NuPrime AMG HPA Headphone Amplifier, Grey

The NuPrime AMG HPA is a balanced Class-A headphone amplifier with an integrated preamplifier that combines three headphone outputs and a 100-step Muses 72320 volume control.

In other words: this is the kind of headphone amplifier that finally does justice to your good headphones – and incidentally also works as a preamplifier. An R-core transformer and pure Class-A operation keep the background quiet so that fine details don't get lost in the noise.

Why the AMG HPA?

Class A here means constantly working amplification without the typical crossover distortion – you hear that as warmth and calm. Together with 26'000 µF of filter capacitance, the R-core transformer provides a clean, stable power supply, which pays off especially in dynamic passages.

The 1 MΩ input impedance accepts analogue sources gently and keeps distortion low. And because the whole thing is built in a balanced design, the left and right channels stay cleanly separated.

NuPrime describes the AMG series with fine detail, rich tone and spatial imaging. The HPA is the building block for «an intimate connection to music» – that is, for everyone who prefers to sit in an armchair with headphones rather than with speakers in the room.

What you get

The AMG HPA serves three headphone worlds at once: 6.3 mm unbalanced for the classic, plus 4.4 mm and 4-pin XLR for balanced-wired headphones – all three sockets are on the front. The question «Will my cable fit?» is answered with yes by the HPA. Via the balanced output, up to 3500 mW at 32 ohms is available (6.3 mm: 2000 mW) – enough reserve even for high-impedance models.

On the input side, you take in several sources via XLR and three RCA pairs. And thanks to preamplifier outputs (XLR and RCA) plus the fine Muses 72320 control in 100 steps, the headphone amplifier becomes the preamplifier of your system when needed.

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Who is the AMG HPA for?

For everyone who owns serious headphones – above all balanced-wired or high-impedance ones – and wants an amplifier that can also work as a preamplifier. Ideal as a partner to the AMG DAC.

Plain speaking: Anyone who only occasionally listens to in-ears on the phone doesn't need these reserves – it would be like driving a sports car just to the letterbox. But as soon as good, demanding headphones come into play, the AMG HPA plays to its strengths.

Our verdict

The AMG HPA is a grown-up headphone amplifier with the pleasant dual role as a preamplifier. HiFi-Advice listened to it in December 2020 as a side story to the test of the AMG STA: as a preamplifier in front of the STA, it is said to be a usable companion, but the test sees the natural partner of the STA in the AMG PRA. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, we like that it makes itself useful not only with headphones but across the whole chain.

Technical specifications

• Design: balanced Class-A headphone amplifier with preamplifier function
• Volume control: 2× Muses 72320, 100 steps (0–99)
• Power supply: R-core transformer, 26'000 µF filter capacitance
• Inputs: 1× XLR balanced, 3× stereo RCA
• Outputs: 6.3 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced (all three on the front), preamplifier XLR + RCA
• Input impedance: 1 MΩ (10 Hz – 200 kHz)
• Power (6.3 mm): max. 2000 mW @ 32 Ω / 150 mW @ 600 Ω
• Power (balanced): max. 3500 mW @ 32 Ω / 300 mW @ 600 Ω
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 200 kHz (-3 dB)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 100 dB
• Dynamic range: > 80 dB
• THD+N: 0.05 %
• Crosstalk attenuation: min. 80 dB @ 1 kHz
• Mains voltage: 90–130 / 210–250 VAC, switchable
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 235 × 55 × 300 mm
• Weight: 2.5 kg
• Colour: Grey
• Warranty: 2 years

FAQ

Which headphone connections does the NuPrime AMG HPA have?
The AMG HPA offers three headphone outputs at once: 6.3 mm unbalanced as well as 4.4 mm and 4-pin XLR balanced. In addition, there are preamplifier outputs via XLR and RCA. That way you can drive both classic and balanced-wired headphones.

How much power does the AMG HPA deliver?
Via the balanced output, the AMG HPA delivers up to 3500 mW into 32 ohms and 300 mW into 600 ohms. Even demanding, high-impedance headphones are brought up to level confidently, without running out of steam early.

Can I also use the AMG HPA as a preamplifier?
Yes. In addition to the three headphone outputs, the AMG HPA has balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs as well as the highly linear Muses 72320 volume control in 100 steps. That way it can also be integrated as a preamplifier into a chain with a power amplifier and speakers.

Does the AMG HPA suit the NuPrime AMG DAC?
Yes, both belong to the AMG series and are intended as a duo. The AMG DAC supplies the converted signal, the AMG HPA amplifies it for headphones. As a preamplifier in front of an AMG STA this works too, but HiFi-Advice sees the AMG PRA as the natural partner of the STA.

Why buy the NuPrime AMG HPA at HD Zürisee?
Because the choice of headphone amplifier depends on your headphones. We tell you whether impedance and level go together, 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 HPA is the headphone centre – and, if needed, the entry point to a larger AMG chain:

• Headphones: With 4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR and 6.3 mm, almost all demanding headphones fit – we are happy to check with you whether impedance and level go together.
• Digital: The HPA has no digital inputs. The AMG DAC from the same series supplies the converted signal; alternatively you will find more DACs; streamers are suitable for feeding.
• Expansion: Thanks to preamplifier outputs (XLR and RCA), the HPA can later take over preamplifier duty in front of a power amplifier – such as the AMG STA-SE.
• Connection: Balanced connections work with cables and XLR runs – we advise you on the choice.
• More from the series: NuPrime