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DACs — Nuprime Audio AMG DAC
Description, images, technical data and specifications
Nuprime Audio AMG DAC
Image source — © Nuprime Audio
The AMG DAC from NuPrime Audio pairs D/A conversion with a preamplifier stage, and its maker targets studio professionals and high-end audiophiles. It combines five digital inputs with one analogue stereo input in a compact grey case, and NuPrime lists it at USD 1,999 with a 2-year warranty.
Key specs that matter
Decoding reaches PCM 384 kHz and DSD256, with native DSD playback supported through ASIO 2.1 as well as the DoP method. Conversion is handled by two ESS Technology ES9038Q2M 32-bit chips, one for each channel. The balanced XLR output delivers 4 Vrms and the RCA output 2 Vrms, and a high or low gain setting changes the level by a factor of two. NuPrime specifies a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz within 0.3 dB, noise more than 110 dB below the signal and THD+N below 0.05 percent. The unit measures 55 x 235 x 300 mm and weighs 4 kg.
Engineering and use context
Running each channel on its own DAC chip is intended to improve channel separation and lower the overall noise. The current-to-voltage stage uses a Muses 8820, and the preamp section is built from discrete parts for both voltage and current amplification, with a current transmitter design that works without a negative feedback amplifier and discrete Class A transistors. JFETs with ultra-low noise are fitted at the input, volume is set by a Muses 72320 control chip, and Vishay MELF film resistors are used in the circuit. A NuPrime sample rate converter chip, developed jointly with a chip maker, upsamples incoming data to the megahertz range before converting it down to the target rate. Volume can be set separately for each input, USB transfer is asynchronous, and the microprocessor retains settings in memory. On the front panel, one knob handles standby and input selection and a second sets volume and mutes when pressed, while two toggle switches choose the gain and lock the output at maximum level for use with an external volume control. The display shows the incoming PCM or DSD rate, a 00 to 99 volume reading and the active input, and an eight-button remote duplicates the main functions. The mains voltage is selectable between 90 to 130 V and 210 to 250 V.
Pairing
The inputs cover a coaxial and an optical connection for a disc player or a television, a USB port for a computer or NAS, an extension port for the optional NuPrime BTR-HD or LP10 wireless receivers, an analogue RCA input, and an IIS input over an HDMI connector reserved for NuPrime sources. Along with the XLR and RCA outputs, a trigger output can switch on a connected power amplifier.
Alternatives
NuPrime also offers the DAC-9, a converter with preamp functions built around an AK4490 chip.
Key specs that matter
Decoding reaches PCM 384 kHz and DSD256, with native DSD playback supported through ASIO 2.1 as well as the DoP method. Conversion is handled by two ESS Technology ES9038Q2M 32-bit chips, one for each channel. The balanced XLR output delivers 4 Vrms and the RCA output 2 Vrms, and a high or low gain setting changes the level by a factor of two. NuPrime specifies a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz within 0.3 dB, noise more than 110 dB below the signal and THD+N below 0.05 percent. The unit measures 55 x 235 x 300 mm and weighs 4 kg.
Engineering and use context
Running each channel on its own DAC chip is intended to improve channel separation and lower the overall noise. The current-to-voltage stage uses a Muses 8820, and the preamp section is built from discrete parts for both voltage and current amplification, with a current transmitter design that works without a negative feedback amplifier and discrete Class A transistors. JFETs with ultra-low noise are fitted at the input, volume is set by a Muses 72320 control chip, and Vishay MELF film resistors are used in the circuit. A NuPrime sample rate converter chip, developed jointly with a chip maker, upsamples incoming data to the megahertz range before converting it down to the target rate. Volume can be set separately for each input, USB transfer is asynchronous, and the microprocessor retains settings in memory. On the front panel, one knob handles standby and input selection and a second sets volume and mutes when pressed, while two toggle switches choose the gain and lock the output at maximum level for use with an external volume control. The display shows the incoming PCM or DSD rate, a 00 to 99 volume reading and the active input, and an eight-button remote duplicates the main functions. The mains voltage is selectable between 90 to 130 V and 210 to 250 V.
Pairing
The inputs cover a coaxial and an optical connection for a disc player or a television, a USB port for a computer or NAS, an extension port for the optional NuPrime BTR-HD or LP10 wireless receivers, an analogue RCA input, and an IIS input over an HDMI connector reserved for NuPrime sources. Along with the XLR and RCA outputs, a trigger output can switch on a connected power amplifier.
Alternatives
NuPrime also offers the DAC-9, a converter with preamp functions built around an AK4490 chip.
Specifications
Model name
AMG DAC
Conversion type
N/A
Engine
N/A
DSD compatability
N/A
Parameters
N/A
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
20
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
20 000
Gain (dBu)
x2
Output Level (balanced) (V)
4
Output Level (single-ended) (V)
2
Input Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Analog outputs
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)
>110
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (% at 22 kHz)
< 0.05
Dimensions (mm)
55 x 235 x 300
Weight (kg)
4
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