NuPrime AMG STA-SE Power Amplifier Stereo 130W / Mono 300W

The AMG STA-SE incorporates numerous cutting-edge innovations in power amp design. Its exceptional features include a 1M Ohm input impedance, high instantaneous current for efficient power delivery, a >700kHz switching frequency, and a unique combination of Single-Ended Non-Negative Class A module with Double Feedback Class D module, resulting in a powerful 300W mono amp output. The exceptionally smooth sound characteristic of the AMG STA-SE sets it apart from other top NuPrime amps like the AMG One, Evolution STA, and Evolution Two.

*Existing AMG STA can upgrade to AMG STA-SE for US$599 USD (parts only)

By Christiaan Punter, HiFi-Advice

Nuprime AMG STA-SE ($2295 USD / $2595 Euro) won HFA Award from HiFi Advice. Christiaan Punter is a highly respected reviewer who has evaluated the Nuprime ST-10/10M, AMG STA, Evolution STA, and AMG STA-SE. We have gained valuable insights from his critical comments and have “secretly” relied on his reviews to reaffirm the improvements in our amplifiers. 

 

Here are the notable statements from the review:

We had two amplifiers by the same brand on opposing ends: the exceptionally robust, full-bodied ST-10 and the exceptionally agile, airy, and refined AMG STA….Could the new model hold the ideal mid-position? Well, upon first powering up the new amp, that question was immediately answered.

…

The AMG STA-SE does not fall into this trap and walks the fine line between maintaining control and stability on the one hand and providing emotional involvement on the other. This is one of NuPrime’s most alluring qualities: their Class-D products do not sound like other Class-D products.

…

The AMG STA-SE is a different animal. Given its ballsy and confident yet liquid presentation, it’s perhaps more like Class A than Class A/B. More specifically, no longer Jeff Rowland-esque, in some ways, it now sounds more like a Pass Labs amplifier.

…

The AMG STA-SE’s timbre has truly improved beyond the original model and is now indeed much closer to that of the ST-10. But it’s not quite as neutrally natural or well-balanced as the CH. In terms of articulation, control, transient behavior, and dynamics, I have to admit the little NuPrime more or less performs at a similar level. Remarkably for a big power amp, though, the CH also has airier treble, sounds lusher (more free-breathing), is more fluid, and has more delicacy. Compared to the Big Swiss, the newcomer still sounds less convincingly realistic. But to put this into perspective, the AMG STA-SE sounds more natural than all other Class D amplifiers I have heard.

So, the reference-class amplifier still wins, but not by as big a margin as the price difference might suggest. Ultimately, I don’t expect a 2.500 euro amp to perform as well as a 30.000 euro amp, let alone beat it.

…

The AMG STA-SE may no longer be the absolute bargain it was in 2020, but I still do not know any other amplifier under 5000 euros that equals it, let alone one that comes close at the same price point.

 

--> Link to full review: https://www.hifi-advice.com/blog/amplifier-reviews/power-amplifier-reviews/nuprime-agm-sta-se-stereo-power-amplifier/

BY TOTALLY WIRED

Extract from full review:

…”The ‘SE’ label doesn’t do justice to the improvements NuPrime have made; their own site page goes into quite a lot of depth on the changes between the SE version and the original AMG STA.”…

…”Let me be clear; the new AMG STA Special Edition is the best amplifier of any brand I have enjoyed listening to. Everything that made the original STA so good – the ease and flow of music, the detail and low noise floor is all still there. The high sensitivity, world leading switching speeds and ability to be bridged for full mono operation are maintained. It even runs cooler. There’s serious power on board – 130 watts per channel into 8 Ohms or 300 per channel when bridged.”

…”What’s greatly improved are resolution, sound staging and the overall immediacy and pace of music.”…

…”The new AMG STA SE adds a ‘growl’ and percussive drive that I didn’t know I was missing until now.”…

…”While there has been a rise in what are called ‘super integrated’ amplifiers where pre and power are put together in a single box, there is inevitably compromise and more often than not, the companies producing them are wedded to historically conventional power amplifier sections which hold the overall design back.”…

Link to the review --> https://totallywired.nz/nuprime-2/nuprime-amg-sta-special-edition/

NuPrime AMG STA-SE Specifications

• Stereo Power: 2 X 130W @ 8 Ohm & 2 X 200W @ 4 Ohm
• Mono Power: 300W @ 8 Ohm & 320W @ 4 Ohm
• Gain : 26 (stereo) & 52 (mono)
• Signal to Noise Ratio : 100 dB @ 10W
• THD+N : 0.006
• Frequency Response : 10Hz~50K Hz +-0.2dB @ 8 Ohm. 58K Hz @ -3dB
• Input Impedance: 1M Ohm
• Sensitivity: 1.2 Vrms @ Stereo; 0.95 Vrms @ Mono
• Dimensions: 235 mm W x 285 mm D x 55 mm H (including feet)
• Weight: 4 Kg
• Worldwide AC voltage: (90VAC~130VAC // 210VAC~ 250VAC) With Voltage Select Switch
• AC Fuse: Slow-blow, 3A, 250VA