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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
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. 
jl35
3,944 posts
 
Spotify premium is 320 kbps. CD and Tidal are 1411 kbps.  Unfortunately capacitors and other parts age with time regardless of use to some degree 
jameslsimons OP
8 posts
 
Joe gator and jl35 thank you both very much.  I realize that my question borders on the ridiculous.  I think it is highly unlikely that anyone in this community could meaningfully comment on a rebuilt SP-3 vs. the Nuprime.  At this point cost becomes a real consideration.  To get the rebuild and a high quality dac would run > $4K and the Nuprime would be less than half the amount.  I can afford to go the high cost route, but I am clueless as to whether it might result in better sound.  I very much enjoy and appreciate a good music system, but I am certainly not a cost be damned fanatic.  I think my next move will be to contact the Nuprime distributor in N CA.  And I definitely plan to give Tidal a shot.  Reading the blogs, it is quite interesting how widely opinions vary re Spotify vs Tidal.  About half the people feel that Tidal is significantly better, while the other half feel that Tidal is marginally better at best.  
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