About the NuPrime PRA-9X
The NuPrime PRA-9X is a fully balanced analog preamplifier with a THD+N of 0.0004%, a built-in MM phono stage, and a 6.3mm headphone output. It has one phono, two RCA and one XLR input, XLR and RCA outputs, and a digitally controlled analog volume in 0.5dB steps. At HiFi Boutique it ships free anywhere in the USA, with sales tax already included.
Why Choose the PRA-9X
The PRA-9X is a fully balanced preamplifier for an analog system or a system with separate DAC and power amplifiers. The line outputs use four of NuPrime's ultra-low distortion amplifier modules, built around MUSES8820 op-amps, for THD+N of 0.0004%. Inputs and outputs switch through audio relays.
Its volume control is digitally controlled but analog in operation. Each 0.5dB step engages a dedicated analog switch and precision chip resistors, rather than attenuating the signal digitally.
Phono Stage
The phono input is a two-stage RIAA amplifier using NJR MUSES8820 op-amps. Input resistance can be set to 32k, 47k or 100k ohms, and capacitance to 100, 220 or 320pF, to match moving magnet cartridges. Gain from the MM input to the line output is 50dB at 1kHz.
Headphone Output
The front 6.3mm output delivers 560mW into 32 ohms and 110mW into 600 ohms, with THD+N of 0.004% and 0.0015% respectively.
Details
Complete Specifications
Complete Specifications
| Inputs |
|
|---|---|
| Outputs |
|
| Headphone output | 6.3mm, 560mW @ 32Ω, 110mW @ 600Ω |
| Frequency response | 0Hz – 50kHz (0.2dB) |
| THD+N | 0.0004% @ 7.5Vrms |
| Dynamic range | >115dB |
| Dimensions (mm) | 55 x 235 x 281 mm (H x W x D) |
| Dimensions (in) | 2.2 x 9.3 x 11.1 in (H x W x D) |
NuPrime PRA-9X at a Glance
- Design: fully balanced, with audio relay input and output switching
- Line stage: four NuPrime ultra-low distortion amplifier modules with MUSES8820 op-amps, THD+N 0.0004% @ 7.5Vrms
- SNR: above 115dB @ 7.5Vrms
- Phono stage: MM, two-stage RIAA with MUSES8820, 32k/47k/100k ohm and 100/220/320pF
- Inputs: 1 x MM phono, 2 x stereo RCA, 1 x stereo XLR
- Outputs: 1 x stereo XLR, 1 x stereo RCA, 1 x 6.3mm headphone
- Headphone power: 560mW @ 32Ω, 110mW @ 600Ω
- Volume: 0.5dB steps with memory, using analog switches and precision chip resistors
- Finish: black or silver
PRA-9X Specifications
| Specification | PRA-9X |
|---|---|
| Model | PRA-9X |
| Product Type | Balanced preamplifier with MM phono and headphone output |
| Inputs | 1 x MM phono; 2 x stereo RCA; 1 x stereo XLR |
| Outputs | 1 x stereo RCA; 1 x stereo XLR; 1 x 6.3mm headphone |
| Phono Loading | 32kΩ / 47kΩ / 100kΩ; 100pF / 220pF / 320pF |
| MM Input Sensitivity | 4.0mV @ 1kHz |
| Phono Gain | 50dB @ 1kHz (MM in to line out, max volume) |
| Line Input Resistance | 20kΩ |
| Output Resistance | 10Ω |
| THD+N (Line) | 0.0004% @ 7.5Vrms |
| S/N Ratio (Line) | >115dB @ 7.5Vrms |
| Frequency Response | 0Hz – 50kHz (0.2dB), 200kHz (-3dB) |
| Line Gain | 17dB @ 1kHz (max volume) |
| Headphone Output | 560mW @ 32Ω; 110mW @ 600Ω |
| Headphone THD+N | 0.004% @ 32Ω / 480mW; 0.0015% @ 600Ω / 100mW |
| Dynamic Range | >115dB |
| AC Voltage | 90–130VAC or 210–250VAC, voltage select switch |
| Fuse | Slow-blow, T1A, 250VAC |
| Finish | Black or silver |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 55 x 235 x 281 mm (2.2 x 9.3 x 11.1 in) |
| Net Weight | 3 kg (6.6 lb) |
| Shipping Weight | 4 kg (8.8 lb) |
Connections & Compatibility
Connections & Compatibility
Who It's For and System Pairing
The PRA-9X is for listeners building a separates system around a turntable or analog sources. Pair it with the NuPrime STA-9X power amplifier over balanced XLR, and feed it a DAC such as the NuPrime DAC-9X for digital sources. Browse the full NuPrime collection to build out your system.
FAQ
FAQ
Is the PRA-9X fully balanced?
Yes. NuPrime describes it as a fully balanced preamplifier, with XLR input and output as well as RCA.
Does the PRA-9X have a phono stage?
Yes, for moving magnet cartridges, with selectable 32k, 47k or 100k ohm loading and 100, 220 or 320pF capacitance.
Does the PRA-9X have a DAC?
No. It is an analog preamplifier. Connect a DAC to its RCA or XLR inputs for digital sources.
How powerful is the headphone output?
It delivers 560mW into 32 ohms and 110mW into 600 ohms.
How does the volume control work?
It is digitally controlled in 0.5dB steps with memory, but each step switches precision resistors through analog switches.
What warranty does the NuPrime PRA-9X have?
NuPrime lists a 1-year manufacturer warranty for the PRA-9X.
Does HiFi Boutique charge shipping or sales tax on the PRA-9X?
No. The PRA-9X ships free anywhere in the USA, and sales tax is already included, so the price you see is what you pay.
Is the PRA-9X fully balanced?
Yes. NuPrime describes it as a fully balanced preamplifier, with XLR input and output as well as RCA.
Does the PRA-9X have a phono stage?
Yes, for moving magnet cartridges, with selectable 32k, 47k or 100k ohm loading and 100, 220 or 320pF capacitance.
Does the PRA-9X have a DAC?
No. It is an analog preamplifier. Connect a DAC to its RCA or XLR inputs for digital sources.
How powerful is the headphone output?
It delivers 560mW into 32 ohms and 110mW into 600 ohms.
How does the volume control work?
It is digitally controlled in 0.5dB steps with memory, but each step switches precision resistors through analog switches.
What warranty does the NuPrime PRA-9X have?
NuPrime lists a 1-year manufacturer warranty for the PRA-9X.
Does HiFi Boutique charge shipping or sales tax on the PRA-9X?
No. The PRA-9X ships free anywhere in the USA, and sales tax is already included, so the price you see is what you pay.
Shipping & Warranty
Shipping & Warranty
Warranty: 1-year NuPrime manufacturer warranty
Free shipping anywhere in the USA, with sales tax included in the price. No extra fees at checkout.
HiFi Boutique ships within the United States only. Orders ship within 2 business days, with a tracking number. See the shipping policy.