2. amps-preamps
  3. 1349648139

Is Hype About Forthcoming NC400 Based Amps Worthy

I've read great praise for the Hypex N-Core Class D amp modules and some mighty hyped praise and major claims regarding the "superior nature" of some NC400-based amps that are currently under development by some key designer/developers (e.g.: supposedly better than major league class A A/B designs...). I wonder if the hype is actually worthy from a consumer standpoint rather than a marketing/promotional standpoint...

I wonder if a $2,500 NC400-based amp design can actually best a moderately-priced class A/B solid state amp design - as purported by recent claims within the industry (i.e.: would a $2,500 NC400-based class d amp be a sonic upgrade to a relatively new designed $6,000 solid state Class A/B amp...)?

This is a pertinent question if one is considering an amp upgrade today...Is it reasonable to assume that waiting up to a year for the release of some of these NC400-based amps will be worthwhile (i.e."is the hype too good to be true?")

_Ben
2chnlben
arh
366 posts
 
I have Gilmore Raptor mono blocks which are based on Ice modules and they are better then any amp tube or ss I have ever heard. A lot of my friends have come to the same conclusion. The new generation of switching amps are the real thing so I would expect the new Hypex amps to be excellant. But you should give the Gilmore amps a listen. They are very special and the monoblocks are only $2500
Alan
nsirkin
40 posts
 
With due respect to Hifial's great suggestions, my NC400 amps in flimsy cases with average parts and construction sound fantastic!

Marakanetz, it's not actually a kit, look at diyAudio forums and the Hypex documentation and you will have little trouble. It's not so much build as assemble. The only soldering you need to do is at the XLR input connectors.

The case is the main issue and there are several that are ready-made.

Good luck, you will NOT be disappointed.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
Thanks Nsirkin,
I'm currently intrigued. I guess I need some of it if the price is right. Are they truly balanced as you've mentioned XLR? Where I can get in touch or dig more tech info about these units?
macrojack
1,303 posts
 
http://www.hypex.nl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=100&Itemid=102

There is a power supply too:

http://www.hypex.nl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=101&Itemid=103

Most people, me included, buy two NC400 and two SMPS600 and create dual mono in one or two chassis, depending on preferred config.

My purchase for all parts, duties, and shipping costs, including currency conversion came to $1351. The binding posts, IEC, power switch and XLR inputs can vary in price but will not run the price up significantly unless you range into the overkill zone. Cases also range in price but can be had for under $100 each.
If you build your own, you're done spending. If you hire somebody for assembly, as I did, you'll spend around $100 for each mono block.

Pretty good deal for an amp the constantly gets mentioned in best available arguments.
hifial's avatar
hifial
332 posts
 
Well Nick do not misunderstand me. All I meant as regard to the cases are that they most likely will benefit from vibration control. This comes from trail during listening impressions with the NC400. Again the improvement was heard by group of audio skeptics and all heard the improvement. Go figure. Or possible a different case.

Marakanetz, they are truly balanced and really sound their best by using only the balanced connections. Of course they still sound very good single ended but are optimized for XLR.

If you go to the following you can find what you will need.
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/vendors-bazaar/190434-hypex-ncore.html
http://www.hypex.nl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=89
http://www.hypex.nl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=100&Itemid=102
https://www.hypexshop.com/
http://merrillaudio.net/index.html
http://www.mola-mola.nl/
http://www.acousticimagery.com/
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?board=197.0

The Mola-Mola is Hypex own product but they have yet to release anything.This is by no means a definitive list.

If you have any questions let me know and good luck.

More to discover