Nuprime AMG DAC silver

The NuPrime AMG DAC combines an advanced digital conversion section with integrated analog preamplification, all housed in a compact, machined aluminum chassis. This converter is designed for studio or high-fidelity listening to deliver precise, balanced sound reproduction.

Dual ESS conversion and discrete Class A transistors

The NuPrime AMG DAC is built on a refined design in which the output stages use exclusively discrete components, avoiding any negative feedback to preserve signal purity. At the heart of the device, two 32-bit ESS Sabre ESS9038Q2M chips operate in a Dual Mono configuration, with each left and right channel benefiting from independent decoding. This layout ensures optimal channel separation and a substantial reduction in background noise.

The discrete Class A transistors particularly set this DAC apart from its competitors. The absence of negative feedback in the “current conveyor” circuit produces a natural, relaxed sound free of digital harshness. Professional-grade Vishay MELF film resistors contribute to the sought-after sonic transparency. Asynchronous USB transfer effectively minimizes jitter, allowing high-resolution files to reveal their subtleties.

The integrated preamp plays a key role in the AMG DAC’s sonic signature. The output stage provides voltage amplification using discrete components, while a fast amplifier handles current amplification, again with discrete components. This design yields a three-dimensional soundstage with a deep black background and smooth, organic timbres.

MUSES volume control and proprietary DSP processing

The MUSES 72320 volume control is one of the AMG DAC’s centerpiece components. It offers exceptional linearity, essential for maintaining tonal balance at all listening levels. Each input features individually stored volume settings, allowing perfect level matching between different sources. The MUSES 8820 IV operational amplifier complements this preamplification section, contributing to the system’s transparency and musicality.

NuPrime co-developed with a semiconductor manufacturer an exclusive SRC (Sample Rate Converter) chip. This DSP processor oversamples input signals to several megahertz before converting them back to the target frequency, drastically reducing distortion and jitter. This approach enables the AMG DAC to create a very open soundspace with a focused sound field, where guitar and piano melodies naturally disperse throughout the listening room.

Ultra–low-noise JFET transistors in the input stage establish a remarkably low noise floor. An intelligent microprocessor manages all functions with full parameter memory, making day-to-day use particularly comfortable.

Extensive connectivity and high-resolution formats

The versatile connectivity meets the needs of modern audio systems. The C1 coaxial input accepts signals up to 384 kHz/24-bit and DOP 64/128. The O2 optical input handles streams up to 192 kHz/24-bit and DOP 64. The USB Type-B port (U3) enables native DSD256 playback on Windows and DoP DSD128 on Mac/Linux, supporting PCM streams up to 384 kHz/24-bit.

The HDMI (HE) input deserves special attention: designed specifically for the I2S/DSD protocol, it transmits high-resolution audio data from compatible NuPrime sources. This proprietary connection should not be confused with a standard HDMI input—it will not work with a Blu-ray player or a typical TV box. Supported formats include PCM up to 384 kHz/32-bit and native DSD up to DSD256.

The E4 expansion port is a clever NuPrime innovation. This USB Type-A connector carries both the S/PDIF signal and 5V power for the brand’s wireless receivers (WR-1, WR-2, BTR-HD, Stream Mini). A simple standard USB cable is all that’s needed to add aptX HD Bluetooth or high-resolution WiFi capabilities. The A5 stereo analog input accommodates any external analog source via RCA connectors.

Professional and home outputs

The outputs reflect the device’s dual studio/audiophile purpose. Balanced XLR outputs deliver 4 Vrms (8 Vrms in High Gain mode), a standard professional level. Unbalanced RCA outputs provide 2 Vrms (4 Vrms in High Gain), suitable for home amplifiers. The front gain selector allows quick adjustment of these levels based on the connected equipment.

The fixed output mode (right toggle switch in the up position) turns the AMG DAC into a pure converter, disabling the volume control for a constant maximum level. This function is particularly useful when a high-end external preamplifier is preferred.

Technical Specifications

Highlights and Sound Characteristics

• Immersive, three-dimensional soundstage with a deep black background
• Organic, fluid timbre without digital harshness
• Exceptional rendering of micro-details and the natural texture of voices and instruments
• Realistic stage presence reproducing the original acoustic space
• Broad compatibility with all high-resolution formats and DSD
• Precise volume control with perfect level matching between sources
• Zero-feedback architecture for a relaxed, natural sound

Digital-to-Analog Conversion

• Dual 32-bit ESS Sabre 9038Q2M DAC
  • Dual Mono architecture with independent decoding for left and right channels
  • Maximum channel separation for precise stereo imaging
• Vishay MELF professional film resistors
  • Optimal signal accuracy and transparency
• Asynchronous USB transfer mode
  • Minimization of jitter
  • Optimal synchronization with the source

Preamplification and Signal Processing

• Fully discrete Class A output stages
  • Voltage and current amplification without negative feedback
  • Current-transmitter-free architecture for an open, natural sound
  • Faithful reproduction of instrument and vocal texture
• High-precision preamplifier
  • MUSES 8820 IV operational amplifier
  • Reference-linearity MUSES 72320 volume control
  • Per-input individual volume setting
• Intelligent microprocessor with configuration memory

Connectivity

Digital Inputs

• Coaxial (C1): CD, DVD, Blu-ray players, TVs, or any coaxial source
• Optical (O2): optical players, TVs, or compatible sources
• USB (U3): PC, Mac, or NAS servers in asynchronous mode
• IIS / DSD via HDMI (HE): high-resolution digital input for NuPrime-compatible sources (do not connect to a standard DVD or Blu-ray player)
• Bluetooth / WiFi Extension (E4): proprietary USB port for NuPrime wireless receivers (WR-1, WR-2, Stream Mini, BTR-HD)

Analog Input

• Stereo RCA input (A5): external analog sources

Outputs

• Balanced XLR output: 4 Vrms (professional level)
• Unbalanced RCA output: 2 Vrms
• Trigger output: control of other equipment

Audio Performance

• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.3 dB)
• Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR): greater than 110 dB
• Total harmonic distortion + noise (THD+N): less than 0.05%
• Gain: switchable High / Low x2

Formats and Compatibility

• PCM formats: up to 384 kHz
• Native DSD: up to DSD256
• DSD playback: native (ASIO 2.1) and DoP (DSD over PCM)
• Universal compatibility with all high-resolution digital sources

Power Supply

• Mains voltage: 90–130 V or 210–250 V (voltage selector)
• Fuse: T2.5 A, 250 VAC (time-delay)
• Worldwide-compatible power supply

Build and Finish

• High-quality machined aluminum chassis
• Titanium Gray finish
• Passive cooling without mechanical ventilation
• Completely silent operation

Dimensions and Weight

• Unit dimensions (H x W x D): 55 x 235 x 300 mm
• Packaging dimensions: 90 x 430 x 320 mm
• Net weight: 4 kg
• Shipping weight: 5.5 kg