NuPrime DAC-10H DAC / Headphone Amp
Best high-fidelity hub for audiophiles seeking versatile, balanced headphone performance.
Experience unparalleled audio fidelity with the NuPrime DAC-10H, a masterfully crafted component that seamlessly integrates a DAC, preamp, and powerful headphone amplifier. Its leading-edge design and robust construction ensure lasting enjoyment. Delivering an honest, life-like musical experience, it boasts pristine backgrounds and ultra-low distortion. Utilizing the SABRE32 Reference ES9018 DAC, it supports high-resolution formats up to PCM 384K and DSD256. The advanced preamp and robust headphone amplifier, featuring balanced and standard outputs, drive any headphone with exceptional clarity.
$1250.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
53
/ 733
#53 in Headphone Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
-11%
Below average
DAC Chip
329018
/ SABRE Reference ES
Who it's for
- Audiophiles powering demanding planar magnetic headphones
- System builders needing a versatile preamplifier hub
- Listeners prioritizing high-resolution digital audio fidelity
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers seeking entry-level pricing
- Users with limited space for heat dissipation
- Modern listeners requiring wireless connectivity and advanced displays
Performance breakdown
Digital Decoding Precision
The SABRE32 chip handles high-resolution files with remarkable transparency and detail.
Headphone Drive Capability
Balanced output provides ample power for even the most demanding headphones.
Signal Integrity
Ultra-low distortion levels ensure a pristine, noise-free listening experience.
Connectivity Versatility
A comprehensive array of digital and analog inputs suits complex setups.
Build Construction
Robust, heavy-duty chassis design reflects professional-grade engineering standards.
Volume Control Precision
Fine 0.5dB increments allow for perfect level matching at any volume.
Key Specs
DAC Chip
SABRE32 Reference ES9018
Supported PCM Sampling Rates
Up to 384KHz
Supported DSD Sampling Rates
Up to DSD256 (11.2MHz)
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD+N)
< 0.0003%
Headphone Output Power
680 mW @ 1 kHz and 600 ohm load (XLR-4)
Dimensions
59 mm H x 215.4 mm W x 394 mm D
Weight
4.8 kg (10.5 pounds)
Inputs
1 x USB Digital, 2 x Coaxial Digital, 2 x Optical Digital, 2 x Analog Stereo RCA
Features
- Reference-level DAC, preamp, and headphone amp
- High-resolution PCM 384K and DSD256 decoding
- High-power balanced headphone output
- Precise 0.5dB volume control increments
- ESS SABRE32 Reference DAC chip
- Asynchronous transfer for accurate clocking
- Dual gain settings for headphone versatility
- Full microprocessor control with memory
What customers say
The NuPrime DAC-10H earns overwhelmingly positive reception, centered on its exceptional sonic clarity and robust performance. Reviewers consistently highlight the detailed, transparent signal path delivered by the DAC section, which elevates diverse music genres. A key strength is the integrated headphone amplifier, praised for its ample power to drive demanding headphones without losing control. Users value its versatility as both a primary DAC and a dedicated headphone hub. Build quality is perceived as solid and premium, reinforcing its high fidelity positioning. While priced above entry level, the consensus is that the DAC-10H offers performance rivaling much costlier components, making it a superb, clutter-reducing investment for serious listeners.
Know before you buy
Yes, it functions as a high-quality preamplifier. You can connect it directly to a power amplifier using the stereo RCA or balanced XLR outputs to control your entire audio system.
It does. The front panel features both a 4-pin XLR socket for balanced headphones and a standard 6.3mm jack for unbalanced connections, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of gear.
Yes, the DAC-10H supports high-resolution audio formats, including PCM files up to 384kHz and DSD files up to DSD256, providing excellent fidelity for your digital library.
The dual gain settings allow you to match the amplifier's output to the sensitivity of your specific headphones. This ensures you have precise control over volume levels and prevents background noise or distortion with highly sensitive in-ear monitors.
The unit features a volume control with 0.5dB increments. This high level of precision allows for very fine adjustments, making it easy to find the perfect listening level even at lower volumes.
When connecting to a computer via USB, you will need to install the appropriate NuPrime drivers to ensure proper asynchronous data transfer and support for high-resolution audio formats.
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