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Thoughts on system change VTL to NuPrime ?

My system for years has been an original series Rega Planet CD player into a VTL TL 2.5 (older metal remote version) tube pre-amp into VTL TT-25 Limited Edition tube monoblocks amps into original series Spendor S3/5 speakers and a REL T5 sub. I have not been listening to it as much as I did previously and "think" I might be ready to change things up - more general convenience (i.e. good sounding and easy access to Pandora, no tubes to bias), less heat output and possibly more detail and "realism" in the sound.

Been reading about the NuPrime IDA-8 digital integrated to possibly replace the pre-amp and amps and to update the CD player with the IDA -8's internal DAC. I think I would like to push the sound closer to neutral, but still err on the warm side. Anyone heard the IDA-8? Thoughts on how it might play in my system? Would need to sell the tube gear before trying/buying so interested in all opinions/options.
Thanks!
cspaldi
mervinpearce's avatar
mervinpearce
15 posts
 
I bought the NuPrime IDA-8 and got rid of my Bryston 4B and my Emotiva XPA-2 Gen 2.  I am blown away by the sound and image coming from this tiny unit.  I then bought the IDA-16 which I drive my Vivid Audio V1.5 with.  The IDA-8 drive a pair of Sonus Faber Cremona Auditors. 

I have also ordered 2 x NuPrime STA-9 (bridgeable) and a DAC-9.

I am converted to the NuPrime high switching (600kHz) class D amps.  Absolutely no hint of the old class D problems.
mr_bill
347 posts
 
How do you like your IDA-16?
mervinpearce's avatar
mervinpearce
15 posts
 
The IDA-16 and IDA-8 has different sound presentations. The IDA-16 controls the V1.5 with force and have total control over the complete spectrum. No hint of metal drivers and it seems to be a perfect fit for the Vivid Audio speakers. In a ’speaker shootout’ the NuPrime IDA-8 was used on V1.5 and everyone was amazed and it was rated (by some) above the Sonus Faber Extremas (being driven by something other than NuPrimes as they need massive current before blooming).

I am taking the IDA-16 with a head to head comparison against a Devialet on Vivid Audio B1s. This will be a January when I am back in my country. I will post my observations.

Final thought: I love the IDA-16 on the Vivids
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,750 posts
 
OP-

If I were leaving VTL , I would take a look at VAC.
Keep me posted & Happy Listening!
borisaladin
1 posts
 
mervinpearce,
hello, I would like to know
1)NuPrime STA-9 (bridgeable) + DAC-9; and 2) IDA-16
which one do you prefer for main audio system after testing? They are actually about the same price!
it is said that STA-9 had a warmer sound but the IDA-16(&ST-10) had a slightly better bass extension and other sonic performace(by the comparasion on the nuprime website)
But how about 2*STA-9? they had more power, the momo-mono advantage and I wonder if this combo can equal the performance(or even exceed in some ways) in the sound stage, bass and highs,texture....., and also having the warmer sound~ lol
Hope you can share some ideas~
thank you very much! :)
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