NuPrime DAC-10H / Reference DAC, Balanced Preamp & Class-A Headphone Amplifier

Exceptional Top-of-the-Line Platform

• Product: NuPrime DAC-10H Reference DAC/Preamp with Balanced Class-A Headphone Amplifier -- NuPrime's flagship DAC/preamp platform
• Condition: Item is new in unopened factory box.
• Retail: $1,995 
• Configuration : ESS Sabre ES9018K2M DAC with fully balanced architecture
• Design: Elegant black aluminum chassis with OLED display and precision volume control
• Completeness: Professionally repackaged in original manufacturer carton with all inserts, accessories, manuals, etc. included
• Warranty: Backed by the manufacturer's original 3-year equipment warranty
• Performance: Studio-reference conversion that reveals every nuance while driving any headphone with authority

The NuPrime Revolution

NuPrime emerged in 2014 when industry veterans from NuForce decided to push beyond the limitations of traditional Class-D amplification. Based in California with engineering roots in high-resolution professional audio, NuPrime combines American innovation with obsessive attention to measurement and listening tests. Their philosophy centers on achieving vanishingly low distortion while maintaining musical engagement—a balance that eludes many competitors.

The company's breakthrough came from recognizing that modern DACs needed to be more than just converters. As streaming and computer audio became dominant, the DAC evolved into the system's nerve center. NuPrime responded by creating products that excel equally as DACs, preamps, and headphone amplifiers, refusing to compromise any function for another. The DAC-10H represents their statement piece—a component that would be competitive as three separate $1,000 units, integrated into one elegant chassis.

Triple-Threat Excellence

The DAC-10H transcends typical DAC/preamp combinations by incorporating a true balanced Class-A headphone amplifier capable of driving everything from sensitive IEMs to power-hungry planars. This isn't marketing hyperbole—the headphone section alone competes with dedicated $1,000 amplifiers, while the ESS Sabre implementation rivals standalone DACs at twice the price. As a balanced preamp, it provides the transparency and control typically found in dedicated five-figure preamplifiers.

ESS Sabre Reference Architecture

• ES9018K2M DAC: 32-bit HyperStream architecture with 127dB dynamic range
• Dual-Mono Configuration: Separate DACs for left/right channels
• DSD Support: Native DSD256 and DoP compatibility
• Jitter Elimination: Asynchronous USB with femto-clock precision
• Filter Options: Seven digital filters for preference tuning
• Volume Control: 99-step relay-switched resistor ladder maintains resolution

Class-A Headphone Amplification

• Fully Balanced Design: True balanced operation from input to output
• Power Output: 1.5W into 32 ohms, sufficient for any headphone
• Output Impedance: Near-zero for perfect damping control
• Discrete Components: No op-amps in signal path
• Dual Headphone Outputs: Balanced 4-pin XLR and single-ended 6.35mm

"Extraordinary Resolution and Refinement"

"The DAC-10H offers transparency that's almost startling, yet never clinical. This is what high-end digital should sound like—effortless, natural, and utterly engaging." - Computer Audiophile

"NuPrime has created something special. The headphone amplifier alone justifies the price, but you also get reference-quality D/A conversion and a world-class preamp." - Head-Fi

Complete Technical Specifications

• DAC Chip: ESS ES9018K2M in dual-mono configuration
• Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz ±0.3dB
• THD+N: <0.0003% (DAC), <0.0005% (headphone)
• Dynamic Range: 127dB
• Signal-to-Noise: >115dB
• Digital Inputs: USB, coaxial, optical, AES/EBU
• Sample Rates: PCM to 384kHz, DSD256
• Analog Inputs: One balanced XLR, one single-ended RCA
• Analog Outputs: XLR balanced, RCA single-ended
• Headphone Outputs: 4-pin XLR balanced, 6.35mm single-ended
• Output Power: 1.5W @ 32Ω, 150mW @ 300Ω
• Output Impedance: <1 ohm
• Display: OLED with adjustable brightness
• Volume Control: 99-step switched resistor ladder
• Dimensions: 9.3" W x 2.2" H x 11" D
• Weight: 5.5 lbs
• Power Consumption: 15W typical, 30W maximum

Ideal Applications

• Reference Headphone System: Drives Focal Utopia to Hifiman Susvara with equal authority
• Digital Hub: Central command for streaming, CD transport, and computer audio
• Preamp Excellence: Transparent control center for power amplifiers
• Desktop Perfection: Complete solution for near-field monitoring
• Studio Monitoring: Professional-grade conversion and amplification

System Compatibility

• Headphone Matching: Excels with 16-600 ohm headphones
• Digital Sources: Perfect for streamers, transports, computers
• Power Amplifiers: Balanced outputs for mono blocks or stereo amps
• Input Flexibility: Mix digital and analog sources seamlessly
• Software Support: Native drivers for Mac, Windows, Linux

Extraordinary Value for Discerning Listeners

This demo DAC-10H offers immediate access to NuPrime's flagship performance at a fraction of retail. The combination of ESS Sabre conversion, Class-A headphone amplification, and relay-switched volume control typically requires three separate components totaling $3,000+. In pristine brand-new condition with full warranty protection, this represents one of high-end audio's genuine bargains—reference performance across three critical functions in one elegant chassis.

Complete Package Contents

• NuPrime DAC-10H in very good to excellent condition
• Original manufacturer carton with all protective packaging
• Premium USB cable
• IEC power cord
• Bluetooth antenna
• Complete owner's manual
• Quick-start guide
• Remote control with battery
• Manufacturer's original equipment warranty (3 years)

Your Gateway to NuPrime Excellence

The DAC-10H doesn't just process digits—it unveils the emotional core of your music with transparency that's addictive yet never fatiguing. Whether driving statement headphones, feeding premium power amplifiers, or serving as your system's digital hub, this triple-threat component delivers performance that embarrasses far costlier separates. For those seeking endgame digital playback without endgame prices, this pristine demo offers immediate musical revelation backed by full warranty. Contact now to experience why reviewers call the DAC-10H "giant killer" without hyperbole.