands of CD’s this was one CD player I lusted after but never was able to hear.
If you listen to Tidal or Spotify as your main source, or even use USB drives or sticks loaded with high res music and you love simplicity and despise set ups with complicated non intuitive apps, the Nagra Streamer may be one you have been looking for. If sound quality is #1 rather than display screens, I2S out and tons of features the Nagra may be what you have been trying to find. If you want lag free and freeze free performance in all of this the Nagra is wonderful. It just sits in wait and makes music with the rest of your system when you are ready. Mine stays on 24/7 when using its own power supply and is always ready to go.
Plug and play has never been easier for a high end HiFi streaming product yet this one also offers sound quality that sits with the even higher end boxes.
This Nagra is like a little magic music box for pure musical digital music streaming. It is also made in Switzerland where all other Nagra gear is made. It ships in a lovely box with great packaging, comes with the fiber N-Link cable and a power supply for under $5k.
WHERE TO BUY NOW?
I can highly recommend Unveiled Audio if you want one as they are getting them now from Nagra and you can have one from the next shipment. See the Streamer page HERE, they even have them available for online ordering now.
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