NuPrime DAC-9X

• Dual ESS 32-bit ESS9028Q2M DACs, one for each channel.
• USB PCM384, I2S PCM384, and DSD256
• Supports MQA
• Preamp with resistor network
• Isolating vibration-damping feet
• Six digital inputs, one set of RCA analog inputs
• Trigger out
• USB extension port for streaming (NuPrime Omnia Stream Mini, WR-2, or BTR-HD for Bluetooth). This is a special port that provides S/PDIF signals and 5 V power.

Reference-class DAC with a 6.3 mm headphone output, designed for studio professionals.

With six digital inputs (including 2 x IIS/DSD) and one analog stereo input, RCA and balanced XLR outputs, and decoding for PCM 384K, DSD256, and MQA, the NuPrime DAC-9X is a reference-class DAC for studio professionals and discerning audiophiles. The DAC-9X also has a standard 6.3 mm stereo headphone output.

Preamp

For those who want fewer devices in their system, a preamp that can drive the power amplifier is an important part of the design. The DAC-9X preamp features:

• Analog volume control with a low-noise, low-distortion resistor ladder, similar to a switched resistor network.
• Digitally controlled analog dual-mono volume control that shunts to ground, with no added noise or distortion.
• Individually adjustable volume for each input, for precise level matching between sources.

The built-in preamp means you don't need extra analog signal cables or connector interfaces.

The heart

At the heart of your system, the DAC-9X supports a wide range of inputs and formats. Two 32-bit ESS9028Q2M DACs from ESS Technology decode the left and right channels separately, improving channel separation and reducing overall noise. Professional MELF film resistors from Vishay contribute to excellent sound quality.

Power circuitry

Mains hum is kept to a minimum with a low-noise power supply with vibration damping. The rest of the power circuitry on the board is also designed to minimize noise.

Built-in MQA decoding

The DAC-9X features MQA technology, allowing you to play MQA files and MQA streams with the sound of the original master recording. The LED on the front lights up green or blue when the device is decoding and playing an MQA stream or MQA file, indicating that the audio is identical to the source material. Blue indicates an MQA Studio file, which has either been approved in the studio by the artist or producer or verified by the copyright holder. Magenta indicates that the device is rendering an MQA stream or MQA file, meaning it is performing the final unfolding of the MQA file. Learn more about MQA at: https://www.mqa.co.uk/

Other features

• NuPrime's proprietary SRC circuit (developed together with the circuit manufacturer) provides DSP processing in which the input signal is upsampled to the megahertz range before being downsampled to the selected sampling rate, with ultra-low jitter and distortion.
• Extension port for Bluetooth receiver and WiFi streamer (optional).
• Fully microprocessor-controlled, with settings memory.
• Supports native DSD playback via ASIO 2.1 and DoP.
• Extremely low-noise JFET transistors in the input stage for the lowest possible noise floor.
• Asynchronous transfer.
• Very low power consumption in standby.

Bluetooth and WiFi receivers

NuPrime has equipped the unit with a USB-A port that transmits S/PDIF data and 5 V power, allowing an external wireless receiver to be connected with a single regular USB cable.

NuPrime's wireless receivers Omnia WR-1, BTR-HD, Stream Mini and Stream Mini DAC have a micro-USB port that conforms to this standard. Therefore, a regular USB-A to micro-USB cable is sufficient both to power the receiver and to transmit audio wirelessly in S/PDIF format.

Specifications:

Inputs, rear:

• USB: Type B 2.0 Hi-Speed. Windows: up to 384 kHz/24 bit and native DSD256. Mac/Linux: up to 384 kHz/24 bit and DoP DSD128.
• IIS/DSD: PCM 44.1-384 kHz/32 bit and DSD64-DSD256.
• Optical: PCM 44.1-192 kHz/24 bit and DoP64.
• Coaxial: PCM 44.1-384 kHz/24 bit and DoP64 and DoP128.
• RCA: audio signal up to 1 Vrms.
• Extension port: PCM 44.1-192 kHz/24 bit.

Outputs, front:

• 6.3 mm TRS headphone output
  Output power: 1700 mW into 32 ohms, <0.01 % THD (per channel).
  Output power: 135 mW into 600 ohms, <0.005 % THD (per channel).

Outputs, rear:

• Unbalanced RCA outputs: 2 x 4 Vrms
• Balanced XLR outputs: 2 x 8 Vrms
• Optical S/PDIF output (PCM up to 192 kHz, DSD64 in DoP format)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz ±0.3 dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 110 dB
• THD+N: < 0.0005 %
• Dimensions: 235 (W) x 281 (D) x 60 (H) mm including feet
• Weight: 2.5 kg
• Mains voltage: 90-130 V AC / 210-250 V AC with voltage selector
• Fuse: slow-blow, 2.5 A, 250 V