NuPrime PRA-9X Preamplifier with Phono, Silver

The NuPrime PRA-9X is a fully balanced stereo preamplifier with a MUSES8820 gain stage, integrated MM phono input and headphone output.

It is the control centre of an active chain: it takes in your sources, sets the level precisely and sends a clean signal to the power amplifier. Small in size, big in purpose – and with exactly the understated presence a good preamp should have.

Why the PRA-9X?

A preamp decides how cleanly your signal reaches the power amplifier in the first place. The PRA-9X relies on a digitally controlled volume control with analog switches and internal chip resistors – no worn-out potentiometer that skews the channels at the halfway position. The special thing: the control works in four channels with separate paths for L+, L−, R+ and R−, with distortion of only 0.0004 %. Add to that the fully balanced architecture with XLR input and output, so that even long cable runs to the power amplifiers stay noise-free. If you are building an active system, this is the sensible place to start.

NuPrime positions the 9X series for compact systems with natural sound and fair value for money. The PRA-9X is the conductor in it: it delivers not a single watt itself, but has the final say over how loud it gets – and, with phono and headphone output, over what actually gets played.

What you get

• ✅ MUSES8820 with current-boost modules: According to NuPrime, the line outputs consist of MUSES8820 operational amplifiers with a current-boost circuit – high-quality components instead of standard parts.
• ✅ Four-channel volume control: Separate paths for L+, L−, R+ and R−, in 0.5 dB steps with memory – ideal for mono power amplifiers or active speakers.
• ✅ Fully balanced: XLR input and output for low-noise, long connections to the power amplifier – the right choice for larger listening rooms. Distortion 0.0004 %.
• ✅ Integrated MM phono: Two-stage RIAA equalization, input resistance and capacitance selectable in steps so that your MM cartridge fits exactly.
• ✅ Headphone output: 6.3 mm jack with 560 mW into 32 Ω and 110 mW into 600 Ω.
• ✅ Relay source selection: Inputs and outputs are switched via relays.
• ✅ Trigger on/off: Switches the power amplifier and sources on and off in sync – tidy operation without power-strip acrobatics.

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Who is the PRA-9X suited for?

For anyone building an active system: the PRA-9X plus one or two NuPrime power amplifiers make a compact, high-resolution chain without a tower of boxes. Also ideal as a clean preamp in front of mono power amps or actively controlled speakers – and as an honest phono and headphone hub for vinyl listeners.

Plain talk: The PRA-9X is a purely analog preamp – no DAC, no digital inputs. If you get your music only from a streamer or PC, you additionally need a DAC with an analog output. The phono input is designed for MM cartridges; for an MC cartridge you need a step-up transformer or an external MC stage. And if you expect a touchscreen and app gimmicks, you will deliberately find only what is necessary here – but done properly.

Our verdict

We recommend the PRA-9X to anyone who wants to build a serious active chain in little space. It takes in sources, controls the volume in four channels and passes the signal fully balanced on to the power amplifier – phono and headphone output are a real extra rather than a token jack. Together with an STA-9X or a pair of monoblocks, the result is a compact, active chain without a tower of boxes.

Technical specifications

• Type: Fully balanced stereo preamplifier with MM phono and headphone output
• Preamp stage: MUSES8820 gain stage, digitally controlled volume control with analog switches and internal chip resistors
• Volume control: Four-channel, separate paths L+, L−, R+, R−, 0.5 dB steps with memory
• Gain stage: MUSES8820 with current-boost modules
• Inputs: 1 × Phono MM, 2 × analog stereo RCA, 1 × analog stereo XLR
• Outputs: 1 × stereo RCA, 1 × stereo XLR, 1 × headphones 6.3 mm
• Phono MM – equalization: two-stage RIAA
• Phono MM – resistance: 32 kΩ / 47 kΩ / 100 kΩ (selectable)
• Phono MM – capacitance: 100 pF / 220 pF / 320 pF (selectable)
• Phono MM – sensitivity / gain: 4.0 mV @ 1 kHz / 50 dB @ 1 kHz
• Preamp – input/output impedance: 20 kΩ / 10 Ω
• Preamp – THD+N: 0.0004 % @ 7.5 V Vrms
• Preamp – signal-to-noise ratio: > 115 dB
• Headphone amplifier: 560 mW into 32 Ω / 110 mW into 600 Ω, THD+N 0.004 % (32 Ω, 480 mW), dynamic range > 115 dB
• Frequency response: 0 Hz – 50 kHz
• System control: Trigger input and output
• Power supply: 90–130 VAC / 210–250 VAC (voltage selector switch); fuse slow-blow T1A
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 235 × 55 × 281 mm
• Weight: 3 kg
• Colour: Silver
• Warranty: 2 years
• What's in the box: PRA-9X; further accessories on request

FAQ

Do I need a power amplifier for the NuPrime PRA-9X?
Yes. The PRA-9X is a pure preamp and only controls the level – the power comes from a separate power amplifier. A NuPrime STA-9X or a pair of monoblocks is a particularly good match. This way you build a compact, high-resolution chain of matched components.

Can I connect a turntable directly?
Yes, as long as your cartridge is an MM type. The integrated phono input can be adjusted in resistance (32/47/100 kΩ) and capacitance (100/220/320 pF). For an MC cartridge you additionally need a step-up transformer or an external MC preamp. We will help you with the right setting.

Does the PRA-9X have a built-in DAC?
No. The PRA-9X is deliberately built as purely analog. If you feed it digitally from a streamer, PC or CD player, you need a separate DAC with an analog output, which you connect to one of the RCA or XLR inputs. We are happy to work out with you which DAC fits sonically.

Is the PRA-9X's headphone output any good?
Yes. According to NuPrime, the 6.3 mm output delivers 560 mW into 32 Ω and 110 mW into 600 Ω. For many listeners it replaces a separate headphone amplifier and makes the PRA-9X a complete vinyl and headphone hub.

Why buy the NuPrime PRA-9X at HD Zürisee?
Because we build active chains every day and know which power amplifiers, speakers and sources suit the PRA-9X. Andy and Maurizio advise you personally, and service and installation are handled by our own technician. Reachable by phone, WhatsApp or in person in Wädenswil.

Goes well with

The PRA-9X is the start of the active chain – this is how it keeps growing step by step:

• Power amplifier: A power amplifier turns the level into power. The STA-9X from the same series is the natural partner: first one in stereo operation, later a second unit, both bridged as mono with 330 W each.
• Digital: The PRA-9X has no DAC. A DAC such as the DAC-9X connects via XLR or RCA; if you stream, add a streamer such as the Stream 9X in front.
• Vinyl: The MM phono stage is already on board: connect a turntable with an MM cartridge, tune the load in steps, done.
• Headphones: Headphones plug straight into the 6.3 mm jack – no additional box taking up space in the rack.
• Speakers: The right speakers for your room.
• Connection: Cables & connectors – XLR between preamp and power amp when the runs get longer.
• More from the series: NuPrime