NuPrime Evolution STA

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John Casler

Re: NuPrime Evolution STA
« Reply #20 on: 14 Feb 2022, 07:50 pm »

I’m still debating whether I want to try the Evolution DAC.

Michael

Of course you do. . . . :thumb:

mresseguie

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Re: NuPrime Evolution STA
« Reply #21 on: 15 Feb 2022, 06:27 am »
My wife and I left our home for a 4-day mini vacation. We returned this afternoon. After putting everything away, I powered up my DAC, Preamp, and the Evo STA amp, and put on some piano music to warm the components up.

About thirty minutes later....I'm listening to Eva Cassidy, and I'll be damned, but I keep hearing guitar plucks that I don't recall hearing before. The amp is now <after more than 150 hours of burn in> warm <tube> sounding yet there's incredible clarity, too. I'm impressed! Jason's engineer knows his stuff.

John, you'll just have to wait a bit before I decide on the DAC. I need to sell a couple components first cuz Melody's begun noticing all the gear I have.  :nono:



 

« Last Edit: 15 Feb 2022, 07:46 pm by mresseguie »

Fenek

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Re: NuPrime Evolution STA
« Reply #22 on: 18 Feb 2022, 03:58 pm »
What happened to the input stage?
The new good sounding input stage of the Evolution  one  is out?
Description Evo One : " A new input stage with a 1MΩ input impedance. The high input impedance allows the pre-amplifier to see a much easier load and hence introduces less harmonic distortion and phase delay to the system."

Sutts

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Re: NuPrime Evolution STA
« Reply #23 on: 19 Feb 2022, 05:31 pm »
+1 Fenek

Why do I get the feeling there is subtle information we are not receiving here...  I would love to hear from Jason's Chief Engineer (not Jason) about the changes to the new Evo STA, and why certain decisions were made in design.  For example, I generally prefer monoblocks (if available), and I can't believe they would not carry on the tradition of their top model being monoblocks- why offer stereo only?  I understand Jason's explanation, however there are going to be customers like myself that always enjoyed Nuforce/Nuprime's top offering being a mono version, not stereo. 

Are they thinking that a mono version won't sell as well as a stereo version due to price point??  Of course we are not privy to their sales numbers, and maybe this is a big part of it- perhaps Nuprime's stereo offerings outsell the corresponding monoblock option like 99 to 1 or something and this was a Corporate costing/profit decision- maybe that's it.  But don't tell me that they could not get even higher performance if they offered a monoblock version of the new Evo STA- I am sure the mono version of that would be even better.  Look at Merrill Audio and even Atmasphere's new Class D offering- they are primarily monoblock offerings...

I appreciate any opinions on the above...

John Casler

Re: NuPrime Evolution STA
« Reply #24 on: 19 Feb 2022, 06:27 pm »
+1 Fenek

Why do I get the feeling there is subtle information we are not receiving here...  I would love to hear from Jason's Chief Engineer (not Jason) about the changes to the new Evo STA, and why certain decisions were made in design.  For example, I generally prefer monoblocks (if available), and I can't believe they would not carry on the tradition of their top model being monoblocks- why offer stereo only?  I understand Jason's explanation, however there are going to be customers like myself that always enjoyed Nuforce/Nuprime's top offering being a mono version, not stereo. 

Are they thinking that a mono version won't sell as well as a stereo version due to price point??  Of course we are not privy to their sales numbers, and maybe this is a big part of it- perhaps Nuprime's stereo offerings outsell the corresponding monoblock option like 99 to 1 or something and this was a Corporate costing/profit decision- maybe that's it.  But don't tell me that they could not get even higher performance if they offered a monoblock version of the new Evo STA- I am sure the mono version of that would be even better.  Look at Merrill Audio and even Atmasphere's new Class D offering- they are primarily monoblock offerings...

I appreciate any opinions on the above...

I believe Jason already answered your question.  Your input helps that.

Quote from: Rustydoglim
It is possible that we can make pure mono version if there is sufficient demand.

mresseguie

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Re: NuPrime Evolution STA
« Reply #25 on: 22 Feb 2022, 07:04 pm »
Two questions for Jason (or John):

My Evolution STA is connected to my preamp via single ended ICs. Is there a SQ benefit in switching to a balanced connection?

Second question is related to the first, but is specific to the Evolution DAC. If the Evo DAC is connected to the Evo STA, is there a sonic benefit to using the balanced connection over the single ended connection?

Twice I fooled myself into thinking my Evo STA had fully burned in only to discover further SQ improvements some 40 hours later. It's well past 200 hours now, and is superb sounding in my system.  :popcorn:

Michael


rustydoglim

Re: NuPrime Evolution STA
« Reply #26 on: 26 Feb 2022, 10:57 am »
Two questions for Jason (or John):

My Evolution STA is connected to my preamp via single ended ICs. Is there a SQ benefit in switching to a balanced connection?

The benefit will depend on the preamp.

Quote
Second question is related to the first, but is specific to the Evolution DAC. If the Evo DAC is connected to the Evo STA, is there a sonic benefit to using the balanced connection over the single ended connection?
For a full balanced design, XLR simply has double the voltage over RCA for long distance cabling. For short distance, the difference should not be noticeable.

rustydoglim

Re: NuPrime Evolution STA
« Reply #27 on: 26 Feb 2022, 10:59 am »
Our New Zealand dealer, Totally Wired knows a lot about the entire range of Nuprime products and have written many good reviews. Here's the latest review of Evolution STA

https://totallywired.nz/nuprime-2/nuprime-evolution-sta/

mresseguie

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Re: NuPrime Evolution STA
« Reply #28 on: 26 Feb 2022, 08:46 pm »
Our New Zealand dealer, Totally Wired knows a lot about the entire range of Nuprime products and have written many good reviews. Here's the latest review of Evolution STA

https://totallywired.nz/nuprime-2/nuprime-evolution-sta/

Thanks. I read this review, and I agree with what the fellow said. It really is a great amp. I'll eventually post my own very positive write up here on AC, but I have precious little spare time for the next couple weeks.

Michael

rustydoglim

Re: NuPrime Evolution STA
« Reply #29 on: 25 Mar 2022, 03:22 pm »
A reviewer from Taiwan mentioned the difference between Evo One and Evo STA.  So here's his subjective comment:

The difference is that EVO STA has a clearer outline, clearer sound and image, slightly smaller body, less warm and bright tone, and EVO One sounds more relaxed, stable and mellow. Simply put, EVO STA is like a young version of EVO One.


AllanS

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Re: NuPrime Evolution STA
« Reply #30 on: 3 Apr 2022, 12:58 pm »
… I agree with what the fellow said. It really is a great amp.
Michael
  Did you happen to spend any time with it at low SPL, which for me is 65-ish dB avg @ 8’?  If so I’d appreciate your  thoughts on how well it performed. 
  This is one of few Class D amps that I find intriguing.  For whatever ill informed reasons I seem to be biased against the many examples of amps that “simply” integrate modules. Thanks.

mresseguie

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Re: NuPrime Evolution STA
« Reply #31 on: 3 Apr 2022, 02:44 pm »
  Did you happen to spend any time with it at low SPL, which for me is 65-ish dB avg @ 8’?  If so I’d appreciate your  thoughts on how well it performed. 
  This is one of few Class D amps that I find intriguing.  For whatever ill informed reasons I seem to be biased against the many examples of amps that “simply” integrate modules. Thanks.

Hello, Allan.

As it happens, I spend much of my time listening at low SPLs - because my wife can't concentrate on her tasks if the music is too loud, and because I suffer from hyperacusis in my right ear. [Encouraging my wife to go shopping every day results in fewer funds for my audio hobby  :nono: Hyperacusis is <somewhat> treatable with pink noise therapy or a knowledgeable acupuncturist.] I haven't bothered to measure my listening position to my speakers in ages, but I think it's ~10'.

I still haven't posted my review of this amp, but I can tell you I really like it. I haven't switched back to my much loved KT88 amp since the Nuprime amp arrived. My sole complaint about it is that <unlike my KT88 amp> it doesn't heat up my listening room during the winter.  :wink:

Michael

AllanS

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Re: NuPrime Evolution STA
« Reply #32 on: 3 Apr 2022, 04:22 pm »
Hello, Allan.

As it happens, I spend much of my time listening at low SPLs - because my wife can't concentrate on her tasks if the music is too loud, and because I suffer from hyperacusis in my right ear. [Encouraging my wife to go shopping every day results in fewer funds for my audio hobby  :nono: Hyperacusis is <somewhat> treatable with pink noise therapy or a knowledgeable acupuncturist.] I haven't bothered to measure my listening position to my speakers in ages, but I think it's ~10'.

I still haven't posted my review of this amp, but I can tell you I really like it. I haven't switched back to my much loved KT88 amp since the Nuprime amp arrived. My sole complaint about it is that <unlike my KT88 amp> it doesn't heat up my listening room during the winter.  :wink:

Michael
Greetings Michael.  Many thanks for sharing your experience.  I appreciate it.  I returned to edit my post to characterize SPL preferences but was happy to find your response. 
  To SPL I should say I need to keep the volume down for reasons similar to yours but, for critical listening, absolute numbers are less important than life size SPL.  Single, close mic’d front row acoustic guitar expectations are different than mid row concert hall symphony.
  Besides a 60 year old back, the inefficiency of a full time 200W space heater is the primary reason I hesitate to jump on Class A.  A west facing room in the middle of a NC summer is uncomfortable enough.  I’m also both a cheap SOB and (more than) a bit irrational.  I spend more on LED bulbs than we’re ever likely to save in electricity usage but I’m an engineer who’s obsessed (to a fault) with efficiency. 
  So the more I think seriously about amps the more I consider the value in finding that just right combination of performance, efficiency, and what I can only describe as topographical artistry. 
  In my limited experience I believe many Class A or A/B designs are owned end to end by the designer and reflect their values.  Class D seems to be a relatively new art form with most designers choosing a paint by numbers approach.  Constrained by the same picture, they’re left with primary color selection being their most significant differentiator.  Perhaps this is an overly harsh and ill informed characterization and genuinely unfair to those who passionately labor in this art form.  If you are one of those or one of their adherents please accept my humble apologies.  I mean no disrespect.
  Perhaps it’s premature for me to consider this, but what little I’ve learned about NuPrime in the past few hours suggests they are to Class D what someone like Nelson Pass is to Class A - at least in values.  Bruno Putzeys and others will certainly come to mind but I’m thinking only of end to end design.

NoahH

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Re: NuPrime Evolution STA
« Reply #33 on: 3 Apr 2022, 04:38 pm »
I think your end-to-end remark is really true. But that is also where we are seeing some interesting evolution - we finally have more full-design class D amps instead of just module integrators.

Sutts

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Re: NuPrime Evolution STA
« Reply #34 on: 3 Apr 2022, 04:49 pm »
This is a slight cause of concern for me:

"...The difference is that EVO STA has a clearer outline, clearer sound and image, slightly smaller body, less warm and bright tone, and EVO One sounds more relaxed, stable and mellow. Simply put, EVO STA is like a young version of EVO One..."

I still want the body; large staging; and relaxed nature I had with my previous TDSS-modded Ref 20's and Evo monos, and was hoping this would be retained in the new Evo STA...  I have yet to receive a response on this thread of what technically in the new design accounts for the sonic changes described above.  Perhaps the only choice then is to go back to the original Evo monoblocks.  Well, the dealer in my country (Canada) has yet to receive his Evo STA amp- hopefully soon and I will review it (likely with the superb Absolare preamp and Jeff Rowland Aeris dac with outboard SuperCap p/s and post my results here...

rustydoglim

Re: NuPrime Evolution STA
« Reply #35 on: 4 Apr 2022, 12:36 am »
Quote
  In my limited experience I believe many Class A or A/B designs are owned end to end by the designer and reflect their values.  Class D seems to be a relatively new art form with most designers choosing a paint by numbers approach.  Constrained by the same picture, they’re left with primary color selection being their most significant differentiator.  Perhaps this is an overly harsh and ill informed characterization and genuinely unfair to those who passionately labor in this art form.  If you are one of those or one of their adherents please accept my humble apologies.  I mean no disrespect.
  Perhaps it’s premature for me to consider this, but what little I’ve learned about NuPrime in the past few hours suggests they are to Class D what someone like Nelson Pass is to Class A - at least in values.  Bruno Putzeys and others will certainly come to mind but I’m thinking only of end to end design.

For those who are curious about how we design our amps since 2005 (Class-D is no longer a new art form) from the ground up (we don't use off-the-shelf modules), please read these two guides:
https://nuprimeaudio.com/guides/amp-design/
https://nuprimeaudio.com/guides/amp-comparison/

HiFi-Advice has been comparing our ST-10, ST-10M, and AMG STA with the $40,000 CH A1.5. Each amp has some characteristics that matched or surpassed the reference Class A amp. Our design goal for Evo STA was to combine the best of ST-10M and AMG STA. Let's see how we do this time  :thumb:





rustydoglim

Re: NuPrime Evolution STA
« Reply #36 on: 4 Apr 2022, 01:03 am »
This is a slight cause of concern for me:

"...The difference is that EVO STA has a clearer outline, clearer sound and image, slightly smaller body, less warm and bright tone, and EVO One sounds more relaxed, stable and mellow. Simply put, EVO STA is like a young version of EVO One..."

I still want the body; large staging; and relaxed nature I had with my previous TDSS-modded Ref 20's and Evo monos, and was hoping this would be retained in the new Evo STA...  I have yet to receive a response on this thread of what technically in the new design accounts for the sonic changes described above.  Perhaps the only choice then is to go back to the original Evo monoblocks.  Well, the dealer in my country (Canada) has yet to receive his Evo STA amp- hopefully soon and I will review it (likely with the superb Absolare preamp and Jeff Rowland Aeris dac with outboard SuperCap p/s and post my results here...

Keep in mind that we are comparing Evo STA and Evo One, not with other amps.  So Evo STA having a slightly smaller body than Evo One is not a bad thing, we have to consider everything as a whole. The purpose is to present music more precisely.

AllanS

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Re: NuPrime Evolution STA
« Reply #37 on: 4 Apr 2022, 01:29 am »
For those who are curious about how we design our amps since 2005 (Class-D is no longer a new art form) from the ground up (we don't use off-the-shelf modules), please read these two guides:
https://nuprimeaudio.com/guides/amp-design/
https://nuprimeaudio.com/guides/amp-comparison/

HiFi-Advice has been comparing our ST-10, ST-10M, and AMG STA with the $40,000 CH A1.5. Each amp has some characteristics that matched or surpassed the reference Class A amp. Our design goal for Evo STA was to combine the best of ST-10M and AMG STA. Let's see how we do this time  :thumb:
Thank you for the references.  They’re quite informative and part of the reason I got less sleep than usual last night.

AllanS

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Re: NuPrime Evolution STA
« Reply #38 on: 4 Apr 2022, 04:37 am »
For those who are curious about how we design our amps…:
https://nuprimeaudio.com/guides/amp-comparison/

Thank you for the references.  They’re quite informative and part of the reason I got less sleep than usual last night.

Rusty, The Evo STA isn’t listed in the Sonic Characteristic table.  Would you please fill in the blanks? Thank you.

JackD

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Re: NuPrime Evolution STA
« Reply #39 on: 4 Apr 2022, 04:55 am »
Alan

I just looked and it's there.