There are two ways to do things in the audio business; the corporate model, where a brand is a highly structured range of price pointed and somewhat bland models aimed at the ‘mass market’.
Or there are the enthusiast driven operations where sound quality is the first priority.
NuPrime most definitely fall into the enthusiast camp, are younger than most, and have embraced new technologies to deliver a rapidly expanding range.
This process has accelerated, going from the original introductory model – the IDA-16 integrated amplifier, to an extensive range of specialist audio components in less than 10 years. We are here to help you navigate the NuPrime range and find just the right right component or system for you.
Change is inevitable and the means of listening to music is rapidly evolving. The body of recorded music grows by the day with countless genres. As does the variety of formats. Your own tastes, existing system and even the rooms you listen to in, will add to this infinite variability. So there is every reason to seek out a bespoke solution.
That’s why the NuPrime range covers analogue and digital, deals with multiple sources and formats and often allows customisation. NuPrime components will run well with almost any loudspeaker and respond well to system upgrades such as cabling.
In 2021 and heading into 2022, the NuPrime range is in a state of transition. There are elements of where they have come from, the present, and some clear indications of where they are heading.
Let’s look at the newest components first.
The NuPrime AMG series is, first and foremost, about uncompromised sound quality. This is why they are separate specialised components and incorporate NuPrime’s very best technologies. The name AMG is a play on one of the key specifications of the amplifiers – the 1 Meg (million) Ohm input impedance and it might just be a coincidence that the same 3 letters have a performance reputation in the automative sphere.
The first 3 components in this line – the PRA preamplifier, STA stereo power amp and HPA headphone amp are little pieces of affordable audio luxury, resolutely analogue, minimalist and focused. All set new standards for NuPrime with a fluid yet detailed sound and the quietest background yet. The STA stereo amplifier has the ability to be bridged, turning it into a 300 watt mono power amplifier, effectively a forth option within the range.
While they look great and compliment each other sound-wise, the AMG series components are also highly compatible with other brands and systems. The unusually high input impedance and high sensitivity of the power amplifiers, especially when bridged make them very easy to match. More AMG components are planned for early 2022 including a DAC.
OMNIA is as much a concept as physical hardware. ‘Do everything’ is as good a translation as any and at the heart of the range is the just released Omnia A-300SE integrated streaming amplifier. The features go past comprehensive to the point where you’d be hard pressed to experiment with every possible setting. And because software is at the heart of Omnia there is scope for further improvement.
The A-300SE is remarkable in that it packs so much into a small sleek package, is seriously powerful yet cool running and despite all the options is intuitive and easy to use. For many people their first experience of component audio with be some form of cheap AV receiver – these are sold on features but as everyone finds out soon enough there’s no such thing as a free lunch and most AVR’s fall far short when it comes to playing music. The A-300SE will cover most of the features they have become familiar with but because it’s stereo and music only, it’s a lot simpler to set up and use.
The free NuPrime Omnia App for both Apple and Andriod is as much a part of this component as the amplifier itself. This allows you to access an entire world of music via streaming services and all your own stored music from your home network.
The Omnia platform extends to other new models – The Stream Mini brings some of the the functionality of the A-300SE to other existing amplifiers and DACs – it’s a simple and affordable choice. The Stream 9 is an audiophile Network Transport which will transform the performance of all Nuprime’s DACs.
The EVOLUTION models are NuPrime’s statement pieces. The Evolution One Mono power amplifiers are a complete reworking of the NuForce Reference 20s which in themselves were a high-end benchmark. There are very few amplifiers that can match the power, control and resolution of the Ones regardless of cost. Easily the most substantial components within the NuPrime range.
The Evolution DAC is a natural match. As the names suggests this series in a natural progression for NuPrime, evolving and refining the technologies from pre-existing models to a higher level. We’re excited to announce that there will soon be a new Evolution STA stereo power amplifier.
NUPRIME X are a tightly focused range of power amplifiers that I have a particular fondness for. They share a modular design with the MCX 2 stereo, 3 and 4 channel versions, culminating in the fiercely powerful 750 watt per channel mono MCX-1.
These amplifiers are perfect for anyone who loves live sound and, as you might imagine with the multiple channel options are great for killer surround sound systems.
9 & 10 SERIES These are the models on which NuPrime has built it’s reputation. You can see how the experience gained with previous NuForce components has informed the designs. The 9 series, including the IDA-8 integrated amplifier, is a great place to start with NuPrime. The separate components – DAC/Preamp, disc players, power amplifiers and a new streamer deliver performance, simplicity and value. There have been a series of upgrades and improvements made within the 9 series – the Stream 9, DAC-9SE and now DAC-9X, STA-X and CDT-9 CD transport.
The 10 series range remains quite tight with the original DAC-10 and ST-10 stereo power amplifier being enhanced by a reference level CD transport. These are still in production and remain more than competitive in both sound quality and value.
Power and Network upgrades. One of the significant spin-offs from NuPrime’s design work within their amplifiers is the range of accessory components dedicated to improving the performance of existing systems. The LPS-205 and 212 are very high quality 5v (USB) and 12v power supplies for many turntables, phono stages and transports. While the NuPrime AC-4 AC power supply looks very tasty we are unable to stock this as there is not a version with NZ/Au plugs.
On the Network side of things you have a number of cool little boxes which add streaming capabilities via both Bluetooth and Wifi, improve ethernet performance and generally just solve problems of connectivity and quality. Things evolve quickly in this space which is why we’ll just link you to NuPrimes appropriate page here.
