DAC-9X
$ 1,199.00
Reference class DAC with 6.3mm headphone output designed for studio professionals.
With six digital (including 2 x IIS/DSD) and one analog stereo inputs, RCA stereo and XLR balanced outputs, and decoding capability of PCM 384K, DSD256 & MQA, the NuPrime DAC-9X is a reference-class DAC designed for studio professionals and high-end audiophiles. DAC-9X also provides a 6.3mm standard stereo headphone output.
- Additional information
- Description
- SPECS
- Download
- Manual & Firmware Update
- FAQ & Forum
- Remote Code
- Review
| Weight | 4 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 390 × 360 × 80 mm |
| Color | Black, Silver |
Preamp
To meet the requirement of customers who want to eliminate extra components in their system, a preamp capable of driving the power amplifier is an essential part of the design.
The DAC-9X high-end preamp features include:
- Digital controlled dual-mono analog shunt to ground volume control achieves zero added noise or distortion.
- Individually adjustable volume on each input for precise source level matching.
The integrated preamp eliminates the need for more analog signal cables and connectors’ signal breakpoints.
The Heart
As the heart of an audio system, the DAC-9X supports an extensive number of inputs and formats. Dual ESS Technology 32-bit audio DAC ESS9028Q2M independently decode left and right channels improve channel separation and reducing overall noise. The Vishay professional film MELF resistors provide excellent sound quality.
Power Circuit
The AC hum is kept to a minimum by using a low noise power supply with anti-vibration treatment. The rest of the onboard power circuit is designed to minimise noise as well.
Native MQA Decoding
The DAC-9X includes MQA technology, which enables you to playback MQA audio files and streams, delivering the sound of the original master recording. The front panel LED glows green or blue to indicate that the unit is decoding and playing an MQA stream or file, and denotes provenance to ensure that the sound is identical to that of the source material. It glows blue to indicate it is playing an MQA Studio file, which has either been approved in the studio by the artist/producer or has been verified by the copyright owner. The DAC-9X LED glows magenta to indicate that the unit is rendering an MQA stream or file. This delivers the final unfold of the MQA file.
Other notable features:
- Extension port for Bluetooth receiver and WiFi audio streamer (optional).
- Full microprocessor control with memory retention.
- Supports DSD native playback by ASIO2.1 and DoP method.
- Ultra- low-noise JFETs in the input stage for the lowest possible noise floor.
- Individually adjustable volume on each input for precise level matching of sources.
- Asynchronous transfer mode.
- Very low power consumption on Standby Mode.
Using Bluetooth and WiFi Audio Receivers and Dongles
NuPrime defined an USB Type-A port to carry S/PDIF data and 5V power for connecting to external wireless audio receiver using just one standard USB cable.
Compatible Nuprime wireless receivers:
- NuPrime BTR-HD (Bluetooth aptX HD)
- LP10 Nuprime Edition (Google Cast, AirPlay, Tidal, Spotify, Qobuz, and other music services)
- USB: Type B 2.0 Hi-Speed, Windows OS: data stream up to 384KHz/24Bit and Native DSD 256. USB: Type B 2.0 Hi-Speed, Mac / Linux OS: data stream up to 384KHz/24Bit and DOP DSD 128.
- IIS/DSD: Supports PCM 44.1KHz ~ 384KHz/32Bit and DSD 64 ~ DSD 256 data streams.
- OPTICAL: Supports PCM 44.1KHz ~ 192KHz/24Bit and DOP 64.
- COAXIAL: Supports PCM 44.1KHz ~ 384KHz/24Bit and DOP 64 and 128.
- RCA: Up to 1 Vrms audio signal.
- EXTENSION: Supports PCM 44.1KHz ~ 192KHz/24Bit.
- TRS 6.3mm headphone out Output power: 1700 mW, 32 ohms, <0.01% THD (watts per channel). Output power: 135 mW, 600 ohms, <0.005% THD (watts per channel).
- RCA unbalanced outputs: 4 Vrms
- XLR balanced outputs: 8 Vrms
- Optical S/DPIF out (PCM up to 192KHz supporting DoP format DSD64)
- Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 KHz / ±0.3 dB.
- SNR: > 110 dB.
- THD+N: < 0.0005%.
- Worldwide AC voltage: (90VAC~130VAC // 210VAC~ 250VAC) With Voltage Select Switch
- AC Fuse: Slow-blow, 2.5A, 250VA
- Product Dimension: 55 x 235 x 281 mm (H x W x D)
- Package Dimension: 80 x 390 x 360 mm (H x W x D)
- Product Weight: 3kg
- Package Weight: 4kg
*Note that the I2S output is for connecting with other NuPrime products and may not work with other devices.USB Driver
Alita, VIH, DAC-8, DAC-9SE, Hi-mDAC, Omnia A300/A300SE, IDA-9
IDA-8 (black serial # >= 4002796, silver serial # >= 3002109, see below for other serial numbers)
NuPrime Audio_setup_WHQL_20250709
All others (Evolution DAC-2, Evolution DAC, DAC-10*, DAC-9X, DAC-9, IDA-16, IDA-8, AMG DAC, etc)
NuPrime_UsbAudio_v5.57.0_2023-03-20_setup.exe
This driver supports Signed Driver Enforcement and the following Operating systems:
Windows 11 (32-bit and 64-bit), Windows 10 (32-bit and 64-bit)
Note:
Windows XP, Windows 8, Windows 7 are no longer supported.
Noise problem with BlueSound streamer when switching music format from 44.1 to 48kHz - DAC-9X did not anticipate that Bluesound's clock changed in the middle of the switch and therefore produced noise during the switch. User can update DAC-9X firmware to resolve this problem. Please follow the instructions using Windows PC with DAC-9X connected to it.
- Download NuPrime USB DFU upgrade for DAC-9X
- Uncompress the zip file into a folder "NuPrime USB DFU upgrade for DAC-9X". Go to this folder.
- Copy "DFU_NUPRIME_DAC-9X_351_V2.bin" to the C: drive.
- Run NuPrime_UsbAudio_v5.22.0_2021-10-06_setup.exe
- Go to folder "NuPrimeUsbAudioDfu"
- Run NuPrimeUsbAudioDfu.exe and load the file "DFU_NUPRIME_DAC-9X_351_V2.bin" from C: drive.
- Click Start button and you will see the message as shown after the firmware update has completed.
CUSTOM CODE 0x40
KEY CODE
0x4d POWER
0x0d MUTE
0x0b VOLUME UP
0x0e VOLUME DOWN
0x11 CHANNEL UP
0x10 CHANNEL DOWN
0x42 C1
0x45 O2
0x1a U3
0x4a E4
0x4b A5/AE
0x4c DISPLAY OFF
NuPrime DAC-9X and STA-9X review by Alpha Studio
Thank you Alpha Audio for a detailed and professional review of the Nuprime DAC-9X, which begins at 1:12:20 in the video. The reviewers start by discussing their setup, evaluation criteria, the use of a re-clocked SPDIF signal, and their decision to avoid using a power conditioner. They highlight the DAC-9X’s exceptional detail, extreme separation, and impressive performance at its price point, noting that Nuprime has expertly implemented the Sabre DAC. The DAC-9X reveals background vocals remarkably well, a feature unexpected in its price range. Overall, the reviewers find it to be an excellent value, delivering performance and expandability comparable to more expensive integrated amps when paired with the STA-9X. For more information, visit Nuprime’s DAC-9X product page.
NuPrime DAC-9X and NuPrime STA-9X review by HiFi-IFAs
The NuPrime chain impresses with its dynamic bass, intricate details, and precise vocals, evident in tracks like “Diesel Power.” Owners revel in diverse music choices, from “Need Some 1” to “Wild Frontier.” No need for audiophile elitism; it’s all about enjoying the ride. Read more at https://hifi-ifas.de/test-d-a-wandler-und-vorstufe-nuprime-dac-9x-mit-endstufe-nuprime-sta-9x#/
Best Buy Components 2023 Results Announcement by Stereo January 2024
Introducing NuPrime’s power duo for audiophiles on a budget: the DAC-9X preamplifier and the STA-9X power amplifier. With impeccable specs like PCM384kHz support, 110dB SN ratio, and compact design, they redefine value. Elevate your audio experience without breaking the bank. Quality sound, unbeatable price.
Best Buy Products by HiVi Winter 2024
Introducing NuPrime’s DAC-9X, a sleek D/A converter/preamplifier priced at ¥264,000. Boasting a chic design and versatile connectivity, it’s suitable for headphone setups or high-fidelity environments, delivering nuanced musicality. Pair it with NuPrime’s AMG PRA at ¥352,000, a top-tier preamplifier renowned for its precise soundstage. Completing the setup is the compact yet powerful NuPrime STA-9X power amplifier, priced at ¥242,000, delivering a supple, bouncy sound.
NuPrime 9X Series review by HiFi.NL
NuPrime has struck gold with the premium and affordable 9X Series. The optics and construction of the compact DAC-9X, STA-9X and Stream-9 hi-fi components are formidable. Thanks to the many features, the equipment level and the available connections, this NuPrime series occupies a unique position.
When it comes to the music experience, it exceeds its peers by a wide margin. The sound quality is phenomenal. As the NuPrime itself indicates: “Beyond Ordinary” and this is not a lie.
DAC-9X review
– What Hi-Fi?, whathifi.com
“…Larger-scale dynamic shifts are rendered with conviction while lower-level nuances still come through with clarity.
The soundstage is impressively wide and nicely layered.
…
We are equally pleased to report that the DAC-9X’s preamp section is a good one. Judged by price standards it displays an impressive degree of finesse, delivering a well-resolved and musical performance.
…
The NuPrime DAC-9X is a talented and versatile product that is capable of delivering pleasing results in a wide range of systems. Match it with the care a product at this level deserves and it won’t disappoint.”