NuPrime Alita Digital-to-Analog Converter

Reference-Quality DAC, Headphone Amp, and Preamp

The NuPrime Alita is a reference-class DAC designed for headphone enthusiasts and studio professionals. It features I2S/DSD and XLR outputs and decoding capability of PCM 768K & DSD256. With four digital inputs and one analog stereo inputs, the Alita is a full-featured DAC and preamp ideally suited for high-end systems. The balanced 4.4mm Pentaconn headphone jack and 1/4" stereo headphone jack outputs support single ended unbalanced, fully balanced, and active balanced ground driving headphone amplifier.

High Power World-Class Balanced Headphone Amplifier

The Alita headphone amplifier derives from the highly regarded NuPrime 10 Series and is capable of driving even the most demanding headphones with ease. Audiophile-quality components and a fully balanced layout ensure minimal crosstalk and maximum channel separation. Providing up to 1.2W of output power, the headphone circuitry supports single ended unbalanced, fully balanced, and active balanced ground driving connection options. In addition to offering a high level of transparency, each of these connections offers a slightly different 'flavor.'

Using the 4.4mm Pentaconn jack balanced output, you will appreciate the pristine background with an absence of noise. The soundstage is wide and possess a strong presence with a full and extended bass. Manufactured by Nippon Dics Co., the Alita's Pentaconn jack is the new unified standard for balanced headphone connection, which headphone and cable manufacturers are using in their new and future products.

When you use the 1/4" (6.3mm) headphone jack output, the sound is clearly outlined and has a sense of naturalness. The midrange performance is a prominent highlight and imaging is solidly focused.

A Reference Class Preamp

To meet the requirement of audiophiles who want to eliminate extra components in their system, NuPrime incorporated a high-end preamp capable of directly driving the power amplifier directly as an essential part of the design. The Alita includes features borrowed from traditional high-end preamps. Among these is an advanced, FPGA implemented switched-resistor ladder network for controlling volume, using only a single resistor in the signal path at any volume setting. Individually adjustable volume is provided for each input for precise source level matching. Volume is adjustable in 99 precise, 0.5dB increments.

The Heart of a Serious Audio System

As the heart of a serious audio system, the Alita supports an extensive number of inputs and formats. State-of-the-art solutions along with proprietary know-how in creating many Editor’s Choice and Product of the Year award-winning products elevate the NuPrime Alita well above the competition.

The AC hum is kept to a minimum by using a low-noise power supply with antivibration treatment. The rest of the onboard power circuit is designed to minimize noise as well, as does the asynchronous transfer mode. NuPrime vibration-free isolation feet contribute to the pristine sound quality.

AKM New Generation DAC

Alita utilizes one of the world’s best performing 32-bit audio DACs, the AKM's new generation AK4493. Accurate, lifelike EQ is only a first step for designing the ultimate DAC. This state-of-the-art DAC offers warmer, analog-like sonic characteristics, supporting USB PCM 768 and DSD256. The NuPrime SRC IC chip provides FPGA processing where input signals are upsampled to megahertz before being down converted to the targeted sampling rate with ultra-low jitter and distortion.

The Alita supports DSD native playback by ASIO2.1 and DoP method. Ultra-low-noise JFETs in the input stage for the lowest possible noise floor. Five digital inputs and one stereo input give you complete system flexibility.

A proprietary NuPrime implementation is capable of decoding DoP formats via coaxial and optical inputs (to support NuPrime Omnia portable devices that are able to output the DoP stream in addition to S/PDIF).

Compatible with NuPrime Bluetooth and WiFi Audio Receivers and Dongles

NuPrime includes a USB Type-A port in the Alita to carry S/PDIF data and 5V power for connecting to an external wireless audio receiver using just one standard USB cable. The NuPrime Omnia WR-1, Bluetooth dongle BT-9, and D-Stream Audio Primo HD (24-bit/192kHz) wireless receivers have a micro USB port that is compatible this specification. This allow a standard off-the-shelf USB-A to micro USB cable to be used for power for the receiver as well as wireless audio data transfer in S/PDIF format.

Product Features

Overview

Reference-quality DAC, preamp, and headphone amp
Balanced 4.4mm Pentaconn jack and standard 1/4" (6.3mm) standard stereo headphone outputs support single-ended unbalanced, fully balanced and active balanced ground driving
Full microprocessor control with memory retention
Ultra-low-noise JFETs in the input stage for the lowest possible noise floor
NuPrime SRC IC chip provides FPGA processing where Input signals are upsampled to megahertz before down converted to the targeted sampling rate with ultra-low jitter and distortion
AKM newest generation premium 32-bit Stereo DAC (AK4493 EQ) with warmer analog-like sonic characteristics, supporting USB PCM 768 and DSD256
Supports DSD native playback by ASIO2.1 and DoP method
Five digital inputs and one stereo input for complete system flexibility
Proprietary NuPrime implementation capable of decoding DoP formats via coaxial and optical inputs (to support NuPrime Omnia portable devices that are able to output DoP stream in addition to S/PDIF)
Asynchronous transfer mode
NuPrime vibration-free isolation feet
Extension port for Bluetooth dongle and WiFi audio streaming (optional)
Advanced, FPGA implemented thin-film switched-resistor ladder network for controlling volume, with a single resistor in the signal path at any volume setting
Volume adjustment in 99 precise 0.5dB increments
Individually adjustable volume on each input for precise level matching of sources
Exclusive driver software for Windows. Standard driver software for Mac
Very low power consumption on Standby Mode
Available in grey anodized aluminum finish

Inputs

1 x USB PCM/DSD Digital (PCM up to 384kHz & DSD up to DSD256)
1 x Coaxial Digital S/PDIF (PCM up to 768KHz supporting DoP format DSD256)
1 x Optical Digital S/PDIF (PCM up to 192KHz supporting DoP format DSD64)
1 x Bluetooth or WiFi receiver module (optional)
1 x IIS/DSD HDMI connector (PCM 768KHz/32Bit and DSD 256 data streams)
1 x Analog Stereo RCA

Outputs

1 x 14" (6.3mm) headphone out (Stereo)
1 x MMCX 4.4mm Pentaconn balanced headphone out (Mono Mono)
1 pair of stereo RCA out: 4Vrms
1 x pair of stereo XLR balanced out: 8 Vrms
1 x Optical S/DPIF out (PCM up to 192KHz supporting DoP format DSD64)

Product Specs

Outputs

1 x 14" (6.3mm) headphone out (Stereo):
Output power: 1500 mW, 32 ohms, <0.01% THD (R+L channel)
Output power: 115 mW, 600 ohms, <0.005% THD (R+L channel)
1 x MMCX 4.4mm Pentaconn balanced headphone out (Mono Mono):
Output power: 1500 mW, 32 ohms, <0.01% THD (R channel)
Output power: 115 mW, 600 ohms, <0.005% THD (R channel)
Output power: 1500 mW, 32 ohms, <0.01% THD (L channel)
Output power: 115 mW, 600 ohms, <0.005% THD (L channel)
1 pair of stereo RCA out: 4Vrms
1 x pair of stereo XLR balanced out: 8 Vrms
1 x Optical S/DPIF out (PCM up to 192KHz supporting DoP format DSD64)

General

Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 KHz / ±0.3 dB
SNR: > 110 dB
THD+N: < 0.0005%
Dimensions: 9.25" W x 2.17" H (including feet) x 11" D
Weight: 5.5 lbs.

Product Warranty

1 Year

Parts & Labor

NuPrime Warranty Information

"...the Alita sits well in what is proving to be a very popular ‘all-in-one’ market space for audiophiles who want excellent sound but also want to avoid time-consuming individual component stacking."

- Marcus, Headfonics, October 14, 2020

Audio Advisor occasionally has fantastic deals on clearance items that are in excellent condition and we happen to have just one or two of.

Demo: Photo samples, gear we auditioned, items returned for wrong color/wrong size, etc.

Open Box: Contents briefly examined or inspected for promotional or internal purposes

Factory Refreshed: Original-condition items repackaged by the manufacturer

Cosmetically Blemished: A few dings or scratches, but functionally in original condition

Used: May show some signs of use

All clearance products are carefully inspected by our technicians before we offer the item for sale. All clearance products except Used items come with the original manufacturer warranty and are guaranteed to work and sound like new.

RETURN POLICY & PROCESS

NOTE:
You may only return a product purchased within 60-days of the receipt date.
The product must be in like-new condition and shipped in the original packaging (So SAVE THOSE BOXES!!!)

Call 1-800-942-0220 to request an RMA number.
Print the RMA number on the return shipping label.
Please make sure the return shipping name and address are written in a note on the inside.
Ship package to…

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Grand Rapids, MI 49512
(PRINT YOUR RMA NUMBER HERE)

NOTE: If a coupon was used in the ordering process, then the final value (recorded during payment) will be the price refunded.

Returned products are inspected by our warehouse and refunds are issued within 24 hours of inspection. Please note: it may take 7-10 business days for your bank to show the refunded amount. If you do not see it then, please reach out to our customer service team at 1-800-942-0220.

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