The Nagra Compact Player

If you need a super compact, super high-performance digital player/streamer/DAC, Nagra has the droid you need.

Only 7.2 x 6.5 x 1.6 inches in size, the Compact Player is the exact same size as the Compact Phono. Much like the Compact Phono, it has a small external power supply but can be upgraded with the Nagra Compact PSU power supply to get even more performance. Those owning an MPS or Classic PSU can also plug the Compact components in for better results.

For now, sticking to the stock setup, the sound is seriously incredible. While the Compact has full DSD capability, the majority of my listening was done via ROON with 16/44 to 24/192 resolution. The Compact is ROON ready and sets up in about 25 seconds.  Plug in the power supply, install an ethernet cable, click “enable” in ROON, and bam.

If you’re thinking “how can Nagra get so much performance out of such a small box?” The reason is simple. They have distilled (pun intended) the functionality down to the absolute minimum – there isn’t even a power switch! Plug it in and leave it on. One tiny LED lets you know it’s working. It will take a day or so to completely stabilize electronically and thermally, yet it sounds excellent out of the box, not to worry. It’s a Nagra, come on.

Keeping to the simple path, there is a USB input for an external hard drive or memory stick and an RJ-45 input. This is my only complaint – I wish it also had an SPDIF input, but that would add to the complexity and chipset. However, it would be incredibly cool to use this DAC with a transport.

And it’s built with every bit of care and precision that every Nagra is built with. The Compact series is not watered down in any way. Think of the Compact Player as the Tudor Black Bay of digital players.

The sound is pure Nagra, honed by decades of building some of the world’s finest gear including analog and digital recorders. Lightning fast, tonally correct, musical and involving – yet without embellishment or coloration. That is the Nagra way, and this DAC delivers performance rivaling much more expensive DACs we’ve used – but again, no functionality.

If you need a single purpose digital player, the Nagra Compact Player gets our highest recommendation. We’ll have a full, extended review shortly. This is one we wholeheartedly stand behind. – Jeff Dorgay

Photos courtesy of Nagra.

$7,495
www.nagraaudio.com