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How to DIY yourself very nice Class D monoblocks

If you want to know what the hoopla is about Class D and want to put together a very nice sounding kit I have a starter recommendation for you.

Go to Parts Express and search for "ICEPower ASP"
Next, look online for Ghent Audio. They make many sets of cases.

You'll need a high power soldering iron, and screw skills.
Between those two, you can put together a very nice monoblock for around $500 a piece.

I highly recommend both. I have no financial interest in either. 
You may need wiring kits, so make sure to order appropriately.
erik_squires
erik_squires OP
15,948 posts
 
Sorry @Ketchup, I can't imagine the need for bridging those amps, but I do see you increasing your complexity dramatically.

I'm not sure what the impedance would be, but you can find it from their data sheets. 
I'd like to strongly suggest to you that you get a stereo pair, and see if you feel there's any need at all to do more.

Best,

E
noble100's avatar
noble100
2,419 posts
 
  ketchup,

      I know you can purchase completed kit amps that contain two HypexNC400 class D modules in each mono block from James Romeyn Music andAudio, LLC in Utah.  I believe his dual mono versions cost about $3K/pair and are powered by the largest Hypex NC1200 switch mode power supply.   
     I've never auditioned the dual monos but he claims the dual mono versions sound better than the regular monos. 
      Several years ago, I talked to James Romeyn at length about having him build a custom pair of mono blocks for me using a single class D Abletec ALC1000-1300 module per case. Abletec has since been purchased by Anaview,another Scandinavian class D module producer and competitor to Hypex and other producers.  Anaview and Pascal class D modules have alternative designs that incorporate power supplies into their modules rather than as separate parts/boards.
     James was very knowledgeable about class D in general and took the time with me in explaining the specific differences between building amps using his Hypex and Ice based modules and other competing modules.
     I think he'll likely be equally helpful in answering your questions.  Here's a link to his website:
http://jamesromeyn.com/product/hypex-professional-build-service/#tab-description
     
Tim

     

ricevs
1,517 posts
 

I hope this post can save people some time and money.

The Icepower ASP modules being sold by Parts Express are very old technology. I sold mono blocks with the 500 watt modules for $2000 the pair in 2006. Here is a review of them.

http://10audio.com/evs_500m.htm

The latest Icepower modules (IceEdge 1200AS1 and AS2) are not sold directly to end users but to OEMs only. They are way, way better sounding than any other Icepower module......and even better than Ncore NC400 and NC500 modules. You can buy a complete stereo amp from Europe delivered for a hair over $1000.

https://www.rougeaudiodesign.com/studio-n-10 Click on the British flag on the top right for English version.

Here is a comparison between stock IceEdge and NC500 Nord amps.....both were mono amps:

https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=154910.msg1660700#msg1660700

Look for reply #97.....debit.g

Here is a comparison of a stock stereo IceEdge to modified mono NC400s.

https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=154910.500

Look for reply #509.....mikeeastman

You might have to log into Audiocircle to read these last two posts as they are in the Intergalactic wastebin files.

Post removed 
evelyn1
51 posts
 
Hi All,
   After some minor problems with the purchase process of Hypex N400 kits, I was pleased to have it arrive yesterday at about 5:00 PM. After eating dinner I decided to assemble the kits and see how much I could get done. By 9:00 PM the kits were fully assembled and ready for action. At this hour I'm usually done for the day and already sleeping but I had to try them out. The big test for me was whether these amps would sound better than the Krell FPB300 in my system. I originally was  going to give the amps a week of break-in time and then report my experiences. They sounded so good that I didn't want to go to bed. They clearly had more detail than the Krell. It was very difficult to switch from one type of music to another because it all sounded so good. The Krell is no slouch but these little mono blocks are better. They really pair nicely with PBN 741 speaker kit. The total cost came to $1612.16 USD. Rudy van Til of Hypex DIY customer service was very helpful. Once payment was confirmed the package went from The Netherlands to NJ in six days. I had to use Paypal to make the transaction work. The fun part of this hobby for me besides the listening is putting together a system in a frugal sort of way. The Hypex N400 kit is a very pleasant surprise after years of seeing the incredibly high prices of top rated amps ( and other equipment ). My stereo system is now complete after two years of upgrading. I was expecting to spend $5000 or more for a high quality used amp. I now have extra money for vacation. Netherlands perhaps?
      Cheers, Frank

     
 
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