NuPrime Omnia A300SE DAC/Streamer and Integrated Amplifier

NuPrime Omnia A300SE DAC/Streamer and Integrated Amplifier

The Omnia A300SE is an all-in-one solution DAC, streamer and integrated amplifier that can occupy a central role in your system. It is an updated version of the A300, featuring upgraded chipsets and AirPlay 2 compatibility. The A300SE aims to complement a wide range of equipment and musical genres, with its variable EQ settings meaning that you can match it perfectly to the rest of your system.

What NuPrime say

The NuPrime Omnia A300SE is a full-featured multi-room streaming integrated amplifier (2 x 150W @ 8 ohms; 2 x 200W @ 4 ohms) capable of Wi-Fi 24-bit/192kHz and Bluetooth 5.0 aptX HD streaming. The Omnia A300SE includes multiple digital and analog inputs, with up to USB 24-bit/384kHz and DSD256 decoding. The A300SE supports all major online streaming services, Bluetooth 5.0 (aptX HD). AirPlay 2, and network DLNA streaming.

The Omnia A300SE is the first streaming integrated amplifier from NuPrime. There are bound to be comparisons with the other integrated offerings like the IDA-8 or the IDA-16. To say that it sits between the IDA-8’s slightly warm nature and the IDA-16’s neutral and large sound is probably insufficient to describe the A300SE’s sound signature.

Firstly, to listen to the A300SE on its own without comparison, one may wonder where the A300SE excels. All the desirable sonic attributes such as detail retrieval, tonal accuracy, and imaging are all up to the usual NuPrime standards. Yet, it doesn’t have the unique sound characteristics of the IDA-8 or the IDA-16 that one would immediately notice and relate to. The overall presentation is of an even tonal balance, calm and collected, to avoid edginess.

So while the other amps will likely make an impression of how they sound and provide a picture of what music genres they favor or matching equipment, the A300SE aims to accommodate a wide range of equipment and genres. Not forgetting that this is a streaming amplifier that most people would use the A300SE to stream music from their servers or online streaming services, the slightly safe approach would make sense for such a product. And this is only true when the A300SE is set to the FLAT EQ with the 8R output setting.

The A300SE comes with two output settings for the power amplifier matching with higher or lower impedance speakers. While one could easily follow the speaker’s nominal impedance rating to set the output, the abundance power output means that the 8R setting would have no problems driving a number or lower impedance speakers as well. And this is where you can begin to tailor the A300SE’s sound. The 4R setting increases the speed and dynamics, making for a more exciting listen, and some users would prefer this sound over the calmer and slightly more accurate sounding 8R setting.

The various EQ presets also allows users to add some flavor to the A300SE’s sound without sacrificing its detailed and composed nature. While the FLAT setting works quite well for online streaming services, many would favor the Loudness EQ with higher bit-rate and less compressed material. This setting brings about fullness in the sound, which makes the soundstage somewhat wider and deeper. Though other EQ settings may be associated with musical genres, it is entirely worth experimenting with optimal system matching in different setups.

Finally, before assessing the A300SE, the amp requires quite a fair bit of running-in like other NuPrime amplifiers. At least 50 hours is recommended for the sound to open up and gain an extra degree of tonal richness.

Features

• Amplifier capable of 2 x 150W @ 8 ohms and 2 x 200W @ 4 ohms power
• Wi-Fi 24-bit/192kHz and Bluetooth 5.0 aptX HD streaming
• Multiple digital and analog inputs, with up to IIS 32-bit/768kHz, USB 24-bit/384kHz, and DSD256 decoding
• Coaxial, Optical and analog Pre-Out
• Supports all major online streaming services (Amazon Music, Deezer, iHeartRadio, Qobuz, QQ Music, Spotify, TIDAL, TuneIn, Napster, Ximalaya), AirPlay 2, and network DLNA

** Mobile devices can stream Bluetooth music to Omnia A300SE, but it can not stream to Bluetooth earphones.

The free iOS and Android app allow you to easily control your smart music system and select your source music and group destination speakers (including receiving streamers).

Technical Highlights

A combination of high-power Class-D amplifier, 64-bit quad-core Arm Cortex-A53 processor, NuPrime proprietary SRC chip, Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC, plus other audiophile-grade components enable the Omnia A300SE to achieve world class performance above its peers.

Bluetooth Wireless HD Qualcomm aptX HD supports 24-bit music quality over Bluetooth

The Omnia A300SE utilizes a compact yet powerful Class-D amplifier capable of signal bandwidth up to 100kHz with advanced integrated feedback design and error correction for very low noise and distortion. The Cirrus Logic CS43131 combines a next-generation, low power audio DAC with a high-fidelity headphone amplifier to provide a superior system-level audio performance. The onboard low noise, ground-centered 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.

Specification

Amplifier

• Power: 150W @ 8 ohms; 200W @ 4 ohms (both channels driven)
• THD:
  
  • <0.02% (AUX IN, 1W, @ 8 & 4 ohms)
  • <0.01% (OPT IN, 1W, @ 8 & 4 ohms)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >95 dB (Digital input, 10W out @ 8 ohms)
• Clipping Power: >230W (1kHz @ 4 ohms, both channels driven)
• Frequency Response: +0.6 dB/-1dB (12 Hz – 22 kHz)
• Channel Separation: >85dB (1 kHz AUX); >105 dB (10 kHz Digital)
• Input Sensitivity:
  
  • 0.85V (AUX & OPT) for 100W @ 8 ohms
  • 0.75V (AUX & OPT) for 100W @ 4 ohms
• Standby Power: <0.5W

DAC & Wireless

• Bit Depths: 16-32 bit
• Streaming Audio Processing Engine: up to 192KHz / 24-bit
• IIS/DSD HDMI Input: PCM up to 768KHz/32Bit and DSD up to DSD256
• USB PCM/DSD Input: PCM up to 384kHz/32Bit and DSD up to DSD256
• Optical S/PDIF Input: PCM up to 192KHz and supporting DoP format DSD64
• Optical, Coaxial and analog Pre-Out
• MQA*
• Bluetooth: Receiving only**
• Network Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet RJ45, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi
• Streaming Services: Amazon Music, Deezer, iHeartRadio, Qobuz, QQ Music, Spotify, TIDAL, TuneIn, Napster, Ximalaya

** Mobile devices can stream Bluetooth music to Omnia A300SE, but it can not stream to Bluetooth earphones.
Dimension and Weight

• Product Dimensions (W x H x D): 280 x 55 x 250 mm (includes feet and extended rear panel terminals)
• Product Weight: 3 kg (6.6 lbs.)
• Package Dimensions (W x H x D): 440 x 100 x 340 mm
• Shipping Weight: 5 kg (11 lbs.)

*MQA might be available at a later date through over-the-air firmware update.

All specs are measured according to IHF 202 CEA 490-AR-2008 standard. THD is measured using AP AUX 0025 passive filter and AES 17 active filter.

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.