NuPrime DAC-9X D/A Converter with Preamplifier, Black

The NuPrime DAC-9X is a digital-to-analogue converter with a preamplifier and integrated headphone amplifier that accepts digital and analogue sources and sends them via XLR and RCA straight to a power amplifier or active speakers.

In other words: three devices in one black case. You save yourself boxes, cables and wall sockets – and still keep full control over source, volume and output. Remarkably versatile for a device of this size.

Why the DAC-9X?

The DAC-9X is designed as a control hub: it converts your digital sources, controls the volume and passes the signal on either to headphones or, via XLR/RCA, to the power amplifier. A separate preamplifier becomes unnecessary in many setups.

Inside, two ESS ES9028Q2M converters work, one per channel, along with a digitally controlled analogue dual-mono shunt volume control. The balanced XLR outputs provide up to 8 V – enough level to drive longer cable runs and a variety of power amplifiers cleanly. With less than 0.0005 % THD+N and a signal-to-noise ratio of over 110 dB, the background stays pleasantly quiet.

NuPrime positions the 9X series for compact systems with a natural sound and fair value for money. Within it, the DAC-9X is the converter that takes care of everything arriving digitally – and that matches the level per source, so that switching from CD to streamer doesn't end in a nasty surprise.

What you get

The variety of connections is the strength of the DAC-9X: USB, coaxial, optical, two I²S inputs and an analogue RCA input take in pretty much everything from the computer through the streamer to the CD transport. Via USB it handles PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD256, via coaxial PCM up to 384 kHz, via optical up to 192 kHz. Level matching per source ensures that all inputs play at a similar volume.

On the output side you have balanced XLR, unbalanced RCA, an optical output and the headphone output: a 6.3 mm jack at the front that, according to NuPrime, delivers 1.7 W per channel into 32 Ω. Via the expansion port, an optional wireless receiver for Bluetooth (BTR-HD, aptX HD) or Wi-Fi streaming (LP10) can be added later.

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Who is the DAC-9X for?

Ideal if you want a compact digital control hub that combines converter, preamplifier and headphone amplifier – and value XLR, hi-res and plenty of inputs. It also works well as a preamplifier for a power amplifier such as the STA-9X from the same series, the AMG ONE or the STA-SE.

Straight talk: If you only listen wirelessly from your phone and will never do anything with the inputs, you are paying here for flexibility you don't use. If, on the other hand, you want to bring several sources together cleanly, you get exactly the right tool.

Our verdict

The DAC-9X is a versatile link that brings digital sources, headphones and a power amplifier under one roof – without taking up much space. We at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil particularly appreciate how many inputs it fits into such a compact case, and we are happy to advise you on whether it fits your chain.

Technical specifications

• Design: DAC with preamplifier and headphone amplifier
• DAC chips: 2 × ESS ES9028Q2M (one chip per channel)
• Inputs: USB, coaxial S/PDIF, optical S/PDIF, 2 × I²S, analogue stereo RCA
• Outputs: Stereo XLR balanced, stereo RCA, optical S/PDIF (PCM up to 192 kHz, DoP64), headphone output 6.3 mm (front)
• Headphone amplifier: 1.7 W per channel into 32 Ω
• Supported formats: USB up to PCM 384 kHz / DSD256; coaxial up to PCM 384 kHz; optical up to PCM 192 kHz; I²S up to PCM 384 kHz / 32 bit and DSD256
• Volume control: digitally controlled analogue dual-mono shunt control, level matching per source
• Max. output voltage: XLR 8 V, RCA 4 V
• THD+N: < 0.0005 %
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 110 dB
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, ±0.3 dB
• Expansion port: proprietary USB-A digital port (S/PDIF and 5 V) for optional wireless receivers NuPrime BTR-HD (Bluetooth aptX HD) and LP10 NuPrime Edition
• Mains voltage: 90–130 / 210–250 VAC
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 235 × 55 × 281 mm
• Weight: 3 kg
• Colour: Black
• Warranty: 2 years
• What's in the box: DAC-9X; further accessories on request

FAQ

Is the NuPrime DAC-9X also a preamplifier?
Yes. The DAC-9X combines digital-to-analogue converter, preamplifier and headphone amplifier in one case. Via the 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 preamplifier.

Which inputs and resolutions does the DAC-9X have?
The DAC-9X offers USB, coaxial, optical, two I²S inputs and an analogue RCA input. Via USB it processes PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD256, via coaxial PCM up to 384 kHz, via optical up to 192 kHz. That covers practically every digital source, from the computer to the CD transport.

Does the DAC-9X have a headphone output?
Yes, a headphone amplifier is integrated, and the 6.3 mm jack is at the front. NuPrime specifies 1.7 W per channel into 32 Ω. So you can connect headphones directly, without an additional device.

Can I use the DAC-9X wirelessly?
Yes, via the expansion port. An optional NuPrime wireless receiver (BTR-HD for Bluetooth aptX HD or LP10 NuPrime Edition) can be connected there. A streaming service is an option, not a requirement – local network files, internet radio or classic sources via the digital and analogue inputs work just as well.

Why buy the NuPrime DAC-9X from HD Zürisee?
Because a DAC with preamplifier has to fit the rest of the chain. We tell you whether it suits your power amplifier, your headphones and your room, and with our own technician we take care of setup and service. Call us, write to us or come to Wädenswil.

Goes well with

The DAC-9X is the control hub – the rest grows with it step by step:

• Expansion: The matching power amplifier from the power amplifiers. According to NuPrime, the STA-9X from the same series delivers 130 W per channel and can later be bridged with a second unit as a mono pair – an upgrade path that grows with you.
• Digital: Feed it with a streamer. The Stream 9X offers digital outputs (I²S, optical, coaxial), the DAC-9X the matching inputs – we are happy to work out with you which connection fits best.
• Headphones: The jack at the front is waiting for the right headphones.
• Connection: XLR cables, where the power amplifier supports it – with so many inputs, the question of who gets to plug in first is ultimately settled at home.
• Power: A power conditioner such as the Pure AC-4E from NuPrime's Power series promises over 20 dB less AC noise. How much of that you hear depends on the rest of the system – NuPrime says so itself, and we see it the same way.
• More from the series: NuPrime