[rustydoglim]

We have made significant upgrade to the AMG STA and decided to release it as AMG STA-SE
(https://nuprimeaudio.com/product/amg-sta-se/)

Given that the AMG One is considered a mini Evolution Two, we felt that there is room for improvement with AMG STA.

The product page details all the changes we have made on the amp board and power supply related circuits. The exceptionally smooth sound characteristic of the AMG STA-SE sets it apart from other top NuPrime amps like the AMG One, Evolution STA, and Evolution Two.

This upgrade is not simply some parts changes as there are design changes. There are innovations such as more efficient and precise PWM waveform (all our amps are self-oscillating using music to trigger the SOA circuit to create PWM waveform, we don't use PWM generator), power circuit noise rejection, and dynamic power delivery. 

Existing customers can contact your distributor for upgrade (the $499 upgrade kit consists of amp board, power circuit module, and STA-SE serial number). For USA customers, you can request for upgrade through the help desk.
*** my mistake, the upgrade kit cost $599 *** 

[pstrisik]

Interesting.  Looking forward to first impressions from the early upgraders.

[rustydoglim]

First review: https://totallywired.nz/nuprime-2/nuprime-amg-sta-special-edition/

We plan to submit AMG STA-SE to HiFi Advice for review.

[pstrisik]

Jason,  The AMG STA SE product page states the upgrade price and "parts only".  Does that mean the amp is shipped to factory and parts are replaced, or does it mean it buys the parts and we can replace them, or does it mean labor is additional?

If it is shipped to factory for upgrade, what is the turn around time?

Thanks for clarification.

[rustydoglim]

Global distributors charge different labor costs for upgrades, and some users might be able to do the upgrade themselves (all you need is a screwdriver).
For USA upgrade, the Sisters Service Center charges a $100 fee + return shipping.

[pstrisik]

Global distributors charge different labor costs for upgrades, and some users might be able to do the upgrade themselves (all you need is a screwdriver).
For USA upgrade, the Sisters Service Center charges a $100 fee + return shipping.

Doing it myself would be a plus.  It would have all of the same upgrade elements as distributor upgrade?  I can order it through the NuPrime website?

[rustydoglim]

You have to order through the distributor or if you are in the US, through Sisters Service Center.
If you don't know DC from AC or don't know anything about electronics, you should not do the upgrade yourself. If you connect the wrong wire, you could fry the boards.

[pstrisik]

Thanks.  I'm no electrical engineer, but I've built Pass amp camp amps and such.  As long as there are instructions I should be able to handle it.

[rustydoglim]

You can see from the instructions, you are practically getting a new amp:
https://nuprimeaudio.com/wp-content/uploads/AMG-STA-to-STA-SE-upgrade-manual.pdf

[pstrisik]

Thanks for the preview!  I'm looking forward to it.  Sonic says I'm the first order.  Waiting to hear about time to ship and travel from Taiwan.

It looks like there is some soldering according to the instructions you posted.  I can manage that, but you said just a screwdriver and  Michael at Sonic said no soldering.  Which is correct?

Finally, you have said a new serial number with the upgrade.  Will I get a new plate or sticker with the kit?

Thanks again.

[rustydoglim]

It looks like there is some soldering according to the instructions you posted.  I can manage that, but you said just a screwdriver and  Michael at Sonic said no soldering.  Which is correct?

Finally, you have said a new serial number with the upgrade.  Will I get a new plate or sticker with the kit?

I was wrong about the "screwdriver-only". The upgrade kit comes with a new serial number and label for AMG STA-SE, so after the upgrade, it becomes a new model.

[pstrisik]

Ok, thanks.  No worries, just want to know what to expect.

[mresseguie]

Jason,

Can you (or your engineers) describe how the new AMG STA-SE and my Evolution STA differ?  [Of
course, comparing the two in the same audio system is the best way to find out. I wonder where I'll find someone with this new AMG ST-SE?  ]

[pstrisik]

I'm in the same boat.  Would love to find someone to bring an EVO STA over to compare! 

It looks like I will be using it in my main system for a while anyway.  My Pioneer M-22 is buzzing.  A few weeks ago it just shut off.  Was a couple of resistors and a diode that failed in the power supply.  Frustrating.  But, it is why I turned to NuPrime originally - to see if I could find something solid-state and modern that compared to that PIO sound and weighed less than 30lbs.  The AMG STA got close.  We'll see with the upgrade.  The opportunity to audition an EVO in my system and room would be wonderful.  Though the warmth (Class A like sound) of the AMG STA is the attraction for me.

I should hear in a couple of days about the ETA for the upgrade kit when I get tracking info.