Nubert nuControl X-c: Compact streaming preamplifier with Dolby Atmos

Nubert, based in Schwäbisch Gmünd, has introduced the nuControl X-c as a compact variant of the nuControl X-2 model. According to Modernhifi's report, the device is 27 cm wide; it handles source selection, volume level and tone adjustment, while an external power amplifier or active speaker is required for the power stage.

Which features stand out?

• Inputs: Phono (MM/MC), Cinch, optical, coaxial, HDMI eARC and USB. Since the phono signal is converted to digital, records also pass through room correction and tone control.
• USB: Works as an external sound card for computers up to PCM 384 kHz/24 bit. A second USB port is for storage and hard drives.
• Streaming: Qobuz, Deezer, Tidal, Spotify Lossless, Tidal Connect, Roon Ready and AirPlay 2. Connection is established via WLAN, Ethernet or Bluetooth with aptX HD support.
• Multichannel: Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, up to 7.1.4. Wired output is 4 channels (front left/right XLR or Cinch, center, subwoofer); the remaining portion up to 8 channels goes to wireless speakers compatible with X-Connect Surround, such as the nuZeo series.
• Room correction: X-Room Calibration Advanced measures each channel separately. According to Nubert, the filters operate between 20-300 Hz and provide correction between -40 and +18 dB.

Control and companion power amplifier

Control is via 12 cm touchscreen, infrared remote or Control X app. ESS chips are used in the D/A conversion, with 32-bit computation in the signal processor. Headphone output is 6.3 mm. The similarly sized nuPower D-c is a Class-D power amplifier delivering 2 x 250 W at 4 ohms; it turns on together with the preamplifier via a 12 V trigger output.

Sales are expected to begin at the end of November 2026. For similar products, see the Audio and Video Receivers category.

Why is it important?

A compact preamplifier that routes all sources, including phono, through room correction, can decode Atmos and is Roon Ready is an interesting option for those building compact systems. However, its price in Turkey and availability are not stated in the source.