ЦАПы — Nuprime Audio DAC-8

The NuPrime DAC-8 converter belongs to the 8 and 9 Series from NuPrime Audio, a company based in Sisters, Oregon. It offers eight digital inputs, two of them IIS/DSD links and feeds a stereo RCA output. NuPrime lists it at USD 799, in a black or silver anodized aluminium finish.

Key specs that matter

Through the USB Type B 2.0 Hi-Speed port a Windows computer can send streams up to 384 kHz and 24 bit with native DSD256, whereas a Mac or Linux host is limited to DoP DSD128 at the same PCM ceiling. The IIS/DSD inputs handle PCM from 44.1 kHz to 384 kHz at 32 bit and DSD64 to DSD256 streams. Coaxial covers the same PCM span at 24 bit with DoP 64 and 128, and optical tops out at 192 kHz and 24 bit with DoP 64. The unbalanced RCA outputs deliver 2 Vrms. Frequency response is 20 Hz to 20 kHz within 0.3 dB, SNR is above 110 dB and THD+N stays below 0.005 percent.

Engineering and use context

A microprocessor runs every function and retains its settings in memory, and USB transfer works in asynchronous mode. Volume is set in 99 steps of 0.5 dB, and each input carries its own level trim so that sources can be matched before switching. NuPrime supplies an exclusive driver for Windows and a standard driver for Mac. A USB Type-A extension port is a proprietary NuPrime connection, not a USB standard port - it carries S/PDIF data and 5 V power over a single cable to an optional wireless receiver and handles PCM up to 192 kHz. The mains section works on 90 to 130 V or 210 to 250 V through a voltage select switch and uses a 1 A slow-blow fuse. The case measures 55 mm high, 235 mm wide and 281 mm deep, with a weight of 2 kg. Shipped in its box it measures 80 x 390 x 360 mm and weighs 4.5 kg, and NuPrime covers the unit for one year.

Pairing

Compatible NuPrime wireless receivers for the extension port are the BTR-HD with aptX HD Bluetooth and the LP10 NuPrime Edition, which brings Google Cast, AirPlay, Tidal, Spotify and Qobuz. NuPrime notes that the same single-cable wireless link works with its IDA-8 integrated amplifier and DAC-9 converter. With its own volume control, the DAC-8 can feed a power amplifier directly from digital sources.

Alternatives

The NuPrime DAC-9X is a reference-class DAC with six digital inputs and one analogue input, RCA and XLR outputs, MQA decoding and a 6.3 mm headphone socket.