Although introductory impressions suggested otherwise, the Swiss was spatially no smaller. The closest instrumental images projected a bit smaller and farther from my ears for extra points on air and accuracy but worked on roughly the same width and depth. Trilogy's harder pencil drew thicker images with less space in-between with both speakers on hand. On speed, control, immediacy and slam things were a draw. Extra gravitas downstairs allowed the Brit chunkier blows where the Classic INT retaliated in the high notes which were a touch weightier, finer, more shimmery and longer on decays. Trilogy's midrange was meatier, Nagra's more flexile, ripped and tonally honest. You get the idea.

The key takeaway was that the Swiss didn't feel small by comparison to two large monos and a linestage worth about three times more. On subjective power, willingness to handle the most challenging dynamic passages and simply acting impervious, Nagra's integrated surpassed my initial expectations. It knew when to act the wildling and slam hard, then morph into a polite sensual specimen exquisitely profiled and enchanting, lucid and emotionally persuasive. It offered top articulation, finesse and insight no matter the music. It was dense enough to keep most ears very happy yet infused with distinctive elegance and refinement I've heard only once before applied this generously in an integrated amp. Here I mean the little Bakoon AMP-13R wonder which never left my place past publishing its review to be at my disposal during this assignment.

Now I can confess why mere minutes into the first audition, my curiosity about the Classic INT took a sharp turn into unconcealed admiration. Its undeniable similarity to Bakoon's voicing was the reason. My fondness for the latter just had to be contained so Trilogy's hardware was the first reference. The skirmish with the AMP-13R was brief and on the sound|kaos Vox 3awf but what I learnt along the road was very clear. Although different price tags and power ratings make these two amps distant relatives at best, on performance into this load they were pretty much twins. My ears detected no major disparity to suggest definite superiority of one over the other. If anything, Nagra's sound was a tad beefier over Bakoon's slightly quicker more illuminated approach.

Finally it was time to investigate the Classic INT with/without its optional VFS platform. Such anti-vibration accessories are known for finishing touches rather than changing any core voicing. The Swiss base followed suit by reinforcing control over bass to make it firmer, injecting extra substance across the board, boosting colors and further increasing background blackness. On top of its VFS companion, the Nagra sounded like a posher version of itself and the procedure was free from downsides but the question about gains versus expense remained. Nagra's own descriptions list their tube products as most susceptible to the VFS support so the fairly mild efficacy under the Classic INT was no surprise. Yet its contribution was audible and meaningful so good enough for me. Besides, Nagra's amp without this two-level bed looked incomplete so given visual attractiveness upon stacking them, I'd gladly pay for the latter even if it were just a decorative accessory. – Dawid Grzyb

For Dawid's full review, click here.