NuPrime DAC-9X D/A Converter with Preamp, Silver
NuPrime DAC-9X D/A Converter with Preamp, Silver
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The NuPrime DAC-9X is a digital-to-analogue converter with preamp and integrated headphone amplifier that accepts digital as well as analogue sources and outputs them via XLR and RCA directly to a power amplifier or active speakers.
In other words: three devices in one silver aluminium housing. You save yourself boxes, cables, and power outlets – and still keep full control over source, volume, and output. Remarkably versatile for a device this size.
Why the DAC-9X?
The DAC-9X is designed as a control centre: it converts your digital sources, controls volume in 99 fine steps, and passes the signal on to either headphones or, via XLR/RCA, to the power amplifier. A separate preamp becomes unnecessary in many setups.
The balanced XLR outputs provide up to 8 V – enough level to cleanly drive even longer cable runs and different power amplifiers. With 0.0015 % THD+N and a dynamic range above 113 dB, the background stays pleasantly quiet.
What you get
Connectivity is the DAC-9X's strength: USB, coaxial, optical, AES/EBU (XLR), and an analogue RCA input take in pretty much everything from a computer through a streamer to a CD transport. Over USB, PCM runs up to 384 kHz and DSD256, the S/PDIF and AES inputs up to 192 kHz.
On the output side you have balanced XLR, unbalanced RCA, an optical output, and the headphone output. The expansion port lets you add Bluetooth or WiFi streaming later – and a remote control is included for the sofa.
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Who is the DAC-9X for?
Ideal if you want a compact digital control centre that combines converter, preamp, and headphone amplifier – and you value XLR, hi-res, and plenty of inputs. It also works well as a preamp to a power amplifier such as the AMG ONE or STA-SE.
Straight talk: if you listen exclusively wirelessly from your phone and will never use the inputs, you're paying here for flexibility you don't use. If you want to bring several sources cleanly together, though, you get exactly the right tool.
Our verdict
The DAC-9X is a versatile link that brings together digital sources, headphones, and a power amplifier – without taking up much space. We at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil especially appreciate how many inputs it fits into such a compact housing, and we're happy to advise you on whether it fits your chain.
Technical data
- Design: D/A converter with preamp and headphone amplifier
- Inputs: USB, coaxial S/PDIF, optical S/PDIF, AES/EBU (XLR), analogue stereo RCA
- Outputs: stereo XLR balanced, stereo RCA, optical S/PDIF, headphone output
- Supported formats: USB up to PCM 384 kHz / DSD256; coaxial, optical, AES up to 192 kHz
- Bit resolution: 16–32 bit
- Volume control: 99 steps
- Max. output voltage (XLR): 8 V
- THD+N: 0.0015 %
- Dynamic range: > 113 dB
- Frequency response: 10 Hz – 80 kHz
- Expansion port: for Bluetooth or WiFi streaming
- Mains voltage: 90–130 / 210–250 VAC
- Dimensions (W × H × D): 235 × 55 × 281 mm
- Weight: 3 kg
- Colour: Silver
- Warranty: 2 years
- Included: DAC-9X, remote control
Frequently asked questions
Is the NuPrime DAC-9X also a preamplifier?
Yes. The DAC-9X combines a digital-to-analogue converter, preamp, and headphone amplifier in one housing. Thanks to the 99-step volume control and the XLR or RCA outputs, it can be connected directly to a power amplifier or active speakers – you don't need a separate preamp.
What inputs and resolutions does the DAC-9X have?
The DAC-9X offers USB, coaxial, optical, AES/EBU (XLR), and an analogue RCA input. Over USB it processes PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD256, the S/PDIF and AES inputs up to 192 kHz. That covers practically every digital source from a computer to a CD transport.
Does the DAC-9X have a headphone output?
Yes, a headphone amplifier is built in. So you can plug in headphones directly, without an extra device. For living-room use, a remote control is also included, letting you control volume and source comfortably from the sofa.
Can I use the DAC-9X wirelessly?
Yes, via the expansion port. Bluetooth or WiFi streaming can be added there. A streaming service is one option, not a must – local network files, internet radio, or classic sources via the digital and analogue inputs work just as well.
Why buy the NuPrime DAC-9X at HD Zürisee?
Because a DAC with preamp has to suit the rest of the chain. We tell you whether it fits your power amplifier, your headphones, and your room, and take care of setup and service with our own technician. Call, write, or come to Wädenswil.
Goes well with
To let the DAC-9X show its versatility, we've put together the right categories:
- The matching power amplifier: Power amplifiers
- The right headphones
- Playback via streamer
- The right connection: XLR cables
- More from the series: NuPrime
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