Стримеры — Nuprime Audio Stream-9

The Stream-9 is a network streamer from NuPrime Audio, founded by former NuForce engineers. It is a multi-room streaming station with digital outputs for an external DAC, part of the half-width 9 Series with the DAC-9X and STA-9X. Its key feature is a selectable sample rate converter using a NuPrime chip.

Key specs that matter

It streams over Wi-Fi at up to 24-bit/192 kHz and receives Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD. Streaming services include Qobuz, TIDAL, Spotify Connect, Deezer, iHeartRadio, TuneIn and QQ Music, with AirPlay 2 and DLNA. Coaxial and optical inputs accept PCM up to 192 kHz and DSD64 by DoP. The sample rate converter outputs PCM up to 24-bit/768 kHz and DSD256, on the I2S output on HDMI and the AES/EBU output, while the coaxial and optical outputs run up to 192 kHz. The processor is a 64-bit quad-core Arm Cortex-A53. The power supply is linear. The unit measures 281 x 235 x 55 mm and weighs 4 kg. US pricing was USD 999.

Engineering and use context

NuPrime customised the sample rate converter chips with a Taiwanese IC design house. The converter upsamples the incoming signal internally to frequencies in the megahertz range and then converts it to the chosen output rate, with very low jitter and distortion, which can suit DACs that perform best at higher rates. The upsampling can be switched off when the partnering DAC is preferred at native rates. It works on streaming and on the digital inputs, so a CD transport or television can also be converted. The I2S output on an HDMI connector passes the signal in the format used inside DACs, with separate clock and data lines, to converters with a matching input. A low-noise linear power supply replaces the switch-mode supplies common in streamers. The Bluetooth receiver includes a signal extender for a range of over 30 m, but the Stream-9 cannot send audio to Bluetooth headphones. The free 4Stream app for iOS and Android selects sources and groups destination speakers for multi-room playback. Qobuz and TIDAL in high resolution are played through apps such as MConnect or BubbleUPnP using DLNA. Finishes are black and silver. The remote has preset keys 1 to 9 for favourite services, and the network port is Gigabit Ethernet. Qobuz Connect is not supported.

Pairing

The Stream-9 pairs naturally with NuPrime's 9 Series DAC and power amplifier. Its I2S output suits DACs with an I2S input on HDMI.

Alternatives

NuPrime's Stream Mini is the brand's smaller network streamer.