NuPrime Evolution DAC-2 D/A Converter, Black

The NuPrime Evolution DAC-2 is a high-end digital-to-analogue converter with a full-fledged preamp that switches between a solid-state and a tube output stage at the push of a button.

That elegantly resolves an old question: DAC or preamp? Both, in one housing. And you choose whether your music runs analytically precise through solid-state or warm and organic through the tube – not both at once, but both at the push of a button. Not a compromise, but freedom of choice.

Why the Evolution DAC-2?

NuPrime from Taiwan has proven in a short time that brand history is no substitute for engineering skill. The Evolution DAC-2 is their flagship of the source section: dual-mono from chip to transformer, separate power supplies for the analogue and digital sections, FPGA clocking with no jitter compromises.

What sets it apart from the mass of DACs in this price range is the tube output stage – and it's no gimmick. It's a full-fledged, balanced output with real vacuum tubes, built to the same standard as the solid-state path. If you want to work with focus during the day and simply enjoy music in the evening, you have both options in one device.

What you get

• ✅ Dual-mono ESS9038Q2M: Two of the best DAC chips in the world – one for left, one for right. Channel separation and the silence between the notes benefit directly.
• ✅ Selectable output stage – solid-state or tube: Solid-state for analytical precision, tube for warm musicality. Both at the same technical level – you decide by mood, genre, or speaker.
• ✅ FPGA volume control with 99 steps: No potentiometer, no noise, no loss of quality. The DAC-2 works as a full-fledged preamp – straight to the power amp, done.
• ✅ DSD512 and PCM 768 kHz: The highest that digital playback offers today. For hi-res streaming and music-server setups, the DAC-2 extracts every bit.
• ✅ 7 digital inputs incl. I2S and AES/EBU: USB-B, I2S over HDMI, 2× coaxial, 2× optical, AES/EBU. The I2S input delivers ultra-low jitter with a compatible streamer.
• ✅ C-core transformers, dual: Separate power supplies for the analogue and digital sections – the least spectacular yet most important component of a device.

Who is the Evolution DAC-2 for?

For anyone who wants to get the maximum out of a digital source and keep the sound character in their own hands – with a preamp on board that shortens the path to the power amp. Ideal for high-resolution streaming, music servers, and demanding power amplifiers.

Honestly: the I2S input delivers the lowest jitter, but runs over an HDMI cable using NuPrime's own protocol – not to be confused with HDMI ARC. Without a compatible streamer, you use USB-B or AES/EBU and are still excellently served. If you're just after a simple DAC without a preamp, you're paying here for reserves you don't need.

Our verdict

We recommend the Evolution DAC-2 to anyone who wants to get everything out of the digital source – and still wants to decide the character of the sound themselves. We at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil have heard it in our reference setup and compared both output stages with the same recording: the difference is audible, easy to place, and neither variant is the weaker one. That's actually rare – it earns its place in the setup.

Technical data

• DAC chip: 2× ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M (dual-mono)
• Digital filter: 7 selectable PCM filters
• USB formats: PCM 32-bit / 768 kHz, native DSD512
• Coaxial / optical: PCM 24-bit / 192 kHz
• Digital inputs: USB-B, I2S (HDMI), 2× coaxial, 2× optical, AES/EBU
• Analogue outputs: XLR (balanced), RCA (unbalanced)
• Output stages: solid-state + tube, switchable
• Volume control: FPGA-based, lossless, 99 steps
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.3 dB)
• THD+N: < 0.0003 %
• Dynamic range: > 120 dB
• Power consumption: < 30 W
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 430 × 57 × 375 mm
• Weight: 5.2 kg
• Housing: vibration-damping aluminium
• Colour: Black
• Warranty: 2 years
• Included: Evolution DAC-2, infrared remote control, power cord, USB-A-to-USB-B cable, quick guide

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between solid-state and tube output on the Evolution DAC-2?
The solid-state output delivers maximum precision and control – ideal for analytical listening and demanding speakers. The tube output adds an organic warmth that makes voices and acoustic instruments sound especially natural. Both paths are available balanced via XLR and built to the same high standard. You switch via remote control – without interruption, without replugging.

Can I connect the Evolution DAC-2 directly to a power amplifier?
Yes. The FPGA volume control with 99 lossless steps makes it a full-fledged preamp. No separate preamp housing, no extra set of cables – fewer links in the signal path, which shows up as a direct sonic benefit in many setups.

Which digital connection delivers the best quality?
The I2S input offers the lowest jitter – provided your streamer supports the NuPrime I2S protocol. Otherwise USB-B is the second choice, with PCM up to 768 kHz and DSD512. AES/EBU is recommended for professional sources with a balanced digital output.

Why buy the Evolution DAC-2 at HD Zürisee?
Because we know it – not just from the datasheet. We've heard it in Wädenswil, compared both output stages, and know what it suits and what it doesn't. Questions about the right cabling, the matching power amp, or the ideal streamer are answered directly by Andy or Maurizio. No call centre, no ticket system.

Goes well with

The Evolution DAC-2 is a DAC and preamp in one – what it needs is a power amplifier at its level and the right cable in between:

• The matching power amplifier or an integrated amplifier
• Balanced XLR cables – both outputs are XLR
• A source of equal standing: Streamer
• More from the series: NuPrime