NuPrime DAC-10H - Desktop DAC and Headphone Amp

[Rockcoon]

Ok then, maybe some comparision with Matrix x sabre, please.
?

 

[project86]

Sorry I haven't heard the Hilo in a long time. The Matrix X-Sabre is about to be superseded with an upgaded model coming very soon, so I'm not sure I'd buy the original new at this point. But a used one makes sense, it's still a great DAC. Matrix is a little more exciting, rich midrange and some emphasis down low. The NuPrime is neutral to a fault so the rest of your system better be ready for that. 

 

[Rockcoon]

Sorry I haven't heard the Hilo in a long time. The Matrix X-Sabre is about to be superseded with an upgaded model coming very soon, so I'm not sure I'd buy the original new at this point. But a used one makes sense, it's still a great DAC. Matrix is a little more exciting, rich midrange and some emphasis down low. The NuPrime is neutral to a fault so the rest of your system better be ready for that. 

Well, i have Ultrasone Sig Pro cans, they can add some fun factor.

Didn't know that Matrix preparin new DAC. That should be very interesting. There is any info about upcoming device?

 

[project86]

No, I can't say anything further at the moment. Sorry!

 

[Rockcoon]

No, I can't say anything further at the moment. Sorry!

Anyway, it's a great news. I'll follow this X-sabre² project, before make any decisions on H10.

 

[Rockcoon]

I forgot to ask how Nuprimes usb input sounds against external converter. Is it ok, mediocre, or somewhere worse than all of it?

 

[project86]

I forgot to ask how Nuprimes usb input sounds against external converter. Is it ok, mediocre, or somewhere worse than all of it?

 
 
I feel it is quite good - not easily improved unless you spring for a really nice DDC. For example my Stello U3 does not improve anything, and may actually make it worse. My Resonessence Concero used as a USB to SPDIF converter sounds very slightly different (due to their proprietary digital filter perhaps?) but not necessarily any better. I have to use my Audiophileo 1 with PurePower, or the new Singxer SU-1, to find a small improvement. Honestly it's not really worth messing with unless you have very nice headphones/speakers and intend to do very critical listening... which means the stock USB is very good indeed. 

 

[Rockcoon]

project86 What if compare Nuprime 10h to Yulong D8 II? I read both reviews, and it seems, that they should sound very similar. Does Nuprime's double price worth the sonic difference between them?

I almost sold all my previous gears and think to end up with Yulong as all in one solution. Metrum Musette+ Violectric v200 was not my cup of tea afterall. This combo way too dark and restricted.

 

[project86]

Around here, the Yulong is $1200 and the NuPrime is $1800. So there is a price difference but definitely not double/half price. 
 
I do feel the NuPrime is the better device by a reasonable margin. It's worth it for me. The amp section is good enough to be the only amp you might own, while with the Yulong I can see wanting to eventually add a dedicated amp. The NuPrime looks better, has more transparent sound, and even works as a preamp for analog sources. The only reason you might go Yulong is to get a smoother, more tame high end.

 

[Rockcoon]

Around here, the Yulong is $1200 and the NuPrime is $1800. So there is a price difference but definitely not double/half price. 

I do feel the NuPrime is the better device by a reasonable margin. It's worth it for me. The amp section is good enough to be the only amp you might own, while with the Yulong I can see wanting to eventually add a dedicated amp. The NuPrime looks better, has more transparent sound, and even works as a preamp for analog sources. The only reason you might go Yulong is to get a smoother, more tame high end.

Thank you for info.

 

[PoRidge]

At this price range, the nuprime is really facing some tough competition. let alone pro audio companies putting out hifi-oriented products, like the Prism Sound Callia. Traditional companies also have good offerings. The returning Audio Alchemy's DDP-1 is also a DAC-amp-preamp. W4S Dac2 DSD SE is also very competitive at the near 2000usd range. Really hard to make a decision when they are not available for direct comparison at a demo room.

 

[Rockcoon]

Prism Sound Callia.

This device promise to execute sound "like-in-studio", stellar usb input and headdphone amp. I should add it to my list.

 

[Eduardo C]

Hey Guys:

Any experience comparing the Nuprime DAC 10 against Sony's PHA-3? Both use the same Sabre DAC.

Thanks.

 

[markm1]

I'm still loving my DAC-10H. I think the price per value is terrific. I went to Capital Audio Fest recently. Seems like there are a number of products in the same market...all in one pre/DAC/HP amp. I heard the Callia by Prism with an LCD-2 and there was another similar product-Brooklyn DAC-HP amp-preamp .
 
I have not had the chance to hear Questyle. I'm curious how the DAC-1OH compares to the Questyle CMA 800i? They seem similarly priced.

 

[nprathap]

I am selling my NuPrime DAC10, as I have upgraded my system.  Its couple of week old, but it is a great great DAC!