NuPrime CDP-9

The NuPrime CDP-9 is a CD player that also integrates a digital-to-analogue converter and a preamplifier, bringing together three functions usually kept separate within a single unit. It is not limited to playing compact discs: it can also serve as a high-end digital source thanks to its extensive conversion capabilities.

The heart of the player is a DSP-based decoder, which handles all the error-correction functions of the Red Book standard. This decoder relies on a master-clock control of the entire decoding system, which significantly reduces jitter, a factor that directly affects the timing accuracy of the reproduced signal. The transport mechanism runs at a single speed, which limits vibration and the effects of poorly balanced discs during playback.

The onboard high-performance DAC is paired with a selectable sample-rate converter for the digital output. It can convert the CD format to SPDIF at the highest available sample rate, up to 32-bit / 768 kHz, or transpose it into DSD format up to DSD512. This flexibility allows the CDP-9 to be used as a high-resolution digital transport alongside an external DAC, or to make direct use of its own built-in conversion and preamplification.

This player is aimed at a discerning listener who wishes to keep CD playback as their main source while benefiting from modern digital conversion and built-in preamplification, thereby simplifying the audio chain without adding separate units.