Nuprime Evolution DAC2 black

The NuPrime Evolution DAC-2 is a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that stands out for its advanced audio reproduction capabilities. It incorporates modern technologies, meticulous construction, and great flexibility to deliver faithful and precise sound reproduction.

Advanced Audio Technology

At the heart of the Evolution DAC-2 is a dual DAC configuration using the 32-bit ESS9038Q2M audio converter, renowned for its exceptional performance. NuPrime has opted for independent processing of the left and right channels. This approach significantly improves channel separation and reduces overall noise, resulting in a more precise stereo image and purer sound.

The proprietary NuPrime PSRC IC chip plays a crucial role in signal processing. It enables upsampling and downsampling of sampling rates, supporting a wide range of audio formats, from PCM 44.1 kHz to PCM 768 kHz, as well as DSD64 to DSD512. This flexibility ensures optimal compatibility with various audio sources and allows full exploitation of high-resolution recordings.

The power supply circuit of the Evolution DAC-2 has been given special attention. The use of C-core transformers, less prone to leakage flux than conventional toroidal transformers, helps minimize interference. A large bank of specialized capacitors, totaling approximately 60,000 µF, ensures stable and generous power delivery to the analog and digital circuits. This meticulous power supply design results in reduced background noise and increased dynamics.

Integrated Preamplifier

The Evolution DAC-2 is not just a simple converter. It includes a reference preamplifier using high-end components. The MUSES8820 operational amplifier from Nisshinbo Micro Devices, optimized for high-end audio, is paired with the MUSES72320V electronic volume control. This combination ensures exceptional signal purity, preserving the subtlest nuances of the music.

The preamplifier offers precise, distortion-free volume control, eliminating the need for an external preamplifier in many setups. This integration simplifies the audio chain without compromising sound quality.

User Interface and Configuration Options

The NuPrime Evolution DAC-2 features an intuitive user interface, with a front display clearly showing essential information such as the selected source, the audio format being played, and the volume. Two rotary knobs on the front panel allow easy navigation through menus and parameter adjustments.

The configuration menu offers numerous customization options, including:

• Sampling rate adjustment: the ability to convert incoming signals to different PCM or DSD sampling rates
• Output configuration: choice between variable or fixed mode, enabling/disabling RCA and XLR outputs
• Output channel configuration adjustment
• Display brightness adjustment
• Jitter tolerance adjustment for digital inputs

These options allow users to fine-tune the DAC’s performance according to their preferences and the specifics of their audio system.

Sound Performance

The technological choices and build quality of the NuPrime Evolution DAC-2 result in remarkable sound performance. The extended and linear frequency response (20 Hz - 20 kHz, ±0.3 dB) ensures faithful reproduction across the entire audible spectrum. The signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 110 dB and the extremely low total harmonic distortion (THD+N < 0.0005%) guarantee a silent background and exceptional clarity.

In practice, these specifications translate into a wide and deep soundstage, precise instrument separation, and fine detail reproduction that will delight the most demanding listeners. Dynamics are preserved, allowing the full impact of intense musical passages to be felt while revealing the subtlest nuances.

MQA Support

The NuPrime Evolution DAC-2 integrates MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) technology, enabling playback of MQA files and streams with sound quality identical to the original recording. The front display indicates the detection of an MQA stream, showing “MQA” or “MQA Studio” depending on the signal source.

This feature allows users to fully enjoy high-resolution streaming music catalogs offering MQA content, providing an even more immersive listening experience faithful to the original artistic intent.

Technical Specifications

Main Features

• Asynchronous USB Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) 32/384 kHz, DXD, DSD512
• Optimized power supply circuit with C-Core transformers and power filter
• 32-bit ESS9038Q2M audio converter
• NuPrime PSRC IC chip for sample rate conversion
• Native MQA decoding on all digital inputs
• Asynchronous USB transfer mode
• Variable or fixed output level
• NuPrime anti-vibration isolation feet
• Available finishes: black or silver anodized aluminum

Audio Performance

• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.3 dB)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 110 dB
• Total harmonic distortion + noise (THD+N): < 0.0005%

Inputs/Outputs

Digital Inputs

• USB Type B 2.0 high-speed (Windows): PCM 44.1 kHz - 768 kHz, DSD512, MQA
• USB Type B 2.0 high-speed (Mac): PCM 44.1 kHz - 768 kHz / 24-bit, DoP 256
• Coaxial 1: PCM 44.1 kHz - 384 kHz, DoP 64/128, MQA
• Coaxial 2: PCM 44.1 kHz - 192 kHz, DoP 64, MQA
• Optical 1 and 2: PCM 44.1 kHz - 192 kHz, DoP 64, MQA
• AES/EBU: PCM 44.1 kHz - 384 kHz, DoP 128, MQA
• IIS/DSD 1 and 2: PCM 44.1 kHz - 384 kHz, DSD 256
• Extension: PCM 44.1 kHz - 192 kHz / 24-bit

Analog Inputs

• AN1 and AN2 (unbalanced RCA)
• Input impedance: 47 kΩ

Analog Outputs

• Unbalanced RCA: 4 V RMS
• Balanced XLR: 8 V RMS
• Output impedance: < 50 Ω

Physical Characteristics

• Dimensions (H × W × D): 57 × 430 × 375 mm
• Weight: 5.2 kg
• Package dimensions: 642 × 594 × 254 mm
• Package weight: 7.5 kg

Power Supply

• Voltage: 115 V / 230 V selector
• Power consumption: 13.5 W (0.9 W in standby)