STA-9

kevb · « **on:** 11 Nov 2015, 05:07 pm »

Since there are now separate threads for the DAC-9 and HPA-9, I thought it might be useful to start a thread on the upcoming STA-9. Rustydoglim has referred to some of the features and has graciously provided a link to some preliminary pictures in another thread so I am posting it here:

https://picasaweb.google.com/106836432394752820607/STA902

This amp does sound like it will be an excellent choice for those on a budget like myself. I for one can't wait to see the finalized specifications!

dr.sah · « **Reply #1 on:** 5 Dec 2015, 10:08 am »

I have ST-10 with DAC-10h, but I would like to have more power. Are two st-9 in monoblock more powerfull as single st-10?

mresseguie · « **Reply #2 on:** 5 Dec 2015, 02:40 pm »

Dr.SAH,

Two STA-9s bridged will give you a stompingly powerful 290 watts per channel. That's a lot more than the ST-10's 150w.

maty · « **Reply #3 on:** 11 Dec 2015, 09:35 am »

-> http://www.nuprimeaudio.com/index.php/products/amplifiers-and-preamps/stereo-amps/sta-9.html

Quote

Ultra-low distortion and noise

but

Quote

Signal to Noise Ratio: < -80dB at 1W, 10W, 100W

The two specifications may not be true at the same time!

Maybe the "SNR" is the Crosstalk.

rustydoglim · « **Reply #4 on:** 14 Dec 2015, 02:07 pm »

I need to check again about this spec.

Ozwel · « **Reply #5 on:** 20 Dec 2015, 05:47 pm »

Hi everyone,

I'm highly interested in a DAC-9 + 2 STA-9 setup.

If IDA-8 sounds warmer than IDA-16 because of the power amp and not the DAC, then should we deduct that DAC-9 + STA-9 will sound even warmer than ID-8 since both DAC and amp have their own warm signature?

Plus same question about the STA-9 SNR, weird figures since all the other amps are >100

V-Fi · « **Reply #6 on:** 2 Jan 2016, 10:50 pm »

Quote from: Ozwel on 20 Dec 2015, 05:47 pm

Plus same question about the STA-9 SNR, weird figures since all the other amps are >100

Me too. I think it must be typo or wrong label on that spec.

rustydoglim · « **Reply #7 on:** 8 Jan 2016, 02:59 pm »

Engineer did the measurement and confirmed that SNR < -95dB

mresseguie · « **Reply #8 on:** 8 Jan 2016, 03:15 pm »

Quote from: rustydoglim on 8 Jan 2016, 02:59 pm

Engineer did the measurement and confirmed that SNR < -95dB

Thank you for this. Now how does this number translate into our listening experience?

Is this something you wish you could sweep under the sofa, but it's too late?

What do you suppose would happen to the SNR after an upgrade by Bob at TDSS?

Thanks for any answers,

Michael

V-Fi · « **Reply #9 on:** 9 Jan 2016, 08:59 pm »

Well Jason updated to 95dB which is not so bad at all. 80 dB is bad but 95 is fine. The highly regarded DDA-100 was around the same. Also it depends on how the measurement is done. Check out the specs on these Krell amps and see how the figures are very different depending on how they measure http://www.krellonline.com/stereo-amps.html

Ozwel · « **Reply #10 on:** 12 Jan 2016, 07:39 pm »

I agree, 95db is good enough to forget about this spec.

rustydoglim · « **Reply #11 on:** 18 Jan 2016, 11:31 am »

The numbers don't tell the whole story!!!
We added EVEN HARMONICS (the good harmonics) to the amp to make it sounded tube-like, but without the drawbacks of tube.
Obviously measurement can't tell the difference between noise or "texture"

dr.sah · « **Reply #12 on:** 29 Jan 2016, 05:54 am »

2x STA-9 in bridge against ST-10 in sound quality? which combo would be better?

rustydoglim · « **Reply #13 on:** 29 Jan 2016, 05:19 pm »

Sound quality wise ST-10 is still better. But again, if you prefer more warmth, you might prefer STA-9.

See the amp comparison: http://www.nuprimeaudio.com/index.php/reviews/amp-comparison.html

Servingthemusic.com · « **Reply #14 on:** 29 Jan 2016, 06:00 pm »

I'm very interested in reviewing the STA-9. Is there a rep on here who can provide a sample?

Andre Marc
www.avrev.com

dr.sah · « **Reply #15 on:** 31 Jan 2016, 07:33 pm »

Would be very sexy if you can make st-10 with bridge option.

rustydoglim · « **Reply #16 on:** 4 Feb 2016, 12:59 am »

Quote from: dr.sah on 31 Jan 2016, 07:33 pm

Would be very sexy if you can make st-10 with bridge option.

That is effectively MCH-K38. ST-10 and the previous NuForce Ref series use a type of design that can not be bridged.
I wonder if you guys (who bought STA-9) discovered the transformation when it is bridged into mono.

firedog · « **Reply #17 on:** 4 Feb 2016, 07:09 am »

Where on your scale would the STA-9's go as 2 mono amps vs an ST-10?

pewe · « **Reply #18 on:** 5 Feb 2016, 02:58 pm »

Anyone got any pics from the inside of the STA-9?

rustydoglim · « **Reply #19 on:** 7 Feb 2016, 08:40 am »

I will post a new topic on all the amps, internal photos, and update the amp comparison guide next week.