Reference-Quality DAC, Headphone Amp, and Preamp
The NuPrime Alita is a reference-class DAC designed for headphone enthusiasts and studio professionals. It features I2S/DSD and XLR outputs and decoding capability of PCM 768K & DSD256. With four digital inputs and one analog stereo inputs, the Alita is a full-featured DAC and preamp ideally suited for high-end systems. The balanced 4.4mm Pentaconn headphone jack and 1/4" stereo headphone jack outputs support single ended unbalanced, fully balanced, and active balanced ground driving headphone amplifier.
High Power World-Class Balanced Headphone Amplifier
The Alita headphone amplifier derives from the highly regarded NuPrime 10 Series and is capable of driving even the most demanding headphones with ease. Audiophile-quality components and a fully balanced layout ensure minimal crosstalk and maximum channel separation. Providing up to 1.2W of output power, the headphone circuitry supports single ended unbalanced, fully balanced, and active balanced ground driving connection options. In addition to offering a high level of transparency, each of these connections offers a slightly different 'flavor.'
Using the 4.4mm Pentaconn jack balanced output, you will appreciate the pristine background with an absence of noise. The soundstage is wide and possess a strong presence with a full and extended bass. Manufactured by Nippon Dics Co., the Alita's Pentaconn jack is the new unified standard for balanced headphone connection, which headphone and cable manufacturers are using in their new and future products.
When you use the 1/4" (6.3mm) headphone jack output, the sound is clearly outlined and has a sense of naturalness. The midrange performance is a prominent highlight and imaging is solidly focused.
A Reference Class Preamp
To meet the requirement of audiophiles who want to eliminate extra components in their system, NuPrime incorporated a high-end preamp capable of directly driving the power amplifier directly as an essential part of the design. The Alita includes features borrowed from traditional high-end preamps. Among these is an advanced, FPGA implemented switched-resistor ladder network for controlling volume, using only a single resistor in the signal path at any volume setting. Individually adjustable volume is provided for each input for precise source level matching. Volume is adjustable in 99 precise, 0.5dB increments.
The Heart of a Serious Audio System
As the heart of a serious audio system, the Alita supports an extensive number of inputs and formats. State-of-the-art solutions along with proprietary know-how in creating many Editor’s Choice and Product of the Year award-winning products elevate the NuPrime Alita well above the competition.
The AC hum is kept to a minimum by using a low-noise power supply with antivibration treatment. The rest of the onboard power circuit is designed to minimize noise as well, as does the asynchronous transfer mode. NuPrime vibration-free isolation feet contribute to the pristine sound quality.
AKM New Generation DAC
Alita utilizes one of the world’s best performing 32-bit audio DACs, the AKM's new generation AK4493. Accurate, lifelike EQ is only a first step for designing the ultimate DAC. This state-of-the-art DAC offers warmer, analog-like sonic characteristics, supporting USB PCM 768 and DSD256. The NuPrime SRC IC chip provides FPGA processing where input signals are upsampled to megahertz before being down converted to the targeted sampling rate with ultra-low jitter and distortion.
The Alita supports DSD native playback by ASIO2.1 and DoP method. Ultra-low-noise JFETs in the input stage for the lowest possible noise floor. Five digital inputs and one stereo input give you complete system flexibility.
A proprietary NuPrime implementation is capable of decoding DoP formats via coaxial and optical inputs (to support NuPrime Omnia portable devices that are able to output the DoP stream in addition to S/PDIF).
Compatible with NuPrime Bluetooth and WiFi Audio Receivers and Dongles
NuPrime includes a USB Type-A port in the Alita to carry S/PDIF data and 5V power for connecting to an external wireless audio receiver using just one standard USB cable. The NuPrime Omnia WR-1, Bluetooth dongle BT-9, and D-Stream Audio Primo HD (24-bit/192kHz) wireless receivers have a micro USB port that is compatible this specification. This allow a standard off-the-shelf USB-A to micro USB cable to be used for power for the receiver as well as wireless audio data transfer in S/PDIF format.