[FILTHpig]

Hi all, new user here. Read some threads, seems like a great site!

Recently, I was able to get the NuPrime DAC-9X for a great price and I love it. I'm in a small 10x11' space, it's my office/music room. I have all my records in this room along with a turntable. I also stream from my Roon server via RoPieee. I have some DALI Menuet SE speakers and a REL T/5x sub. I'm currently using a Pro-Ject MaiA DS3 integrated as my amplification.

I'm just wondering if I should pair the DAC with the NuPrime IA-9X integrated, mainly because of the phono stage and it's supposedly better in a small room with smaller speakers OR go with the STA-9X because I have these 4 ohm speakers plus a sub and I tend to listen to a lot of heavy electronic music and it's supposed to have better bass control? I mean, I listen to everything from Jazz to Punk Rock so a well-rounded amp is wanted either way.

I was thinking the integrated would be kind of ideal because of the built in phono stage. Also, don't want a ton of components in my minimalist setup but I don't know if that matters much since I also want the best sound possible. Anyway, hope I was clear with my question as to what amp to pair with my DAC and speakers. Thanks in advance!

[John Ransley]

The STA-9x is where you want to be; by jumping into the DAC-9x you are already past all-in-one solutions and into the world of superior sounding separate components. The DAC-9x/STA-9x combination has several advantages in your system; firstly much more power. The DAC-9x also has dual outputs so you'll be able to run both the sub and STA-9x (use balanced for the power amp). Obviously you have digital inputs as well as phono and the DAC-9x is going to make Roon sound really good - your next step will be to then invest in a better phono stage (and maybe even cartridge) in order to have your vinyl listening come up to the same standard. And further in the future you'll even be able to add a second STA-9x and go into bridged mode - this will turn heavy electronic music into a really mind bending experience!

This is not to say the IA-9x is in any way a lesser amplifier; I like it a lot and have one here in my own office with a Lumin front end and Sonus faber Amators. But your existing system is different especially as you have a subwoofer. Feel free to come back to me with any further questions.