Verity Audio: To Nagra or not to Nagra?

I can't comment on all the choices but I did hear the Ovations and Sarastros driven by the Nagra and the Parsifals by the Berning ZH modified mono blocks at the same audio show. I personally preferred the Berning system but the Nagra was also quite good. Two different systems and an audio show, set-up matters and the room differences contributed no doubt. The Berning system just brought out the capabilities of the Verity better and was just more involving and this was the Parsifal Encores not the Ovation which was driven by Nagra. It was pretty much very good versus magical to my ears. Unfortunately Berning no longer makes the zh270 and the Quadrature mono amps 27K a pair are the only amps he is currently hand crafting although there are others on the horizon. If you get the opportunity you might try to check out this combo to see if it might work for you.

I think the paring is user dependent. I listened to many different amps in my set up before deciding on the Bryston 28B-SSTs to "permanently" drive my VAPO's.

I also think the VAPO's are much more forgiving than a more analytical speaker, which allows for more leeway in amplification decisions. In the end, I found the utter control and explosive dynamics of the 28B-SST's enough to stop me in my tracks on the search for a new amp.

Good Luck and enjoy the journey, jtb

NOT to Nagra for sure. For me, to be honest, Verity and Nagra are NOT a good match. Especially with PAD cables.

I use the Viva Aurora 845 SET amps and Viva pre-amp combo with my Parsifals. Absolute sublime combination. Previously had the Kharma CE speakers which also was a great combination with the Viva's

A dealer friend sold both Verity and Nagra. I wasn't very impressed with either, except when I heard them together. This is back a little while so I'm not sure if it was the Fidelio or the Parsifal that I liked paired with the VPA.