Nagra VPS phonom stage - how good

I bought a Nagra VPS recently kinda broke even on it when upgrading to Maxx 2's. (swapped for my BAT VKP10SE superpak which is very good) "tapping my toes" was exactly what I was doing and am doing ever since.

Hevac1 said it perfectly "...treated the instruments with equal emphasis also but gave more energy to instruments when needed. There was more punch and excitement, depth and lower bass was better"

The VPS has a tonally correct sonic signature and feels like live un amplified music quality that is just "right" for me and my system.

The Nagra VPS doesn't have a volume control. So it's not really desgined to drive a amp directly. (But like any source, you could do this, if the gain matched your amp just right and you never wanted to change volume)

The Nagra PLP is a full function preamp with nearly the same phono stage built in.

eco_audio:

Not sure why you're asking about xlr inputs. Just fyi, I went from a all BAT system, vkp10se superpak, 51se, 150se. I was nervous about going with any type of single ended component. (The Nagra does have xlr outs, but it is not a balanced design). I was using a din to xlr tonearm cable and the BAT phono sounded better balanced in and out. The VPS single ended is that good. I took NO steps backwards in running my phono stage now single ended into my BAT balanced pre and amp...

Viper_z,

Hi, I posted earlier above. The dealer in Austin, Ne Plus Ultra is super good. I think you should give them a second chance. I can't comment on why re: the 10 times, he does have a extensive customer network, and seriously values personal-in home service. If you tried him last week, I had him one on one for a day and a half for visit to a speaker manufacturer, we both had our phones off.

This, imo, is way it should be when we are spending this kind of money. Since I met Ne Plus Ultra about 2 years ago, my system has never sounded better. When my current preamp broke, Nagra loaned me a PLL. If the stock market ever goes up, I will buy it, it's a killer combo with my VPS.

Ne Plus Ultra is truly one the best dealers anywhere. You'll be dealing with a audiophile, musician, and someone with passion.

Re: Nagra USA, via their dealer in Austin, they have provided me with several loaners to evaluate, and when I purchased, they fed ex'd my new VPS so I could get it the next day-on his nickel. I had several questions (I get anal on new purchase) and Nagra USA was very informative-they know their product.

I honestly think this is a simple mixup. I want to say this carefully, and please interpret it the right way, not buying for Ne Plus Ultra is as much of a loss for you as it is a sale for them. Besides, the VPS is a KILLER PHONO stage...

If you live around Austin, send me a note, and stop by for a listen to my setup...bring your fav LP's :)!