Nakamichi Dragon-DAC, Very rare as only 200 were ever produced

Hello all,

New member here in search of a rare Nakamichi Dragon-DAC. I have the matching Dragon-CD Limited, Dragon-PS Limited with remote as pictured here and here.

These were released in April of 1995 with an MSRP of 10K. The entire set was known as Dragon-CD/DAC Limited (0Q06188A) and only 200 were ever produced. There is not a lot of information available on these, but I do recall lusting after these after seeing ads in major publications back then. The few I’ve seen surface for sale were either the entire 4 piece set (Transport / DAC / PS / Remote) or just the three I have (Transport / PS / Remote), so I’m not 100% sure, if the DAC could be had separately. That might explain why I’ve seen info on these with both the 10K and 15K MSRP.

Here are a few listings I’ve recently seen on eBay:

Entire Set

Minus the DAC

Granted the DAC is a little outdated by today’s standards, but that’s obviously not the reason I am searching for one.

DRAGON-DAC Limited Specs

Digital Input (Coaxial)
Input Impedance................................... 75 W
Input Level............................................ 0.5 Vp-p
Sampling Frequency ................................. 44.1 kHz/48 kHz/96 kHz (Automatic Selection)
Outputs
Line Output Level 1 kHz, 0dB.............. 2.0 V ± 1.0 dB
Channel Balance.................................. Within 0.5 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD + Noise)
1 kHz, 0 dB........................................... Less than 0.003% (20 kHz LPF)
Frequency Response
20 Hz - 20 kHz...................................... Within 0 dB, –1.0 dB
Channel Balance.................................. Within 0.5 dB
Channel Separation
1 kHz, 0 dB........................................... More than 100 dB (20 kHz LPF)
Signal to Noise Ratio
1 kHz, 0 dB........................................... More than 100 dB (20 kHz LPF, IHF-A)
Dynamic Range
1 kHz, 0 dB........................................... More than 98 dB (20 kHz LPF, IHF-A)
De-emphasis
16 kHz.................................................. –9.04 dB ± 0.8 dB
Dimensions* .............................................. 321(W) ´ 148 (H) ´ 299 (D) mm
12-5/8(W) ´ 5-13/16 (H) ´ 11-3/4 (D) inches
Approximate Weight .................................. 8.0 kg/17 lbs. 10 oz.

* Dimensions do not include protruding parts. Height is the panel height without feet.
• Specifications and design are subject to change for further improvement without notice.

The probability of finding one is rather bleak, so I am trying to figure out another option for a DAC until one surfaces. I’ve been toying with the idea of using a Benchmark DAC1 in black and trim with wood using longer case screws to match the look of the Dragon components. It might work out for now, as the PS/Controller is roughly the same size.

Any help in locating one or recommendations for a DAC would be greatly appreciated?

Regards,
Mike

Impressive gear.

Concerning your dac quest...sure it will be a quest... imo you must try to find it in some japanese net pages like this one, or in some japan auction centers like this..

Here's a universal converter currency to help: http://www.xe.com/ucc/

There's a few members in the forum who has interesting dacs i'm certain they will give you their opinion...
I have a few friends who has both Zhalou and Yulong Crystal (Chinese) dacs and are very pleased with them.

Keep us posted about your Nak findings, and good luck.

This post has been edited by clint e. on November 02, 2008 05:44 am

Thanks for the lead clint e.

That is just what I was looking for! I hope that I can somehow buy it.

I sent of an email for some info on the DAC and PS from your first link. I do not necessarily need the PS, as my existing one should work since Japan is 100V 50/60Hz. I could alway's use a spare!

Wish me luck as I try to work through all the details.

Regards,
Mike

I wish you all the luck in the world Mike. As i said before, they are indeed gorgeous pieces of audio engineering.

Of course i don't speak for others but it's always a pleasure to have a ST member with that kind of audio history in he's hands. Glad you found us.
Have fun.

Alvaro.

Thanks Alvaro, I hope that my quest is almost over. Your direction is truly appreciated! I could not have asked for any better insight other than what you provided.

I think I found a buying agent in Japan who will help me with the process and language barrier. I might have a chance at having the complete system by the end of the month!

My only other hurdle will be to check the DC output from the Japanese version to see if I can us my existing power supply or send of the Japanese version to be modified,

Thanks again for your direction!

Regards,
Mike

I GOT IT!

Secured its purchase today and it is in route to me. Lost a little on the weak Dollar to Yen, but the agent I used gave me a 10% discount on their commission, so it negated the drop recently.

I also confirmed that the DAC I am receiving is DC 12V in, so my power supply I already have will work. It was also serviced recently by Nakamichi to like new condition! So now, I will have an extra power supply/control unit and remote for parts if needed.

Thanks again Alvaro for that link with just the DAC.

Regards,
Mike

I cant wait to see pictures of your setup when you get it all together. thats great news

elroy

You're welcome amigo.
That's incredible news. Glad i could help you.




Please keep us posted with a few pix or a small review about that audio classic piece of history.

This post has been edited by clint e. on November 06, 2008 02:08 pm

That's some beautiful equipment!! I have a 20 year old Nak CDP-2A, and it is in great condition, but not nearly as nice as doze Dragons you got there. Nice score.



AK

Thanks All,

Needless to say, I am pretty stoked about finally piecing these together! I just love the Japanese 80's and early 90's components! I have newer components of course to mesh my daily Audio/Video needs (Marantz SR8001 / SR9600 / DV9600's), but there is nothing like that era’s Rosewood Trimmed, VU Metered, Heavy Equipment!

I guess for me it all stems from piecing together a Yamaha 1000 Series (CX / MX / TX) system while I was in the Army. I bought these all through the PX Catalog, saving for months with my meager salary! I added lower end Nakamichi Cassette Deck, MusicBank CD and a plethora of DBX components when I could afford! Sad to say I sold it all in 92’ when I got out.

Since then either space constraints or the WAF limited some of my component selections! I went the route of AV receivers as the digital age progressed, but still missed all the lights and dials of the older stuff. Therefore, I decided to go back to my roots in this hobby with dedicated Stereo systems in the living room and home office. I have since then been acquiring those pieces from my past, ones I either could not afford at the time or stupidly sold for some quick cash.

My recent acquisitions besides this Dragon Limited setup, has been another Nakamichi CR-7A cassette deck, a DBX SNR-1 noise reduction unit, and a DBX BX-3 mkII amp. Do not know what I’m going to do with another amp, but I’m sure I’ll be able to build something around it.

I also have a line on some rare Yamaha Centennial and Nakamichi 1000 series components. However, I’ve got to buy a new sectional and dinning set for the wife before these are discussed with her. Have to keep the Yin & Yang balanced around here!

Regards,
Mike

Mike, it sounds like you and I shared a similiar path into this audio hobby. Only difference is that I kept most of my gear when I got out in Nov. '92. It was the PX that introduced me to things like Infinity Kappas, Klipsch, Polk Audio SDAs, Carver, Adcom, PS Audio, Onkyo Integra, Sony ES and DBX. I also meet my modern home theater needs with current Marantz models. I would love to read some more about your systems and see some pics.

BTW, where were you stationed? I was in Augsburg Germany with the 701st MI Brigade for most of my time, and bought my gear at the Audio/Video store on Rhein Main in Frankfurt, as well as the Stuttgart A/V store, and the local PX Augsburg. Frankfurt definitely had the greatest variety, followed by Stuttgart.

Rob

Hey Rob,

Yeah, we have quite a few things in common. Besides our aficionado for Audio Gear, both were in the Army and with similar jobs. I was in Signal while you were MI, but I had assignments to the Special Security Office (SSO) and worked at the SCIF. I did Basic at Fort Jackson, AIT at Fort Gordon and spent some time at Fort Bragg, Fort Lewis & Fort Ord. Overseas tours were to Korea, Honduras, Panama, and Iraq, but I did partake in a few REFORGER deployments to Germany though.

I wish I had kept my gear as you did, even my Aquarium with my prized fish, but did not know what to expect back on the block work wise when I got out. I ended up taking the Army up on the VSI/SRB early out they offered after Desert Storm. Part of the plan implemented by Clinton to draw down the military. Since I had 8 years in, I was able to pocket 16K, which was more than my annual salary at the time. Spent some of the money on a 92’ Kawasaki ZX-7R, and the rest carried me until I got settled into civilian life.

My Brother was the one who got overseas tours in Germany and has spent most of his career over there. He has mostly been assigned to Armored Calvary units. He is a Sergeant Major now with 23 years in. He’s been trying to retire, but all E-6’s and above have been indefinitely stop lossed. He’s back in Iraq on 4th tour now, due back in June.

He’s the one who helped me get most of my restricted gear (Red star for Overseas Only) through the PX when I was stateside. I’d send him my wish list and cash and he’d order it for me. BTW you mentioned Polk's, I had a pair of SDA-SRS’s which I sold to get a pair of SRS-1.2tl’s, both of which I wish I’d kept hold of now!

Sorry for the segue all, so back to my topic of the thread! On Monday, I found out from my broker that they had received the Dragon-DAC and PS from the shop we purchased from. They performed an inspection, verified all was good, and sent me tracking info showing they had shipped it with a delivery scheduled on the 18th by 4:30.

Well to my surprise look what showed up today!

Dragon-DAC - Front





Dragon-DAC - Back





Dragon-PS - Front





Dragon-PS - Back





Now to be added to my-

Dragon-CD - Front





Dragon-CD - Back





Dragon-PS - Front





Dragon-PS - Back





Dragon-Remote





A few Family Shots!





The Wood on the Japanese DAC and PS is slightly darker than the US, but not very noticeable with out the flash of the camera.





Everything is sitting on top of a new Bell'O PR-15E that was delivered yesterday (see photo of damage below) so all the furniture is pushed to the center of the living room while I wait for shipper to pick-up for claim. In addition, some Martin Logan Clarity’s in back I am replacing the stators on.





Now I have to wait for them to get me the replacement, since this was for my dedicated stereo setup as I've outgrown my lowboy to house both my HT and 2 channel gear. I did get a chance to umbilical over to get some listening in and mating the two together was definitely worth it. I'll be able to post a more detailed review of the complete setup once I get everything housed permanently. The wife does not like cables stretched across the floor!

Well, best get some more listening in before the wife makes me disconnect!

Regards,
Mike


This post has been edited by Tower Boss on November 13, 2008 10:10 pm