NuPrime AMG DAC D/A Converter with Preamplifier, Grey

The NuPrime AMG DAC is a digital-to-analogue converter with an integrated preamplifier that combines two ESS9038Q2M chips in a true dual-mono layout with a discrete Class-A output stage.

In other words: you don't just get yet another DAC, but a small control centre that converts your digital sources cleanly, controls the volume and passes the signal directly to your power amplifier or active speakers. One chassis, a short signal path, one stack of boxes less in the rack.

Why the AMG DAC?

The dual-mono layout consistently separates the left and right channels – each channel gets its own ESS9038Q2M converter. The result is a wide, stable soundstage and channel separation in which instruments keep their place instead of clumping together in the middle.

The discrete Class-A output stage provides the more analogue, effortless fundamental tone, and the highly linear Muses 72320 volume control lets you go straight into a power amplifier – with no separate preamplifier in between.

NuPrime describes the AMG series with fine detail, rich tone and spatial imaging – separates with a character of their own, built for chains that you put together building block by building block. The AMG DAC is the building block for «every source, more music».

What you get

With PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD256, the AMG DAC plays high-resolution recordings without detours. The asynchronous transfer mode keeps jitter low, which is noticeable above all in the highs and in the quiet between the notes.

There is no shortage of connections: five digital inputs (coaxial, optical, USB, I²S via an HDMI socket and an expansion port) plus one analogue stereo input (RCA) take in pretty much any source from the CD player to the phono preamplifier. On the output side there are balanced XLR (4 Vrms) and unbalanced RCA (2 Vrms). And because the level can be adjusted per input, the CD player isn't suddenly louder than the streamer.

Via the expansion port, an optional wireless receiver (Bluetooth or WiFi streamer) can be retrofitted later – so you don't have to answer the wireless question today.

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Who is the AMG DAC for?

Ideal if you want a serious digital source that also works as a preamplifier, and value XLR and hi-res. If you already own a high-quality preamplifier, simply use it as a pure converter.

Plain speaking: If sonic details are of no interest to you and a DAC just means sound from the streamer, this is a size too big – a fraction of it will do just as well. But anyone who listens closely quickly notices what the effort is for.

Our verdict

The AMG DAC is the rare kind of device that is technically cleanly built and is still fun. Jason Kennedy tested it in September 2022 for The Ear and describes the sound as smoothing and refined, but not boring; the bass also has real weight, and the quality of voices is particularly good. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, we especially appreciate how unobtrusively it fits into an existing chain.

Technical specifications

• Converters: 2× ESS9038Q2M, dual-mono layout (left/right separate)
• Output stage: discrete Class-A transistors
• Volume control: Muses 72320 (highly linear), level adjustment per input
• Supported formats: PCM up to 384 kHz, DSD256
• Inputs: 5 digital (coaxial, optical, USB, I²S via HDMI socket, expansion port for optional wireless receiver) + 1 analogue (stereo RCA)
• Outputs: 1× XLR balanced, 1× stereo RCA, 1× trigger
• Output level: XLR 4 Vrms, RCA 2 Vrms
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.3 dB)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 110 dB
• THD+N: < 0.05 %
• Expansion port: for Bluetooth receiver or WiFi streamer
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 235 × 55 × 300 mm
• Weight: 4 kg
• Colour: Grey
• Warranty: 2 years

FAQ

Does the NuPrime AMG DAC need a separate preamplifier?
No, not necessarily. With the Muses 72320 circuit, the AMG DAC has a highly linear volume control on board and can be connected directly to a power amplifier or to active speakers. If you already own a high-quality preamplifier, you can just as well integrate it as a pure converter.

Which resolutions does the AMG DAC support?
The AMG DAC handles PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD256. Two ESS9038Q2M converters in a dual-mono layout and the asynchronous transfer mode keep jitter low. For high-resolution streaming and local hi-res files, you therefore don't need an additional external converter.

Can I use the AMG DAC wirelessly?
Yes, via the expansion port. A Bluetooth receiver or a WiFi audio streamer can be retrofitted there, so you can also feed it wirelessly. Streaming services are an option, not a must – internet radio, network files or classic sources such as CD and vinyl work just as well.

Does the AMG DAC suit the NuPrime AMG STA power amplifier?
Yes, both come from the AMG series and are matched to each other. Via the DAC's balanced XLR outputs, a compact, high-quality chain results together with the power amplifier. We are happy to clarify in person at HD Zürisee which speakers go best with it.

Why buy the NuPrime AMG DAC at HD Zürisee?
Because we don't just sell devices, we put them in context. We tell you honestly whether the AMG DAC suits your system, your speakers and your room, and with our own technician we take care of setup and service. Call us, write to us or drop by in Wädenswil.

Goes well with

The AMG DAC is the control centre of the AMG chain – the rest grows around it step by step:

• Expansion: Because the DAC controls the volume itself, a power amplifier is all you need next – for example the AMG STA-SE or two AMG ONE as monoblocks. Four devices of the same width stack more neatly in the rack than any hotchpotch.
• Analogue: If you have analogue sources or want to adjust bass and gain specifically, the AMG PRA complements the chain as a preamplifier.
• Digital: A streamer via coax, USB or I²S is suitable as a source. Alternatively, the expansion port optionally accepts a wireless receiver.
• Connection: The DAC has a balanced output – XLR cables are the obvious choice.
• Speakers: Plus the matching speakers – we are happy to advise you on combination and room.
• More from the series: NuPrime