Given the small device number of connections at the digital integrated amplifier-DAC DDA-120 can be called enviable: two digital optical inputs, one coaxial, USB-port and “slot” for the complete Bluetooth-module NuForce BTR-01. In addition, there is five digital inputs and analog RCA lead to connect the system components of previous generations. Careful, though inevitably overloaded rear panel also inhabits outputs digital integrated amplifier-DAC connector for the power supply and switch.

Feature of the new Direct Digital Integrated Amplifier-DAC

Finally, the kit includes a small plastic remote control, it is not combined with the high price and elegant appearance of the device.

In contrast to the jam-packed back panel, front pleases purity. At first glance, it seems the presence of an all-metal single knob on the right side (it controls the on / off, input selection, and volume). His handle is perfectly polished and looks quite decent for this price category.

However, it should look more closely, and everything will not banal. On the front panel there is a display showing the selected input and volume; He looks pretty vague, the data on it is not easy to read at an angle.

Acting as entertainment-based home stereo, digital integrated amplifier-DAC DDA-120 does not take up much space on the shelf, but it lets you connect multiple sources – such as a network player, smartphone, TV, the CD-player and even a turntable.

After a couple of warm days, we have connected to our network player NuForce Naim and a pair of speakers Q Acoustics Concept 20. As DDA-120 accepts files up to 24 bit / 96 kHz, we decided to start testing with HD-audio.

Mid-range immediately attracts attention. Clean and accurate voice noticeably stand out; the device has a weakness for the MF and HF in preference to deep bass. Top sometimes prone to excessive brightness; this should be taken into account in the selection of speakers – Concept 20 in this regard is very good. To be more closely, it is easy to evaluate the accuracy of NuForce. Start and attenuation of each note clearly worked, all the tools neatly arranged on a sound stage.

The video of the new Direct Digital Integrated Amplifier-DAC from Optoma

However, the lower registers have caused us concern. Bass are present, they boast the same high speed as that of the sounds from other bands, but they are seriously lacking in depth.

The dynamics are not too expressive; the difference between loud and soft passages is smaller than we are used to. The nature of the NuForce sound is the same for all inputs.

The lack of zest and enthusiasm becomes even more obvious when compared with digital integrated amplifier-DAC Cambridge Audio CXA60 for the same $ 1,000. Cambridge markedly overall and to equip roughly comparable to NuForce, but the sound had a much more enjoyable and lively.

Complete Bluetooth-module BTR-01 supports codec aptX; thanks to the simplicity of the settings you can have a few seconds to start to listen to music from your smartphone or tablet.

Conclusion

In digital integrated amplifier-DAC NuForce DDA-120 a lot of advantages: sturdy construction, stylish design, a lot of connections. However, for this price, you can easily find the system much better and exciting sound.

Price: $ 1,000

Rating: 3

PROS: Design and workmanship; many entries; clean and clear midrange

CONS: bass lacks scope; cheap remote control; inarticulate display

VERDICT: some buyers digital integrated amplifier-DAC DDA-120 might like, but it is far class leaders

Source: optomausa

The post Optoma NuForce DDA-120 review – Direct Digital Integrated Amplifier-DAC appeared first on Raqwe.

Feature of new integrated amplifier

As always, the product of the German company made excellently. Although radiators along the hull and gleaming chrome front panel, not all will appreciate, we can not deny the highest quality. Each panel is perfectly aligned with each controller looks very reliable.

After visiting the company’s factory, we can attest that new integrated amplifier Burmester extremely serious about the production process, believing that it will serve as a model for decades. Few of the competitors should be so high standards.

Under severe, impeccably polished top panel you can see a solid power supply, separate circuits of the left and right channels of the power amplifier and an elaborate wiring board. Attention to detail, a worthy product of this class, it is felt throughout.

Burmester Company for many years was the promoter of balanced connections – as you might expect, there are plenty of them: four sets of XLR-connectors, including one that leads to bypass the preamp section and is designed for AV-processor. Also here are two single-ended input and line output.

If you do, unlike us, is not enough 105 watts per channel, the useful RCA- unbalanced and balanced XLR-preamp outputs for connecting an external power amplifier.

To work with this device is very nice. The powerful and smooth volume control works very accurately; Software amp responds quickly to commands. The buttons on the front panel is also solid and reliable; the remote control looks more luxurious than most competitors.

In the menu, you can adjust the levels of the input signal to the volume when switching between sources has not changed too much. Also available TONE adjustment.

Need support

This component is not only large but also a heavy (40 kg weight), so he will need a strong stance. It will not hurt and help in unpacking – radiators pretty sharp, and given the large weight lifting amplifier alone will be uncomfortable.

By the number of radiators, it can be assumed that the component is strongly heated during operation, but we did not notice – in the process of testing for high-volume enclosure became a little warmer. But, as always, we recommend that you leave it a little more space to avoid overheating.

At this level, so that the money invested on full power, just need competent selection system. New integrated amplifier Burmester 032 like the most transparent sources and the AU – to them it sounds really great.

In detail – new integrated amplifier

1. Radiators unusual amplifier design on all sides surrounded by radiators, not only looks spectacular. Radiators regulate the temperature of internal elements, which in turn increases the durability.

2. The circuit topology Burmester company pays much attention to literate wiring schemes in their products. The elements are arranged so as to minimize their interference and get maximum clean power.

In new integrated amplifier Burmester 032 low-key approach to the reproduction of music, which is why he did not immediately grabs the listener’s attention. Just spent the weekend listening to a variety of songs, and then back to another good friend amplifier, we realized how good this.

The sound is very clear and precise, without the slightest hint of stiffness or roughness. Previous versions Burmester amplifiers have always been the soft and full-blooded character, and the new is no exception. He’s extremely sound-employed, however, in spite of the highest in its class detail, it does not emphasize the shortcomings of records or systems. The presence of defects is quite noticeable – and yet manages to convey the essence of the amplifier and the mood music in full; It is a rare virtue.

The unusual heat

This quality is especially evident when playing Eminem’s album Recovery. When playing most systems he is too lean and hard sound, but new integrated amplifier Burmester tells him the warmth and weight, which are rarely brought to meet us. Hyper-fast slogans Eminem in the song Not Afraid served surprisingly smoothly, but every word perfectly legible. This is not just the usual aggression continues – it is issued in a concentrated form.

In addition, Burmester 032 does not smooth rhythmic drive and fierce enthusiasm of the composition.

Skill in detail

Cantus In Memory Of Benjamin Britten, Arvo Pärt demonstrates the magnitude and outstanding rare meticulousness new integrated amplifier Burmester. Power is controlled perfectly dense and the multi-layered section of string, recreating the sound texture tool without the inherent sharpness of some competitors.

No less impressive and convincing integration of a full-scale dynamics in the crescendos. Burmester retains composure and consistency even in the most difficult and stressful fragments. It’s natural and soft sound like much.

It is worth noting the wide and voluminous music scene. Focused and well thought-out, it is much beyond the physical frame of reference speakers ATC SCM 50.

Songs Nina Simone once again prove that the amplifier Burmester good in any genre. We like the way he passes it a passionate voice in the song Strange Fruit, placing it exactly in the center. His sound is all that we love: sophistication, presence and power; the song does not let go until the end listener. Sometimes technology really becomes magic.

To test the circuit, we chose a model of headphones Grado PS500 and BeyerDynamic T1. Location outputs on the rear panel are not too convenient, but sound pleased thoroughness and sophistication to the same extent as when playing back with the AU.

New integrated amplifier Burmester 032 makes a strong impression. It is large and expensive, and its appearance will cause polar opinions. It should be noted the high quality of workmanship and excellent sound, the sound is not inferior to any of the models in this category, including the two amplifiers. If your system is as talented, meet with him – and you will not regret it.

Source: burmester

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We are living through an era of change or, as the scientists say, the next change of technological way. No one has really can not explain what is waiting for us around the corner, but we hear again and again about the development of new generations of technology.

Amplifier NuPrime IDA-16 in the testing process we called association with the fifth-generation fighters – we called a promising aviation complex, that is equipped with the very machine that is ready to perform a variety of tasks. Perhaps it is no accident: IDA-16 is enclosed in a body resembling stealth aircraft “stealth”, stuffed to the eyeballs with the latest digital audio circuits, it is multi-functional and quite powerful. One can cite a number of humorous analogies, such as supersonic flight speed and the frequency range of the amplifier NuPrime, extending up to 80 kHz, such as inaccessible to the human ear. But laughter laughter and the shaft Hi-Fi-components, breaking stereotypes – clear evidence volte-face in the industry. Even the name of the category of devices – Integrated Amplifiers – does not disclose their nature.

Left on the front panel power button and select inputs, and under them their designations, illuminated by LEDs. Right – the mute switch and volume, and the bottom of its display in the process of changing. The rest of the displayed sampling frequency of a signal applied

The company was spun off from NuPrime familiar to us NuForce after last acquired by Optoma. But the right to own patented method of amplification Class D switching power supply remained for NuPrime. He applied to the IDA-16.

DAC is used in the embedded 32-bit chip Sabre ES9018, which allows to convert PCM with a sampling frequency of 384 kHz, as well as decode DSD-flows (2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz, 11.2 MHz). Asynchronous USB-port based on the chip XMOS. In the development of radio-electronic circuits special attention was paid to reduce noise and interference; they applied OPA2134 op amps with low harmonic distortion and the output – JFET-transistors. Volume can be adjusted using a proprietary method of thin-film resistors.

We have already mentioned the style of “stealth” design NuPrime IDA-16; as we know, its American founder of a weak spot: open bomb bay makes notable for aircraft radar. We do not know whether it had in mind the developers amplifier, abandoning the normal display. Stead – perforation on the body and the LEDs behind it. On the whole, our views on the exterior of IDA-16 split, but if the task was to make a fairly large and heavy machine, it successfully accomplished. But the remote control – an unusual, catchy, heavy and quite comfortable.

NuPrime amplifier has a set of digital inputs and only one analog RCA, which explicitly addresses it to work with digital audio sources. We tested it with great SACD-player Esoteric K-03x, allowing to show the best that he can with SPDIF-signal via coaxial input and an analog of the linear connection, as well as the more “popular” a source in the form of MacBook, a USB connection . The sound quality from IDA-16 is significantly increased when energized by a good network with air conditioning.

Behind the back NuPrime IDA-16

1. SPDIF-compatible input signals with a frequency of 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz and bit bits 16-24

2. On the USB-port can be fed PCM 44,1-384 kHz and DSD 2,8; 5.6; 11.2 MHz

3. For analog output, you can connect a subwoofer

He balanced transparent and completely smooth sound. High detail, especially in the middle range; RF clear and understandable, but not too mobile or sparkling. LF ensure the normal scale of the stage, confident bass lines and rhythms. On the Bookshelf Speakers, this limitation is unlikely to be noticeable, and Napolnikov should pick up, taking into account this fact. Given the price of $ 4200 for a powerful amplifier with a DAC can say that NuPrime IDA-16 plays a very worthy.

We got the best sound – to be expected – the analog player is connected. SACD J.S. Bach Sacred Arias & Cantatas. David Daniels is reproduced accurately and with restraint. Vocals blooded rich timbre and articulate, well-focused image of the artist, the orchestra perfectly in harmony with it. Singing is filled with a variety of shades and intonations that makes listening to this difficult music fun and enjoyable.

A little easier to get the sound of the coaxial input. Nevertheless CD Handel Music for Royal Fireworks & Water Music with works by Handel, performed on instruments of the 18th century, allows to plunge into the atmosphere of courtly era – mannered and unhurried. A trio of jazz interpretations of Jacques Loussier on CD Jacques Loussier Trio Handel Water Music & Royal Fireworks – feel the rapid pulse of today. In both cases, there is the drawing of votes solo instruments – harpsichord and piano – and their excellent integration with ensembles and jazz compositions also clear, groovy rhythm. However, low intelligibility Bass is a bit disappointing.

It is gratifying that the collection of music files from your hard drive via USB played on a comparable option with SPDIF-level quality. Brilliant coloratura A. Netrebko with CD-copies Sempre Libera light and honed voice soar up, but even at high volume continues to please the ear – it does not appear the slightest field. Suite “Mars” from “The Planets” Holst sounds powerful, big, fast; quiet parts supplied in sufficient detail and clearly.

Concord on a Summer Night Dave Brubeck in DSD format or Rachmaninov Symphonic Dances in PCM 24/96 superbly demonstrate the advantages of HD-audio. While listening to the two records we feel zoom scene detail and subtlety that votes instruments and melodic lines.

Fortunately, NuPrime IDA-16 does not sin digital dryness and total poverty, but, unfortunately, with high power, it is not too convincing in the lower frequency range. In general, the list of its advantages, including unusual body amplifier makes a strong contender for a central role in the system with digital sound sources.

Price: $ 4200

Pros: A balanced, transparent and detailed sound; interesting design; a plurality of digital inputs; high power

Cons: Shallow and not too well-developed LF

Verdict: A strong contender for a central role in the system with digital sound sources

Source: Nuprimeaudio

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