NuPrime Hi-mDAC Portable USB DAC

NuPrime Hi-mDAC Portable USB DAC

The Hi-mDAC is a portable USB DAC and headphone amp that performs above its price point. Its USB-C input means it can connect to tablets, computers or mobile, and is capable of being powered by a mobile (unlike some other DACs which claim to be portable). Utilising a superior Cirrus Logic chip, the Hi-mDAC delivers low-power high performance.

What NuPrime say

The Hi mDAC is a portable high-resolution DAC and headphone amp. Capable of PCM 32/384 and DSD 256 decoding, it is ultra-compact, has low power consumption and connects easily to your computer or mobile device.

The Hi-mDAC outperforms anything in its price class and compares favourably to digital-to-analogue converters and headphone amplifiers costing significantly more. It provides the listener with truly full-range sound with commanding bass and impressive full-frequency response. The improvement in sound quality is easy to hear.

State Of The Art DAC Chip & Custom USB Chip

Many low-cost portable DACs can only decode up to 24-bit/96kHz PCM and do not support DSD decoding. The Hi-mDAC is capable of decoding sample rates ranging from 44.1kHz to 384kHz (PCM) as well as native DSD decoding ranging from DSD 64 up to DSD 256, making it the most capable USB-powered portable DAC on the market today!

Hi-mDAC utilizes a new chip CS43131 from Cirrus Logic. The CS43131 combines a next-generation, low power audio DAC with a high-fidelity headphone amplifier to provide a superior system-level audio performance without draining battery life. To minimize pre-echos and ringing artefacts, the CS43131 is designed with proprietary digital-interpolation filters that support five selectable digital filter responses. Filtering options include low group delay with pseudo-linear phase and a fast or slow roll-off. Volume matching of the analogue output levels and channel mixing enable a seamless transition between the DSD and PCM playback paths. The onboard low noise, ground-centred headphone amplifier provides proprietary AC impedance detection to support headphone fingerprinting to provide a consistent and transparent audio experience for the end-user regardless of transducer impedances or frequency responses.

A NuPrime customized low power USB communication chip together with the CS43131 achieved the previously unattainable goal of a lower power high-performance portable DAC & headphone amp device.

Compatible

The Hi-mDAC is compatible with a wide range of devices — Apple computers and iOS devices, including iPhones and iPads, all PCs and many Android devices.
CONVENIENT

The Hi-mDAC is one of the smallest high-performance USB DACs available on the market today. Measuring just 5.0cm x 2.2cm x 1.2cm, the Hi-mDAC can travel easily in your pocket, backpack or briefcase. With a USB cable that connects to your iOS device or Android, it’s a great way to get improved sound quality from your smartphone or tablet.

Outstanding Sound & Build Quality

If you’ve only listened to music through your existing computer sound card or the built-in DAC in your iOS or Android device, you will find this USB powered external DAC an unmistakable improvement in sound quality. If you have an older external DAC that can only decode 24-bit/96kHz PCM, the Hi-mDAC will allow you to hear and feel more of your favourite music. The superior sound will provide a definite upgrade to your listening experience.

The chassis is CNC machining from two pieces of aluminium with precise mechanical specifications.

Features

• 32-bit/384kHz PCM and native DSD 256 decoding
• Discrete USB audio receiver and D/A converter. Asynchronous transfer mode for doubled jitter-reduction at data input and over-sampling filter stages
• High-performance headphone amplifier
• Optical output (shared with 3.5mm headphone out) capable of S/PDIF and DoP stream
• USB powered, no external power supply required. It can be powered directly by mobile phones
• USB port
• Works with Android (4.1 & above with OTG), iOS (with camera adapter USB cable), Windows 7/8/10, & Mac. Windows device driver download is required; other devices do not need a driver.

Specification

• Input: 1 X USB-A (32-bit/384kHz & DSD256 decoding)
• Output: 3.5mm analog or 3.5mm optical (PCM 192kHz, DoP64)
• Frequency Response: 20-20kHz +/- 0.5dB
• S/N Ratio: > 100 dB (20-20kHz A-weighted)
• THD+N: 0.005% @ 1mW
• USB-A to USB-C cable included

About NuPrime

Nu-Prime Audio was founded in 2014 by Jason Lim, cofounder of NuForce, who is committed to design, engineering, and excellence. With a team of talented engineers, Nu-Prime has quickly established itself as a top player in the industry. Their high-end amplifiers and preamps, DACs and headphone amps, streamers, ethernet switches, and power supplies are pushing the boundaries of audio technology.

At Nu-Prime, the journey to audio perfection begins with a vertically integrated manufacturing process. Every step from conception to mass production is executed to ensure the best quality products. This dedication has been recognised by numerous audiophile magazines, solidifying Nu-Prime's reputation as a leader in the field.

Nu-Prime firmly believes that high-end audio should be accessible to all and prides itself on making expensive audio components affordable. Their design team optimises circuitry and components without compromising on the NuPrime sound signature. Each Nu-Prime product delivers a vast soundstage, lightning-fast dynamics, ultra-low distortion, and noise, allowing the music to emerge from a pristine background with intricate details and nuances intact.

Choose Nu-Prime Audio at Future Shop for the ultimate audio experience. Embrace their classic and elegant designs, immerse yourself in their signature soundstage, and witness the wide, lightning-fast dynamics that bring your music to life. With Nu-Prime, you can expect nothing less than a pristine audio experience where every delicate detail and nuance is preserved.