NuPrime DAC-10

The DAC-10 is NuPrime's digital-to-analogue converter designed to act as a bridge between digital sources and an analogue chain. It centralises several devices onto a single amplifier input and takes over the conversion process from the internal circuitry of a player or computer.

The output connectivity offers two formats: a balanced XLR output and an unbalanced RCA output. This dual option leaves the choice open depending on the amplifier in use, with the balanced connection remaining preferable when the cable run is long or the environment electrically noisy. On the input side, the unit accepts two analogue sources and four digital sources split between optical and coaxial, at 24-bit / 192 kHz.

The asynchronous USB input is the DAC-10's standout feature: it supports PCM streams up to 24-bit / 384 kHz and DSD files up to 11.2 MHz. Asynchronous operation means that the converter's clock, rather than the computer's, times the conversion, which limits timing irregularities in the signal transmitted via the USB port. A remote control is supplied for operating the unit from a distance.

This type of setup suits the listener who manages a file library on a computer or server and wants to extract a high-quality analogue signal from it, while retaining the option to connect a CD player or tuner via the optical and coaxial inputs. The two analogue inputs also allow already-converted sources to pass through, extending the unit's use beyond that of a converter alone.