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Nuprime vs preamp rebuild.

Had previously queried community re value of upgrading dac.  In brief I have an AR SP-3 preamp, Prima Luna HP amp, Magnepan 1.7 speakers.  The dac is from HRT and is (I believe) their original model.  Good quality interconnects and power cord.  Up to this point, have been using Spotify Premium as streaming source.  One respondent recommended getting the SP-3 up to speed.  Last service is long ago, though usage has been light.  The price of a rebuild done by AR is about 3K, all costs considered.  Another respondent advised purchasing a Nuprime 10 which would cover both the preamp and dac issues.  Would very much appreciate any thoughts re these options.  Thanks
jameslsimons

Showing 6 responses by joegator81

joegator81
108 posts
 
I haven't listened to the AR SP-3 so no comment there but if by the the original HRT you mean the HRT music streamer that is not asynchronous then yes you can do a lot better. I own one and now own a nuprime DAC10. The difference just in dac quality is substantial. Even if you don't get the nuprime the HRT could be improved upon with some newer and very affordable Dac's. The nuprime is an excellent line pre as well. As good as your AR? No idea. 

Is Spotify premium 16/44 cd quality? If not then you might want to try tidal Hi-Fi to see if you notice a difference. 
joegator81
108 posts
 
As is said often, let your ears decide. I think tidal gives 1 month trials. If you decide you like it, take my advice and don't favorite everything you like, build playlists or just favorite the artist and not each individual album. I have found so much amazing music that I'd never have found otherwise and began "favoriting" it all. Tidal runs a lot slower this way, I've not noticed any loss in sound quality but the desk top version is a pain to scroll through. I've noticed no such issues w/ my iPhone though so it may just be my old laptop. 
joegator81
108 posts
 
I actually went from the HRT to the Halide DAC to the Nuprime. Each jump was very positive. I think as far as the DAC goes you will be impressed. Try to find a dealer that offers a return policy. 
joegator81
108 posts
 
I'll just reiterate that I've not heard the AR not have I ever had an AR in my system. Prior to owning the nuprime I had a belles 22a tube Preamp with the Halide dac. I also spin vinyl so the analog line pre function was very important to me. When I bought the nuprime it was going to have to be 1) an improvement in DAC quality... it was 2) and be at least the equal of the belles overall in sound quality... it was and though I didn't do a lot of a/b comparisons I think it was better. 

Does es that mean it's better than your AR? No. It does however mean that it's no slouch, at least to my ears. 
joegator81
108 posts
 
mytdss.com does the mods
joegator81
108 posts
 
I hope I helped and you like the nuprime, it will be in my system for a long time. 

Btw, there is a guy who mods nuprime with their blessing. Most say it's worth it but I haven't tried it yet, focusing on my analog front in for now. 
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