IDA-8 ($995) features and spec

rustydoglim · « **on:** 19 May 2015, 11:27 am »

Following in a long tradition of audio excellence, the NuPrime IDA-8 combines the substance and warmth of an Ultra-Linear Class A Module (ULCAM) in the preamp stage with the extraordinary speed of NuPrime’s proprietary Class-D power for a spacious, transparent, dynamic and luxuriously textured soundstage. The IDA-8’s exemplary distortion numbers (THD+N=0.005% and SNR=-130dB) account for the unit’s peerless clarity. With the inclusion of a DAC that decodes USB PCM 384 and DSD256 in addition to a 100Wx2@8Ohm (180Wx2@4 Ohm) power amp in a 8.5” wide chassis, the NuPrime IDA-8 is truly a technological milestone

The IDA-8’s low noise floor is further complimented by an innovative volume control based on a thin-film resistor design that positions a single resistor in the signal path for each volume setting. Volume changes occur in 99 precise 0.5dB increments for each input’s individually adjustable volume level. Precise level matching is a breeze, as is the user’s ability to make comparisons of music sources.

By utilizing discrete components in NuPrime’s ULCAM circuit, the signal can be fine tuned to reduce noise and provide maximum power.

The NuPrime amp circuit improves on traditional class-D design by using a self-oscillating circuit to generate pulse-width modulation. The amplifier switches at a frequency of 600kHz, well beyond the compact disc’s 44.1kHz sampling rate. Most class-D amps switch at 300kHz or lower. In addition, NuPrime’s SRC IC chip provides FPGA processing for ultra-low jitter and distortion rates. Completing the ensemble is NuPrime's new linear power supply with its high-efficiency toroidal transformer for reduced high-frequency noise and strengthened low-frequency performance. The damping effect of the NuPrime isolation feet (patent pending) absorbs and cancels vibrations that degrade audio performance. The overall result is unprecedented transient speed and an almost shocking level of dynamic impact.

The IDA-8 achieves Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N) levels of less than 0.005% while achieving a system efficiency of up to 93%. The IDA-8's frequency response to 50 kHz elevates vocals into emotional experiences; similarly, instrumental upper registers mimic a live performance’s shimmering heights .

The IDA-8's features and specifications have few equals. Just one audition will convince you that the IDA-8’s performance and sophisticated styling are rarely duplicated at any price point.

Features:

•   Ultra-Linear Class A Module (ULCAM) achieves audiophile-quality sound with Class-D’s dynamics, speed and efficiency
•   THD+N lower than 0.005% with a -130dB S/N ratio
•   NuPrime SRC IC chip provides FPGA processing with ultra-low jitter and distortion
•   NuPrime vibration-free isolation feet (patent pending*)
•   State-of-the-art DAC supporting USB PCM 384 and DSD256, also capable of decoding DoP formats via coaxial and optical inputs
•   Analog line-out (Sub Out), with twice the standard output power, provides impressive lows and a wide sound stage specifically designed for subwoofers
•   Extension port for Bluetooth dongle and WiFi audio streaming (optional)
•   Full microprocessor control with memory retention
•   Four digital inputs and one stereo input for complete system flexibility
•   Supports DSD native playback by ASIO2.1 and DoP method
•   Ultra-low-noise JFETs in the input stage for the lowest possible noise floor
•   Volume adjustment in 99 precise 0.5dB increments
•   Advanced, thin-film switched-resistor ladder network for controlling volume, with a single resistor in the signal path at any volume setting
•   Individually adjustable volume on each input for precise level matching of sources
•   Exclusive driver software for Windows
•   Standard driver software for Mac
•   Asynchronous transfer mode
•   Very low power consumption on Standby Mode
•   Available in black or silver anodized aluminum finish
•   Includes remote control

Inputs:
1 x USB PCM / DSD Digital (PCM up to 384kHz & DSD up to DSD256 )
1 x Coaxial Digital S/PDIF (PCM up to 192K supporting DoP format DSD64)
1 x Optical Digital S/PDIF (PCM up to 192K supporting DoP format DSD64)
1 x Bluetooth or WiFi (optional receiver) module.
1 x Analog Stereo RCA

Outputs:
1 x stereo RCA (designed for subwoofer with twice the standard power output)
1 x stereo speaker (binding posts) output

Specifications:
•   USB Sampling Rates: 44.1KHz, 48KHz, 88.2KHz, 96KHz, 176.4KHz, 192KHz, 352.8KHz, 384KHz and DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz
•   S/PDIF Sampling Rates: 44.1KHz, 48KHz, 88.2KHz, 96, 176.4KHz, 192KHz
•   Maximum Sampling Rate: 32-bits
•   Bit Resolution: 16-32-bits
•   Power output: 100W x 2 (8-Ohm)
•   THD+N: 0.005%
•   SNR = -130dB
•   Peak Output Power: 280w
•   Frequency Response: 10Hz to 50kHz
•   Dimensions: 235 mm W x 281 mm D x 55 mm H (include feet)
•   Weight: 4.3Kg
•   Worldwide AC voltage: (90VAC~130VAC // 210VAC~ 250VAC) With Voltage Select Switch
•   AC Fuse: Slow-blow, 3A, 250VA

rustydoglim · « **Reply #1 on:** 19 May 2015, 11:30 am »

The pricing is not a typo, it is $995.
Shipping in June.
Bluetooth aptX dongle (digital in) is included.
I recommend all audiophiles even if you already have an integrated, buy one. For the price of a few nice dinners for two, you will be truly surprised by what this little monster can do. Time to sell all your other amps (except IDA-16 and Ref 20).

RDavidson · « **Reply #2 on:** 19 May 2015, 01:49 pm »

Pics?

John Casler · « **Reply #3 on:** 19 May 2015, 04:12 pm »

John Casler · « **Reply #4 on:** 19 May 2015, 04:29 pm »

Interestingly enough, at this price point, this model is even the "go to" choice, for those in the market for an Audiophile, High End, Simple, Preamp/DAC.

If you review the feature set, and the specs, few come close.

srb · « **Reply #5 on:** 19 May 2015, 04:35 pm »

Is the "Individually adjustable volume on each input for precise level matching of sources" a limited trim range, or can it be used to set the analog input to 99% or 100% for use as an HT Bypass input?

Steve

amatuerholic · « **Reply #6 on:** 19 May 2015, 05:47 pm »

Will the remote be the same one as the IDA-16?

Thanks!

mr_bill · « **Reply #7 on:** 19 May 2015, 07:01 pm »

Rusty Dog,

Would the IDA-16 be considered a better performer than the IDA-8 or since the 8 is newer it may be better - if you don't need more than 100 W of power?

rustydoglim · « **Reply #8 on:** 19 May 2015, 09:15 pm »

We are working on a new remote (simple credit card size) for IDA-8, DAC-10H and IDA-16. IDA-16 will continue to have the original big wand remote (the card size remote is extra). Some people complains about the wand remote being too big or not sensitive enough. So we decided to make another remote.

IDA-8 and IDA-16 have two different amp designs. Honestly we can't say one is better than the other. They are just different approach in the respective product's philosophy.
IDA-16 aims for very detail and balance.
IDA-8 was designed to have richness in sound (technically this means even harmonic, but it is not that simple). This is not the same as distortion in tube amp. IDA-8 actually have lower THD+N (incredible 0.005%) than IDA-16 but anything below 0.1% THD+N is hardly noticeable.

We are now getting so good as manipulating the amp design (proud to say that we are still one of the rarest high-end company to design our own class-D amp) that we can come up with anything that sounded like tube or class A amp but without the drawback.

So IDA-8 sounded like a very high-end class A amp with the dynamic and speed of class D.

Ok, hard decision. I say if you don't need more than 100W, get IDA-8.

harley52 · « **Reply #9 on:** 19 May 2015, 11:04 pm »

Is it built in China?
Thanks

John Casler · « **Reply #10 on:** 20 May 2015, 02:50 am »

Quote from: srb on 19 May 2015, 04:35 pm

Is the "Individually adjustable volume on each input for precise level matching of sources" a limited trim range, or can it be used to set the analog input to 99% or 100% for use as an HT Bypass input?

Steve

Yes. Each input remembers the Volume Control setting from the last use. So you would simply set the "analog" RCA inputs to full volume for HT.

john925 · « **Reply #11 on:** 20 May 2015, 03:26 pm »

This seems to be a product that only exists in wonderland. Great work, NuPrime Team.

bh46118 · « **Reply #12 on:** 21 May 2015, 05:48 am »

Other than power, what makes the IDA-16 worth $1600 more than the IDA-8 ?

Meicheng · « **Reply #13 on:** 21 May 2015, 06:00 am »

One difference I know of is that the IDA-16 has more digital inputs than the IDA-8.

gregfisk · « **Reply #14 on:** 21 May 2015, 04:29 pm »

This seems like a great product with a lot of flexibility.

Does this unit have the ability to be controlled by a smart phone or ipad?

Thanks,

Greg

mr_bill · « **Reply #15 on:** 21 May 2015, 04:38 pm »

I have to say that I am amazed at this product. A mini (but not upgradeable) Devialet.

Which Nuprime Dac is comparable to the dac in the IDA-8?
Does it use the SABRE dac like the Dac 10?

fiveoclockfriday · « **Reply #16 on:** 21 May 2015, 05:09 pm »

Yes, this seems awesome. I'm a happy DDA-100 owner, and this looks to be a great step forward.

John Casler · « **Reply #17 on:** 21 May 2015, 05:38 pm »

While Rustydoglim is the one to answer most of these questions definitively, I can offer some info:

1) It is my impression that the unit is from Taiwan

2) Key differences between the IDA-8 and IDA-16 are;

IDA-16 Amp has 2 x the power output and would certainly be the choice for larger systems, and less effcient speakers. I have used the IDA-16 with speakers that LOVE current, and the 200wpc was displaying WELL ABOVE the rated power.

Different DAC chipset. While the reality of the situation is ALWAYS implementation, the IDA-16 has the ESS SABRE DAC chipset and the IDA-8 has another brand. That said, most know that the ESS SABRE has some of the lowest jitter of any chip set, but if you viewed the specs to the IDA-8 you likely noticed a S/N, that was Out of this World.

The IDA-16, has more inputs, meaning it would be better for more complex and larger systems.

At this time, the IDA-8 is scheduled to have a smaller remote, while the IDA-16 currently has the octogonal wand. This may change in the future.

At this time, the IDA-8 does not have a wireless network connection, so iPHONE control is not available.

NuPRIME is certainly "S-T-R-E-T-C-H-I-N-G" the limits of performance you can expect for your AudioPhile Dollar.

alligatorman · « **Reply #18 on:** 22 May 2015, 06:45 am »

Does the sub out have adjustable crossover or lpf?

amatuerholic · « **Reply #19 on:** 22 May 2015, 01:13 pm »

Quote from: alligatorman on 22 May 2015, 06:45 am

Does the sub out have adjustable crossover or lpf?

I'd be beyond sold on the IDA-16 if it had that feature. ::fingers crossed for future revisions::

It would certainly free up amplifier power if you had something else taking the brunt of the low-frequency amplification, instead of expecting the speakers to run full range. I wonder how much extra it would cost to add that to an amplifier that does not already have a high-pass filter.