2023-05-06 13:00:19
Latest addition to the 9X range of NuPrime, the IA-9X is a stereo integrated amplifier equipped with a phono preamp totally in the spirit of the manufacturer. Compact and modern, it appears to be a safe bet for those who want maximum power for minimum bulk. True to the NuPrime spirit, it incorporates in-house Class A+D amplifier stages rather than off-the-shelf third-party Class D modules. A new success?
NuPrime IA-9X
Type: Integrated stereo amplifier with phono preamplification
News from ON-mag : 
(5/5)
Price during the test: 1 400 euros
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Meet on familiar ground
Without exuberance and without sadness, the IA-9X is part of the beautiful 9X range and adopts all the characteristics of dimensions and design. It also retains the stackable aspect of the other devices, which leaves the possibility of constituting a complete configuration, with for example a DAC-9X converter in addition.
Measuring 235 x 60 x 281 mm for 3.8 kg, this beautiful device relies on a chassis entirely in anodized aluminum, with a thick stylized front panel with a double curved profile, typical of NuPrime. The quality of manufacture, one can suspect it, is particularly serious, outside as in its entrails.
Sober, the IA-9X is clearly sober, perhaps a little too much, since the modest alphanumeric display on the front panel is not very readable from a distance, but above all too limited. The inputs are called C1, C2, etc… which requires consulting the user manual to identify them clearly. We can also regret that the remote control is made of plastic, far from that associated with the Omnia A300, made of heavy metal.
On the other hand, there is almost nothing to complain about regarding the connectors, which optimize the smallest cm² of the rear panel: two Line inputs on RCA, a balanced double XLR input, a phono input on RCA, two 12V trigger sockets and of course the loudspeaker terminal block for bare cables or banana plugs. If it lacks a DAC section to be complete, the IA-9X remains a versatile amplifier, especially since its phono preamplification is partially customizable, thanks to the switches placed under the chassis.
A beautiful rigor in class D and an extra soul
As a class A+D type amplifier (power stage), on the technical level, the IA-9X is once again in line with its predecessors. In particular, the STA-9 power amplifier comes to mind. However, it has a special feature: the integration of a special negative feedback loop (which can be activated or not), called ODC, which generates harmonics like a tube amplifier.
Listening, we clearly find the rigor and natural musicality dear to NuPrime. As such, the IA-9X is an amplifier with a very good reserve of power, which it distills without betraying the neutrality of the signal or falling into a cold sound.
It’s hard not to see this device as a perfect example of versatility, as it concentrates everything that makes an excellent HiFi amplifier in an ultra-compact format. On the other hand, there is little to say about the ODC mode, which brings a sound difference, but barely perceptible, slightly less clear to the ear than the standard sound mode, and not particularly more “tubesque”. We consider it as an interesting bonus, nothing more, which in no way detracts from the great qualities of the device.
In summary
Unsurprisingly, the new IA-9X from NuPrime holds its own and asserts itself as a modern and versatile stereo integrated amplifier. It’s hard to say whether its sound formula is more technical than that of good Hypex-type turnkey amplifier modules, but its little soulful additions, in particular the ODC circuit, prove that class D can rhyme with audiophile nobility.
The NuPrime IA-9X by ON-mag
>>> SEE ALSO: OUR OTHER HIFI AMPLIFIER TESTS
Specifications
- Type: Integrated stereo amplifier with phono preamplification
- Amplification : classe A+D
- MUSE8820 Operational Amplifiers
- ODC (Only Distortion Cancellation) harmonic generation circuit
- Digital volume adjustment (but dependent on an analog circuit) at 99 levels
- Connectors: 2x RCA stereo inputs, 3-pin double XLR stereo input, RCA stereo phono input with ground connection, stereo speaker terminal block, 3.5 mm jack trigger input, 3.5 mm jack trigger output
- Gain : x17
- Input Impedance (Line): 47 kOhms
- Input resistance (phono stage): 32 kOhms, 47 kOhms, 100 kOhms
- Input capacitance (phono stage): 100 pF, 220 pF, 320 pF
- Input sensitivity (phono stage): 4 mV (at 1 kHz)
- Gain (phono stage): 65 dB
- Frequency response: 10Hz – 50kHz (-3dB)
- THD: 0.003% (105 dB signal-to-noise ratio, measured at 50 W)
- Output power (RMS): 2 x 90 W at 8 ohms, and 2 x 145 W at 4 ohms
- Variations: grey, black (tested version)
- Dimensions : 235 x 60 x 281 mm
- Poids : 3,8 kg
- Prix : 1 400 euros
Our opinion
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#discreet #classic #Hifi #amp #lacks #musicality #versatility