Amplifier concept and connectivity
I’ll go into the circuitry details in a moment during the teardown, which, by the way, are absolutely the same for all sister models already listed, except for small differences in the programming of the DSP and the supply voltage. However, beforehand, for a better understanding, it is necessary to know that these are not just simple active speakers with electronic crossover. Nubert relies on a D2-3(S) audio SoC as the digital sound processor (DSP). All analog signals are converted to digital immediately after input and the entire processing is completely digital up to the actual output stage.
In addition, there is also a sophisticated active crossover, which allows a perfect phase alignment of high, as well as mid / low frequency and group delay problems of the drivers virtually go to zero. The bounce and impulse behavior of these speakers (analogous to the X-series) is almost ideal. The largely identical power amplifiers are a so-called UCD switching amplifier (Universal Class D), which significantly improves the operation of an analog switching amplifier. More about this on the next page in the circuit details.
The rear is dominated by the mounting plate, which does without cooling fins for the power amplifiers and accommodates all connections. Which brings us elegantly to connectivity. A total of three digital inputs for Hi-Res signals should actually be enough in any case, although USB has unfortunately been omitted, which certainly doesn’t make the whole thing any easier on the PC, since you then have to switch to the optical Toslink connection. A coaxial and an optical input are what you get in terms of direct, digital connection options alongside the HDMI input.
The HDMI Arc module already built in makes the nuPro SP-200 a true TV companion, and the power supply on this port can provide up to 1.5 amps at 5 volts. This could even be used to power a Google Chromecast or any usable Ethernet or WLAN adapter, since the network is not available ex-factory, which is a real shame. But anyway, I already wrote something about necessary compromises on the first page. This permanently integrated HDMI port is thus suitable for connection to a TV set, a projector or the AV receiver with a suitable ARC or eARC output, which transmits control commands in addition to audio signals.
Mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops can be paired wirelessly with the nuPro speakers via Bluetooth. Thanks to support for aptX HD (for Android devices) and AAC (for iOS devices) as well as aptX Low Latency, the signal is transmitted in high-resolution quality and with the lowest possible delay, according to Nubert. The nuPro SP-200s not only reproduce sound in PCM format, but also decode Dolby Digital (AC3) as well as DTS Digital Surround. Thus, the speakers optimally prepare audio tracks from Blu-ray discs, DVDs or streaming videos for stereo playback. If necessary, the correct format, the correct output and the ARC function must be activated on the external player.
But analog is still possible, too. A normal RCA input supplements the whole thing with input from analog sources. However, the input sensitivity is not particularly high, and when connecting turntables, depending on the sampling type (piezo or magnetic), there may be a level or impedance problem, with all the negative consequences. You won’t get very far without a preamplifier or a suitable turntable output. Here you also notice the lack of a USB port for such players. an external subwoofer can be connected to the sub-out to increase the bass response or sound pressure. In this case, the speaker is automatically operated with a crossover frequency of 80 Hz.
A real power switch disconnects the device completely from the mains if desired, so that also fits. The standby power consumption of up to 0.48 watts (measured) is still acceptable and you don’t really need the permanent power disconnection. However, I’ll get to the power supply and the special solution in a moment. However, it is also worth mentioning the automatic, level-dependent switch-off and switch-on, which switches the speakers off after a certain period of idleness and puts them into standby. Comfortable and unerring. When connected via HDMI/eARC, the electronics follow the activation commands of the source device. The full-range power supply allows use on mains voltages of 110/120 or 230/240 volts without a separate changeover switch.
Operating concept
I already wrote something about the remote control at the beginning. It is the convenient command center for the designated couch potato and controls everything that can be controlled. In addition to the on/off function, you’ll find the volume control including an extra mute button, the tone control including loudness button, a stereo base widener and the input selection including Bluetooth. Speaking of sound control, which Nubert calls tone control: Here, the sound characteristics can be adjusted from almost neutral to extreme bathtub, so to speak, whereby it boosts or attenuates the bass and treble reproduction (with Tone, you switch between bass or treble control or activate/deactivate the loudness function). This adaptive loudness circuit also improves low-frequency imaging at low levels if desired. If you want more bass, you are welcome to leave it activated and raise the output level on the single player if necessary. Some fine-tuning is worthwhile here.
By the way, the nuPro SP-200 can be controlled with this remote control as well as with a rotary control on the master speaker. A multicolored LED ring illuminates the control knob and provides information about the selected operating mode and the respective settings in both cases. If the nuPro SP-200s are connected to the (e)ARC port of a TV via HDMI, the volume can also be adjusted via the TV remote control. Here the control signal is simply passed through and evaluated, even if there are slight delays now and then.
The input selection on the knob is activated by pressing it once and the input LED of the currently active input flashes. By turning the knob, you simply change the input, which (as is commonly known) is color-coded: Blue stands for Bluetooth, green for AUX, white for COAX, red for Toslink and HDMI-ARC shines in purple. If you press the knob a second time, you can adjust the bass in a range of +/- 10 dB in 0.5 dB steps (LEDs green). By pressing again, you can then adjust the combined midrange and treble range in the same way (blue LEDs). Nubert’s well-known tone balance linearly raises or lowers mid as well as high frequencies. The control range has a range of +/- 10 dB, the steps are also approx. 0.5 dB.
For movies and TV shows with a high proportion of speech, the “Voice+” sound mode proves its worth, which significantly intensifies the voice reproduction and thus ensures better speech intelligibility. The multi-stage stereo base widening (“Wide” on the remote control) provides a wider stereo effect and more vivid stage imaging, especially for music playback and gaming, without distorting the sound character of the recording. This works quite well in practice, especially when the boxes on the desktop are rather close together.
66 Antworten
Kommentar
Lade neue Kommentare
Veteran
Veteran
Veteran
Urgestein
Mitglied
Veteran
Urgestein
Urgestein
Urgestein
Urgestein
Urgestein
Urgestein
Urgestein
Urgestein
Urgestein
Urgestein
Urgestein
Urgestein
1
Alle Kommentare lesen unter igor´sLAB Community →