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DACs — Nuprime Audio DAC-9X
Description, images, technical data and specifications
Nuprime Audio DAC-9X
Image source — © Nuprime Audio
The DAC-9X is a compact digital-to-analogue converter from NuPrime Audio that can also run as a preamp with volume control or as a headphone amp, and the company pitches it as a reference-class converter for studio professionals as well as home listeners. It arrived with a UK price of GBP 1,199 and a US price of USD 1,425, sits in a desktop-sized box, and carries a one-year warranty from NuPrime.
Key specs that matter
The converter stage uses two ESS Technology ES9028Q2M 32-bit chips, one assigned to each channel. USB accepts PCM up to 384 kHz at 24 bits and native DSD256 under Windows, while Mac and Linux machines get DSD128 through DoP. Two HDMI-type I2S/DSD sockets take PCM up to 384 kHz at 32 bits and DSD64 to DSD256, coaxial reaches 384 kHz, and optical stops at 192 kHz. An extension port accepts NuPrime Bluetooth and WiFi receivers at up to 192 kHz, and one RCA analogue input tolerates up to 1 Vrms. MQA files are decoded natively, with LED colours marking decoding or rendering. Rear outputs deliver 8 Vrms balanced on XLR and 4 Vrms on RCA, plus an optical S/PDIF output. NuPrime quotes 20 Hz to 20 kHz within 0.3 dB, SNR better than 110 dB and THD+N under 0.0005%. The case is 55 mm high, 235 mm wide and 281 mm deep, with a mass of 3 kg.
Engineering and use context
Level is governed by a digitally controlled dual-mono analogue shunt-to-ground network with 99 steps of 0.5 dB, and each input keeps its own level so sources of different output can be matched. Low-noise JFETs sit in the input stage and Vishay capacitors are used in signal-critical spots. The internal supply is linear, its toroid and regulators placed toward the front of the case, with the mains selector set for 90-130 V or 210-250 V, and standby draw is kept very low. Two rotary encoders pick sources and set level, a small toggle switch fixes or releases the output level, and an LED matrix shows input and sample rate. An infrared handset is supplied, USB runs in asynchronous mode, and a 12 V trigger output can wake other gear.
Pairing
With variable output engaged, the XLR or RCA sockets can go straight into NuPrime or third-party power stages and active loudspeakers, and an external phono stage wired to the analogue input shares the same level control. The front 6.3 mm jack gives 1,700 mW into 32 ohm at under 0.01% THD and 135 mW into 600 ohm, so both low-impedance and high-impedance headphones are covered, and plugging in mutes the rear outputs. Streamers that output I2S over HDMI can connect through the dedicated sockets.
Alternatives
The NuPrime Evolution DAC-2 is a full-width converter with dual ES9038Q2M chips, nine digital inputs and upsampling to 768 kHz PCM or DSD512.
Key specs that matter
The converter stage uses two ESS Technology ES9028Q2M 32-bit chips, one assigned to each channel. USB accepts PCM up to 384 kHz at 24 bits and native DSD256 under Windows, while Mac and Linux machines get DSD128 through DoP. Two HDMI-type I2S/DSD sockets take PCM up to 384 kHz at 32 bits and DSD64 to DSD256, coaxial reaches 384 kHz, and optical stops at 192 kHz. An extension port accepts NuPrime Bluetooth and WiFi receivers at up to 192 kHz, and one RCA analogue input tolerates up to 1 Vrms. MQA files are decoded natively, with LED colours marking decoding or rendering. Rear outputs deliver 8 Vrms balanced on XLR and 4 Vrms on RCA, plus an optical S/PDIF output. NuPrime quotes 20 Hz to 20 kHz within 0.3 dB, SNR better than 110 dB and THD+N under 0.0005%. The case is 55 mm high, 235 mm wide and 281 mm deep, with a mass of 3 kg.
Engineering and use context
Level is governed by a digitally controlled dual-mono analogue shunt-to-ground network with 99 steps of 0.5 dB, and each input keeps its own level so sources of different output can be matched. Low-noise JFETs sit in the input stage and Vishay capacitors are used in signal-critical spots. The internal supply is linear, its toroid and regulators placed toward the front of the case, with the mains selector set for 90-130 V or 210-250 V, and standby draw is kept very low. Two rotary encoders pick sources and set level, a small toggle switch fixes or releases the output level, and an LED matrix shows input and sample rate. An infrared handset is supplied, USB runs in asynchronous mode, and a 12 V trigger output can wake other gear.
Pairing
With variable output engaged, the XLR or RCA sockets can go straight into NuPrime or third-party power stages and active loudspeakers, and an external phono stage wired to the analogue input shares the same level control. The front 6.3 mm jack gives 1,700 mW into 32 ohm at under 0.01% THD and 135 mW into 600 ohm, so both low-impedance and high-impedance headphones are covered, and plugging in mutes the rear outputs. Streamers that output I2S over HDMI can connect through the dedicated sockets.
Alternatives
The NuPrime Evolution DAC-2 is a full-width converter with dual ES9038Q2M chips, nine digital inputs and upsampling to 768 kHz PCM or DSD512.
Specifications
Model name
DAC-9X
Conversion type
N/A
Engine
N/A
DSD compatability
Yes
Parameters
up to 384KHz/24Bit and DSD256
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
20
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
20 000
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Output Level (balanced) (V)
N/A
Output Level (single-ended) (V)
N/A
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)
0.0005
Dimensions (mm)
55 x 235 x 281
Weight (kg)
3
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