Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista DAC

Key Features: 

• DAC Circuit: 32 bit Hyperstream II
• DAC Chip: 2x ES9038Q2M (dual differential)
• Low Noise Nu-Vista Class A circuitry
• 8x 7586 Nuvistors in balanced buffer output circuit
• 16-core XMOS and CPLD MAX II Altera processors
• Switchable Advanced Reclocking
• Switchable Upsampling
• Oversampling Bypass
• Selectable digital filters with proprietary optimum transient filter
• Full Hardware MQA Decoding for USB and SPDIF inputs
• Roon Tested
• Super Silent Power Transformer
• Discrete input power filtering and DC blocking circuitry

Product Description: 

The Nu-Vista DAC represents Musical Fidelity's pinnacle DAC model, centered on the acclaimed ESS 32-bit HyperStream II DAC structure. Within this unit, their renowned Nuvistor circuitry is seamlessly integrated, featuring fully balanced Nuvistor 7586 triode tubes in a discrete Class A amplifier buffer for each channel. It boasts a range of connectivity options including RCA and XLR outputs, 3 optical and 1 coax SPDIF inputs, 1 USB input, 1 AES/EBU input, and an I2S input for an upcoming Nu-Vista CD-player.

Design

Leveraging their expertise with Sabre ESS chips, the Nu-Vista DAC employs 2x ES9038Q2M chips in dual differential mode, enabling a pristine dual mono design. These converters facilitate support for files up to 768 kHz in PCM and DSD256 via DoP, and native DSD512 via USB, accommodating a wide spectrum of digital files. Improvements in the SPDIF inputs now encompass MQA (up to 384kHz) and DSD (DoP 64) support.

Architecture

A specially designed low-noise, low-dropout regulator, tailored for high-resolution audio systems, combined with a Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, ensures exceptional SNR, THD+N performance, and incredibly detailed transient response. The proprietary clock design achieves unrivaled jitter rates below 100 femtoseconds, surpassing many audiophile clock generators. Advanced features include optional upsampling, reclocking, and an oversampling bypass mode, empowered by the 16-core XMOS and CPLD MAX II Altera processors.

Legendary Nuvistor Tubes

The fusion of Nuvistor tubes with state-of-the-art balanced and discrete technology, alongside modern digital architecture, culminates in a DAC segment transitioning seamlessly into a high-performance, fully differential analog stage. Each channel boasts its own fully balanced Nuvistor output stage in a discrete Class A setup, delivering pristine sound with minimal distortion and exceptionally low noise, providing a smooth, punchy, and clear audio experience that DACs often struggle to achieve.

Filtering, Upsampling, and Reclocking

The re-clocking process relies on the CPLD MAX II Altera, a Complex Programmable Logic Device, collaborating with the XMOS microcontroller to ensure top-tier processing of PCM, DSD, and MQA technologies. Within the Nu-Vista DAC, users can independently activate or deactivate upsampling and reclocking for PCM signals, while DSD and MQA utilize their own dedicated settings and filters. Specifically for PCM signals, this DAC offers a selection of eight digital filters, including our exclusive optimal transient digital filter. This particular filter prioritizes superior time domain performance over frequency domain prowess, resulting in a subtle frequency roll-off around 20kHz but delivering zero pre-ringing and post-ringing artifacts.

For purists seeking musical immersion, the Nu-Vista DAC offers immediate integration with sweet, clear sound and extended treble, complemented by endless bottom-end dynamics. With customizable options, settings, and various digital filters including the optimum transient filter, it evolves into a powerful tool for exploring diverse musical perspectives and high-resolution audio capabilities.

Silent Power Transformers

The Nu-Vista DAC embodies their commitment to innovation, featuring Super Silent Power Transformers, meticulously separated power supplies for digital and analog circuitry, and robust mechanical construction ensuring immunity to vibration and electromagnetic interference. Included is the Nu-Vista remote control, crafted in the signature solid "Nu-Vista" style for intuitive operation.

This Nu-Vista line, rooted in the history of Musical Fidelity, continues its legacy of merging digital precision with the analog warmth of Nuvistors, envisioning an immersive, holographic sonic experience for listeners.

Specifications: 

DAC

Digital Inputs

Analog Outputs

Power Requirements

Dimensions and Weight: 

Overall - 483 x 188 x 510 mm

Product Weight -  21.5 kg

Shipping Weight - 29.5 kg