NuPrime Evolution DAC 2
NuPrime dual-conversion ESS9038Q2M DAC preamplifier, fitted with a MUSES preamp stage and nine digital inputs to centralise a high-end digital audio system.
Description
The NuPrime Evolution DAC-2 is a digital-to-analogue preamplifier designed to centralise several sources within a hi-fi system. It combines digital-to-analogue conversion and preamplification functions, with nine digital inputs and two analogue inputs allowing an entire source chain to be connected.
The conversion core relies on two 32-bit ESS9038Q2M chips, one per channel, allowing the left and right channels to be processed separately to improve channel separation and reduce overall noise. The power supply has been redesigned with C-Core transformers, which generate less stray flux than conventional toroidal transformers, housed in stainless steel casings providing shielding against interference. A reserve of approximately 60,000 µF of capacitance stabilises the power supply to the analogue and digital circuits. The preamplification stage is built around the MUSES8820 operational amplifier and the MUSES72320 electronic volume controller, the latter using a resistor ladder circuit for linear, low-noise, low-distortion volume adjustment. The NuPrime PSRC chip handles sample rate conversion, from PCM 44.1 kHz up to PCM 768 kHz and from DSD64 to DSD512, with support for native MQA decoding, DoP via coaxial and optical inputs, and native DSD playback over USB via ASIO or DoP.
This DAC preamplifier is aimed at enthusiasts wishing to bring several digital and analogue sources together into a single central control point, with a high level of demand placed on conversion and preamplification quality. It is suited to an installation where the DAC-2 serves as the heart of the system, feeding a separate power amplifier stage.
What to check before buying used
With this type of DAC preamplifier, attention should be paid to the proper operation of the electronic volume control and the input-switching relays, which can develop crackling or level jumps after several years of use. Each digital and analogue input should also be tested individually to ensure none has lost signal, along with USB recognition with the associated computer, as the Windows driver is specific to this model. Checking the display and the retention of settings after power-off allows the control microprocessor to be verified as functioning correctly.
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