NuPrime Evolution DAC-2 DAC, Silver

The NuPrime Evolution DAC-2 is a high-end digital-to-analog converter with a reference preamplifier: two ESS chips in dual-mono design, nine digital inputs and an output stage that manages entirely without tubes – pure solid-state.

This elegantly resolves an old question: DAC or preamplifier? Both, in one chassis. Straight to the power amplifier, done – fewer devices, fewer cables, fewer links in the transmission chain.

Why the Evolution DAC-2?

NuPrime from Taiwan has proven in a short time that brand history is no substitute for engineering. The Evolution DAC-2 is the flagship of the source section: dual-mono from chip to chip, shielded C-core transformers and a power supply with approx. 60,000 µF.

The analog output stage works with a MUSES8820 operational amplifier and a MUSES72320 volume control chip – a clear, direct signal path without tube magic. If you want warmth, you get it from the power amplifier or the speakers; the DAC-2 stays neutral and detailed.

NuPrime describes the Evolution series as reference class: detailed, wide, relaxed. The DAC-2 contributes the converter section – with nine digital inputs, a selectable sample-rate converter (PSRC, including PCM→DSD) and level matching per source, so that switching from a quiet to a loud source does not hurt your ears. The guiding principle of the series: «Every source. More music.»

What you get

• ✅ Dual-mono ESS ES9038Q2M: Two ESS converter chips – one for left, one for right. Channel separation and the silence between the notes benefit directly.
• ✅ Reference preamplifier: MUSES8820 and MUSES72320, variable or fixed outputs, plus level matching per source – straight to the power amplifier, done.
• ✅ MQA and firmware updates: MQA decoding on the digital inputs, USB firmware updatable via USB.
• ✅ PCM up to 768 kHz, DSD up to DSD512: DSD512 via USB (Windows; varies depending on input and operating system). For hi-res streaming and music server setups, the DAC-2 extracts every bit.
• ✅ 9 digital inputs plus 2 analog: USB, coaxial, optical, AES/EBU and I2S – plus 2 × RCA analog. Rarely does a source get left out.
• ✅ NuPrime PSRC: Selectable sample-rate converter, also with PCM→DSD conversion – if you like to experiment, you have room to play; if not, simply leave it off.
• ✅ Shielded C-core transformers and approx. 60,000 µF: The least spectacular and at the same time most important component of a device.

Who is the Evolution DAC-2 suited for?

For anyone who wants to get the maximum from a digital source – with a preamplifier on board that shortens the path to the power amplifier. Ideal for high-resolution streaming, music servers and demanding power amplifiers.

Honestly: The I2S input runs over an HDMI cable with NuPrime's own protocol – not to be confused with HDMI ARC. Without a compatible streamer you use USB-B or AES/EBU and are also doing excellently. If you are only looking for a simple DAC without a preamplifier, you pay here for reserves you do not need. And: the DAC-2 has no tube stage – it is deliberately a pure solid-state converter.

Our verdict

We recommend the Evolution DAC-2 to someone who wants to get everything out of the digital source and take a reference preamplifier along at the same time. Dual-mono, nine inputs, clean power supply reserves: it justifies its place in the setup when source, power amplifier and speakers play at a similar level. Whether it does so in your case, we will find out together.

Technical specifications

• DAC chip: 2× ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M (dual-mono)
• USB formats: PCM up to 768 kHz, DSD up to DSD512 (USB, Windows; varies depending on input/operating system)
• Coaxial / optical / AES/EBU: Coaxial and AES/EBU PCM up to 384 kHz, optical PCM up to 192 kHz; MQA decoding on the digital inputs
• Digital inputs: 9 (USB, coaxial, optical, AES/EBU, I2S)
• Analog inputs: 2 × RCA
• Analog outputs: XLR (balanced, 8 Vrms), RCA (unbalanced, 4 Vrms), variable or fixed; output impedance below 50 Ω
• Output stage: Solid-state, MUSES8820 + MUSES72320
• Volume control: MUSES72320, individually tuned volume curve, level matching per source
• Sample-rate converter: NuPrime PSRC, selectable (incl. PCM→DSD)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.3 dB)
• THD+N: < 0.0005 %
• Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR): > 110 dB
• Power supply: shielded C-core transformers, approx. 60,000 µF
• Power consumption: 13.5 W (standby 0.9 W)
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 430 × 57 × 375 mm
• Weight: 5.2 kg
• Housing: vibration-damping aluminium
• Colour: Silver
• Warranty: 2 years
• What's in the box: Evolution DAC-2, infrared remote control, power cable, USB-A to USB-B cable, quick start guide

FAQ

Does the Evolution DAC-2 have a tube output stage?
No. The DAC-2 is a pure solid-state converter. The analog output stage works with MUSES components and offers variable or fixed outputs, optionally assigned left, right or mixed, balanced via XLR or unbalanced via RCA.

Can I connect the Evolution DAC-2 directly to a power amplifier?
Yes. The volume control with MUSES72320 makes it a full-fledged preamplifier. No separate preamplifier chassis, no additional set of cables – fewer links in the signal path, which can have a positive effect on the sound 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 what it suits and what it does not. Questions about the right cabling, the matching power amplifier or the optimal streamer are answered directly by Andy or Maurizio. No call centre, no ticket system.

Goes well with

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

• Expansion: The Evolution STA-SE (stereo, 2 × 400 W) or two Evolution TWO-SE as monoblocks form the matching chain with the DAC-2 – you will find both among the power amplifiers. If you want it more compact: integrated amplifiers.
• Connection: Balanced XLR cables – the outputs of the DAC-2 are XLR, so it is worth it.
• Digital: An equal source: streamer or the Evolution Stream Server as music server and Roon hub (music server).
• Mains: The Pure AC-6 power conditioner from the Power series fits – the audible effect depends, as NuPrime itself writes, on the rest of the system. We will tell you openly whether it is worthwhile for you.
• More from the series: NuPrime