German speaker maker Nubert has announced the nuControl X-c, a compact streaming preamplifier that decodes Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. It takes a different approach from a traditional AV receiver: only the front left, right, center and subwoofer are wired, while up to eight more channels go wirelessly to Nubert’s own X-Connect speakers. It went up for pre-order in early November, with deliveries from late November.
The short version
- Formats: Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, up to 7.1.4.
- Wired outputs: front left and right (XLR or RCA), center and one subwoofer output; a wireless sub channel is also available.
- Room correction: X-Room Calibration Advanced, from −40 to +18 dB between 20 and 300 Hz.
- Inputs: HDMI eARC, optical, coaxial, USB-C, MM/MC phono and analog; streams Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, AirPlay 2 and Roon Ready.
- Price: €1,390 (Germany, including VAT); US pricing not confirmed.
Key specs
| Feature | nuControl X-c (Nubert) |
|---|---|
| Decoding | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X; up to 7.1.4 |
| Wired channels | 4: front L/R, center, subwoofer |
| Wireless channels | Up to 8 via X-Connect Surround, plus a wireless sub channel |
| Room correction | 20–300 Hz, −40 to +18 dB |
| HDMI | 1 × HDMI eARC (HDMI 2.0) |
| Size | 27 cm wide, 10 cm tall, 21 cm deep; 3.3 kg |
| Matching amp | nuPower D-c, Hypex nCore, 250 W per channel into 4 Ω (€1,090) |
What it means for bass
- One wired sub output. Fine for a single sub, but you’ll need a splitter or a sub with a pass-through to run two; many mid-range AV receivers offer two independent outputs.
- Correction up to 300 Hz is where room modes do the most damage, so a built-in system that works in this range is useful. Place the sub well first with our placement calculator.
- Wireless surrounds simplify wiring but tie you to Nubert speakers for those channels. Our Atmos placement planner still applies to where they go.
Should you wait?
If you live in Europe and like the idea of a compact Atmos hub with Nubert speakers, this is worth a look once reviews arrive. In the US, Nubert hasn’t confirmed pricing or availability, so an AV receiver with Dirac Live or Audyssey and two sub outputs remains the simpler route.
Our take
The nuControl X-c is a neat answer for people who want Atmos without a big receiver and a web of speaker cables. For bass lovers, the single wired sub output is the main limitation; the room correction range is a plus. We’d wait for measurements of how well the calibration handles bass in real rooms. Set your crossover with our crossover finder.