Speaker Cables
While the Jorma Trinity has thus far remained my favorite and my main speaker cable, we shouldn’t rule out the Driade Flow 405 speaker cable. Unlike the Driade interlinks, this speaker cable has a smooth, warm, and mellow character, coupled with fantastic fluidity and refinement and very good resolution. In the past, I have found it to work particularly well with the ST-10 and the same proves to be true for the Evolution STA. The nice amount of liquidity that the cable brings to the table works well with the concrete-sounding amplifier, providing a sweeter and more forgiving sound with greatly enhanced lushness and flow and an arguably more seductive delivery, without losing too much propulsion or control.
Mad Scientist Black Magic
Simultaneously in for review are new speaker cables by Mad Scientist. To me, this manufacturer is known to be different from the rest and, just like NuPrime, to deliver products with a very good cost to performance ratio. While the Black Magic cables are not cheap, they do still deliver great value for money. As it turns out, these speaker cables have very similar strengths as the NuPrime amplifier. As such, they enhance the bass impact, solidity, and dynamics, making the amp even more of a rock star.
The more affordable 2-Core version adds a remarkable tightness and coherence and makes the amp sound even more exciting but it is also a little lean and forward and it narrows the width of the soundstage compared to the Jorma and the Driade cables. The more expensive 4-Core variant, however, sounds tonally considerably richer, is wider in soundstaging and makes the NuPrime sound extremely well-balanced, in addition to incredibly engaging.
Both cables complement the Evolution STA in its strong areas but what these very neutral and very honest cables do not do is enhance the refinement or fluidity. And while the Jorma’s inherent refinement and fluidity add a gentle amount of forgiving friendliness, the Black Magic cables simply tell it like it is, warts and all. While that may not make them the ideal cables for everyone, I must admit that they have blown me away with the immensely energetic, toe-tapping, dynamic, and joyful presentation that they elicit from both the NuPrime and the CH A1.5.
Just as I experienced with the Evolution versus the CH A1.5, the Black Magic speaker cables make the Jorma speaker cables sound a little polite. A separate review will be forthcoming and meanwhile, I’ll have something to think about.
ST-10
Adding the ST-10 for a direct comparison, to my surprise, the little amp turns in an even more savagely growling bass, but admittedly in a decidedly less detailed manner. And indeed, across its entire range, the small beast cannot keep up with its bigger brother in the areas of linearity, resolution, transparency, refinement, and openness. The only area where it is competitive is in its dynamic delivery of power. And perhaps due to its “squarer” and less refined delivery, the ST-10 also has a slightly more urgent bounce in its step. Not that the Evolution STA is lacking in that department.
Thinking of the Evolution One, when I reviewed it, I found that it sounded a little too controlled, its presentation verging in the direction of cerebral rather than particularly gushing or singing. I’m glad to report that with the Evolution STA, this is no longer the case. I’m not sure if the manufacturer has intended to position it above the Evolution One, but if you ask me, the Evolution STA is a more satisfying amplifier.
And now that I am making a direct comparison between the Evolution STA and the ST-10, it is very clear that the amplifiers are rightfully positioned in different price categories, the higher-end model indeed being considerably more transparent and more nuanced. This not only manifests in greater fluidity and more refined treble but also in a wider and deeper soundstage in which the instruments float more freely and with more air around them.
As far as the ST-10 is concerned, it’s clear that the new amplifier has not only inherited all its strong points, but it has added to this significantly, while it seems that it has also integrated some aspects of the AMG-STA.
AMG-STA
Pulling out the AMG-STA for a final direct comparison, it becomes clear that this amp is quite different still. The AMG-STA sure does not have the concrete authority or the sonorous robustness of the ST-10 and Evolution STA, not their timbral fullness, but it does actually come closer to the CH A1.5 in terms of fluidity and refinement. While it is less expressive and more polite, the AMG-STA does have very nice flow and the PRaT also remains pretty good.
On balance, while I still enjoy the ultra-bouncy kind of loud-mouth ST-10 and I respect the heck out of the AMG-STA each at their friendly price points, the Evolution STA is most definitely superior to both.
It has been suggested to me that a fair comparison would be to use two AMG-STA amplifiers in mono mode and I guess the same is true for the ST-10 versus the ST-10 M. I have followed up on this and a second AMG-STA is actually on its way, but already knowing what the pair brings in addition to a single AMG-STA, I don’t feel that this would alter my conclusion. When the amp arrives I will certainly try it in a mono configuration and if this shifts the balance in a meaningful way, I will add my findings to this review.
Conclusion
With the Evolution STA, NuPrime has delivered an amplifier that manages to strike a beautiful balance between the strong qualities of the ST-10 and the AMG-STA, while raising the overall performance even further.
The amplifier strikes a visual resemblance to the ST-10, and while especially the amplifier’s bass and overall solidity are strongly reminiscent of the ST-10, at the same time, I hear a new level of linearity, refinement, and low-level detail.
The Evolution STA is extremely neutral but never lean or clinical. What it does magnificently well is to lend weight, body, and saturation to instruments, and vocals alike, and with plenty of warmth if needed, but without ever tipping over into mushiness or ever sounding colored in any way. This amplifier sounds full-bodied and it can certainly sound smooth, warm, or romantic but only if the recording dictates it. It will not overlay the music with any added softness or warmth of its own.
For all of its solidity and enthusiasm, the amp is a little on the dry side and it could do with just a little bit more refinement. But as I have often found (and as evidenced within the NuPrime range), extra refinement often comes at the cost of some dynamic impact and expression. And if I had to choose between these two options, I for one would opt for the one that provides the most fun and engagement, which is the Evolution STA.
External Links
Manufacturer’s website: NuPrime
Distributor for the BeNeLux: Dimex
Nice review Christiaan! And also a thank you for following up on my suggestion to put two AMG-STA’s in dual mode to the test.
One little remark: on page 2 somewhere in the middle you mention AMG-STA which should be Evolution STA I assume.
Sooner or later, I will compare the AMG-STAs against the EVO STA and see if it is worth the extra investment..
Thanks Vincent! I double-checked but I don’t see an error. I presume you mean the following section? “but I feel that the AMG-STA also sounds airier and more refined and certainly more fluid”. This is correct:-)
Ah ok! I meant that section indeed. Then the AMG comparison came a little out of the blue for me, but if this was on purpose then all is good 🙂
It harks back to the introduction where I mentioned that the intention was to include elements of the ST-10 and the AMG-STA in the new Evolution STA amplifier:-)
After re-reading it, it is clear what you intend to say. My bad. Cheers!
No probs, Vincent, I appreciate the diligence and it’s always good to get feedback, especially since I am certainly not fool-proof! 😉
Hello my friend.
I have recently been so lucky with Shunyata Power cords and interconnect cables and I need one more interconnect cable from Dac to pre or from pre to Power amplifier depends on where it sounds best with my Shunyata Delta V2. I hope to see a review of Shunyata against Driade.
Thank you, can also send mee those CH Precision Gear when you fel bordet about them.
hi Christiaan,
Do you think the Audio-Gd HE-1 preamp and the NuPrime Evolution STA will be a good sounding combination ?
Best regards
I have not heard the Audio-Gd HE-1, but based on my experience with the Master-1, I would think that it would indeed pair very well with the Evolution STA.
Hi Ben, did you already experience the Evo STA combined with the Audio-GD HE1 and if so: was it the tube or transistor version?
Hi Christiaan,
Any following feedback on the comparaison with dual mono AMG STA vs Evo STA ?
Only that a pair of AMG STA amplifiers does not make an EVO STA. They remain very different, each with its respective strong suits. While 2 AMG STA’s sound better than a single unit, they still excel in fluidity, refinement, nimbleness, and air while the EVO STA excels in robustness, body, impact, and tonal saturation.
Thank you Christiaan.
Depending as well on the speakers. What could be your favorite option between the two with Martin Logan EL 11 ?
The articulation with the active woofer is sensitive
It totally depends on what you are personally after. If you want to Rock and roll and a live-concert-like “outgoing” sound, then the ST-10 or EVO STA is your best choice. The ST10 is even a little bit more of a party animal but less refined than the EVO STA. Do you want audiophile refinement, fluidity, air, and flow, then AMG STA is your best choice. Personally, I lean toward the AMG. ESL11A has very good bass control but like all Logans, it is a little lean in the upper bass, where the cabinet meets the foil so to say. Not all listeners are bothered by this though. If you find that you are, and you find this aspect more important than some others, then the ST-10 and EVO STA are probably the better options for you.
dear Christiaan,
Reading your comments the more I’m convinced that combining my Audio-Gd HE-1 preamp, the big brother to the Master 1 you have tested, with the NuPrime AMG STA power amp in mono mode will give the best sounding result I’m after with my open baffle speakers. The latter are dipoles speakers that you have used extensively in the past. My OB’s use 4x 10” woofers per side so that’s why I’m thinking the mono ‘d version of the AMG have the power to control the speakers well.
I listen to a lot of classical music and the refinement and fluidity you say these amps are capable of will suit this genre of music even more than the Evolution STA. Is that your opinion as well ?
Best regards
Hi Ben, indeed for classical, I would prefer the AMG-STA, either a single amp or the bi-wired pair. The AMG is never lacking control, not even with Magico Q5s which are really hard to drive. I don’t know how your woofers are connected and how low the combined impedance is, but I suspect that even a single AMG-STA may surprise you. If desired, you can always add a second unit.
Its all a matter of mixing and matching. I have good hopes for the Grimm Audio MU1, HoloAudio Spring 3 DAC, EVO STA combination (Jorma digital and Driade analog interlinks) together with my Magico A1s. EVO STA to arrive soon. Let’s see if the EVO STA can beat the AMG STA dual mono config 💪🏻
Hi Christian,
Taking the above setup in account, which reasonable priced (below 10k) preamp would fit best in your opinion?
Hi Vincent, to which setup are you referring? If you are asking for an ideal affordable preamp for the EVO-STA then I would say the AGD Master 1. However, I have not heard the higher-end AGD’s, nor NuPrime’s preamps other than the AMG-PRA. There seems to be a big gap between affordable preamps and the high-end with precious little in between. The next best preamp, price-wise, that I would recommend is the Aries Cerat Incito-S which will make a stellar sonic match but at ~14.000 euros it’s well obove your price point. Maybe the regular Incito (non-S) might be an ideal candicate.
Thanks for your answer. Yes I refer to the NuPrime EVO STA. Different affordable preamps that might match are perhaps
– Pass Labs XP12
– Mark Levinson 326s (2nd hand available for 4k)
– HoloAudio Serene
I talked to Marco (Hexagon) and he offered to try the COS D10 preamp
Hopefully there will be a match
Hi Vincent, A 326S second-hand might be quite nice although I never had much success with my 320S. If going second-hand, I think I would prefer a Jeff Rowland preamp such as the Synergy 2i. The Pass is not quite as fluid, airy, or refined as I would like and given the EVO STA’s character, I don’t think that would result in an ideal match. Holo is on the list to review (no timetable yet). The COD D10 slipped my mind because I see it as a DAC primarily with a preamp on board but its preamp section is actually excellent. Do let us know how you get on with the D10!
On my short list are:
– COS D10
– Audio-GD HE-1 Mk2
– Holo Audio Serene KTE
Will let you know the outcome.
Thanks for your hifi-advice 🙂
Short update: I got the chance from Schelto to try the Kora TB200 and got blown away. My search for a pre/power amp combo is over… although the Audio-GD HE1 Mk2 wasn’t bad at all
I have not heard the TB200 but the Kora TB140 has also surprised me. Almost the polar opposite in sonic presentation from the NuPrime AMG STA but a great amp indeed.
Curious if you have had an opportunity to compare the NuPrime to the Bel Canto REF600M?
Alas, I have not heard the Bel Canto.
Thanks for your advice
Good morning Christiaan.I have a question,would the nuprime evolution sta match well with the Totem Tribe Towers.If not which amp would you recommend to me.No i have an Arcam avr 850.Thanks in advance.
I have never tried any Totem speakers in my system so can’t really comment. My gut feeling is that they are nice and lively and direct and the combination with the EVO STA would likely result in a more solid, direct, and robust sound than the Arcam. But this is pure guesstimation on my part…
Now that the Evolution Two has arrived.. time for a review of the new kid on the block?
This was indeed discussed but so far no plans have been made just yet.
2 years after my purchase, I still enjoy very much my STA dual mono amps with ML 11a. A lot of times I surprise myself how good the sound is, so close to really.
This only short come I feel sometimes is the lower impact / softness on rocks but nothing terrible vs all great advantages.
Great to hear Phil! After owning the AMG STA in dual mono setup I switched to the Evolution STA. Little more dark but also more authority in general. Though the little AMG’s were more ‘fun’. I still thinking of purchasing them again fir my second setup. What preamp are you using?
They are directly connected to a DAC Totaldac D1 Core with volume control through KLR cables. The balanced vs imbalanced switch has a lot of impact on the restitution, much better with balanced position.