NuPrime IA-9XG GaN Integrated Amplifier with Phono, Silver

The NuPrime IA-9XG is an ultra-compact analogue integrated amplifier with a GaN power supply, switchable sound character, and an integrated MM phono input.

It's the successor to the discontinued IA-9X and steps up significantly, above all in current delivery. Into a housing the size of a cigar box it packs 2 × 170 watts and a toggle switch that lets you decide for yourself whether it should sound analytically neutral or warm.

Why the IA-9XG?

The heart of it is the GaN power supply. Gallium nitride switches much faster than conventional silicon – energy is ready exactly when the music needs it, without delay and with little waste heat. On top comes a second, rare trump card: a switch between ODC mode for maximum detail resolution and Harmonic mode, which specifically adds even-order harmonics for the warm melt of a tube amplifier. Two amplifier characters in one device.

What you get

• ✅ Selectable sound character: toggle between ODC mode (maximum detail resolution, 0.002 % distortion) and Harmonic mode (warm tube melt).
• ✅ GaN power supply: gallium nitride delivers current lightning-fast with low noise and little waste heat – dynamics you wouldn't expect from this size.
• ✅ 2 × 170 W into 8 Ω: up to 2 × 200 W into 4 Ω and 15 A peak current – confident control even over low-efficiency speakers.
• ✅ Precise MM phono: resistance and capacitance adjustable in steps to match your cartridge – draws brilliance out of the groove.
• ✅ Balanced and RCA: 1 × XLR and 2 × RCA plus phono – enough choice for a purely analogue chain.
• ✅ Trigger input: can be switched on and off remotely, also ideal as a stereo power amplifier for the front channels in a home cinema.

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Who is the IA-9XG for?

For analogue listeners who want plenty of power and flexibility in the smallest space – and who like to decide for themselves whether their system sounds sober-precise or warm-musical. Ideal for demanding floorstanding and standmount speakers, and for vinyl fans with an MM cartridge.

Honestly: the IA-9XG is a specialist for the analogue world and deliberately has no digital inputs – NuPrime preferred to put that space into high-quality audio relays and a symmetrised power supply. If you play digitally, you need an external DAC. The phono input is designed for MM; MC cartridges need a step-up transformer. And: it gets noticeably warm under load – give it a few centimetres of air in the rack.

Our verdict

When we first hooked the IA-9XG up to large floorstanders in Wädenswil, there was disbelieving amazement at first – this lightweight plays faster and more controlled than many a 20-kilo giant. We recommend it to anyone who wants a compact analogue solution with a genuine character switch and who feeds it analogue sources or a separate DAC anyway. For MM vinyl, the adjustable phono stage is a real asset.

Technical data

• Type: analogue stereo integrated amplifier with GaN power supply and MM phono
• Sound modes: ODC mode (detail resolution) / Harmonic mode (tube character), switchable
• Power (RMS): 2 × 170 W into 8 Ω, 2 × 200 W into 4 Ω
• Peak power: 2 × 200 W into 8 Ω, 2 × 250 W into 4 Ω
• Maximum output current: 15 A into 4 Ω
• Inputs: 1 × phono MM (adjustable), 2 × analogue stereo RCA, 1 × analogue stereo XLR
• Phono MM – resistance: 32 kΩ / 47 kΩ / 100 kΩ (selectable)
• Phono MM – capacitance: 100 pF / 220 pF / 320 pF (selectable)
• Frequency response: 10 Hz – 35 kHz (− 3 dB)
• THD (distortion): 0.002 % at 20 W / 8 Ω
• Input impedance: 10 kΩ
• System control: trigger input
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 235 × 60 × 281 mm
• Weight: 3.8 kg
• Housing: aluminium, silk-matte
• Colour: Silver
• Warranty: 2 years
• Included: IA-9XG, infrared remote control, power cord, user manual

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between the IA-9XG and the old IA-9X?
The IA-9X has been discontinued. The new IA-9XG uses a GaN (gallium nitride) power supply and delivers significantly more power in a smaller footprint – 2 × 170 W RMS instead of around 90 W – plus a cleaner, faster power supply. On top comes the switchable sound character between ODC and Harmonic mode.

What do ODC mode and Harmonic mode offer?
In ODC mode, the amplifier works with very low distortion of 0.002 % – ideal for rock and complex orchestral pieces. In Harmonic mode, it specifically adds even-order harmonics that we perceive as warm and musical – lovely for jazz and vocals. You choose the character via toggle switch.

How do I set up the phono stage on the IA-9XG correctly?
You choose input resistance (32, 47, or 100 kΩ) and capacitance (100, 220, or 320 pF) to match your MM cartridge. The right matching prevents overemphasised highs or a dull sound. We're happy to go through your cartridge's datasheet with you.

Which speakers suit the IA-9XG?
Thanks to 2 × 170 W into 8 Ω and 15 A peak current, the IA-9XG confidently controls even less efficient floorstanding and standmount speakers, with bone-dry bass. We're happy to work out together which speaker suits your room and taste.

Why buy the NuPrime IA-9XG at HD Zürisee?
Because we know the device from the workshop and tell you honestly what it suits – and what it doesn't. Andy and Maurizio advise you personally on speaker matching, phono setup, and placement, service runs through our own technician. Reachable by phone, WhatsApp, or in Wädenswil.

Goes well with

The IA-9XG is the analogue amplifier core – this rounds out the chain:

• Matching speakers with a knack for fast bass
• A DAC for digital sources (streamer, PC, CD)
• A turntable with MM cartridge
• Clean connections: Cables & connectors
• More from the series: NuPrime