Hypex Ncore NC1200 Amps at NY Audio Show in April

Hello Hifial,

Yes, I do know that Bruno P., who created the UCD (Universal Class D)line while working for Phillips and who invented the later Hypex amp modules while working with Hypex, formed the Mola-Mola company (not sure if he's sole owner or has partners) as a means to introduce/produce his own version of a completed class D amplifier utilizing his own Hypex Ncore 1200 module. As you know, these amps were debuted, in monobloc form, at the NYC Audio Show you just attended.

Bruno P. has also stated, in an effort to support the DIY market, that he will make available to the general public all but the top of the line 1200 modules (700 and smaller power modules). He is reserving his top 1200 modules for sale as OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)licensed product to other audio companies that want to make completed amplifier products with his modules.

My understanding is that PS Audio probably will not be utilizing the Hypex Ncore 1200 modules in their soon to be released new class D amp. Instead, they will most likely utilize one of the recently updated UCD modules in an effort to keep their offering more affordable.

I think PS Audio's new amp will use a proprietary Input Stage attached to a UCD700 and the current target price is $3,000. Mr. McGowan implies that his Input Stage is very good and will improve the performance of any UCD or Hypex modules it's mated to.

Thanks,
Tim

The target price for the PS Audio class D amp is now $3995.

See:
http://www.psaudio.com/forum/#/discussion/5000/anyone-interested-in-seeing-the-new-amp

Tim/Noble100:Your price for the PS Audio amp is out of date.
Paul is trying to keep it just under $4000.00. It is a dual mono(single chases) to help keep costs down. See below from the PS Audio Forum.

"adminPaul McGowan February 25 Reply QuoteThanks
Posts: 2,862PS Expert
Finally, we are less than a week away from listening to the prototype amp in its chassis. Here's a picture of the insides.

I've heard bits and pieces cobbled together but not all that we put into the amp and not in a form where I can start dialing it in.

What you see here is the 350 watt per channel dual mono amp that can do 700 into 4 and 1200 into 2.

The big board on the left is the Class A gain stage that's all discrete and makes the amp sound like it does. We're probably looking at $3995 for this dual mono version - but it'll drive about anything made.

I should be able to listen to it this weekend - Bob's promised me i can start testing and evaluating, tweaking, voicing and all that we do by then.

I am stoked to actually be able to try this beauty."

Also, the UCD that Paul has mentioned using may not be, from my understanding, one of the UCD modules that have the trickle down Ncore tech in it.

However, I am sure that it will be a killer Amp at that price, what with Hypex and PS Audios front end.

He hopes for a "July" (most likely August) release.

Kana813 beat me to it.

Hifial and Kana813,

You are both correct, the target price for this dual-mono stereo amp has been raised to $4,000 from $3,000. My mistake.

I read the following quote from Paul M. in the comments section of Kana's link:

"Yes, well over half the expense is in the NL produced Hypex modules - two 1200 watt power supplies and two 700 watt modules. The PS contribution input board and the chassis form the other half.

I was really shooting for $3K but after adding up the costs that just didn't fly."

But this quote raises some questions:

1. Exactly which 700 amp modules is Paul referring to; the newest Hypex Ncore 700 modules or the older Phillips UcD 700 modules?
It's my understanding that Bruno/Hypex obtained the rights to produce and sell updated versions of the original UcD modules that contains technology Bruno had patented. If this is true, any reference to 'Hypex 700 amp modules' becomes ambiguous since it describes both the new updated Hypex UcD 700 module and the newest Hypex Ncore 700 module.

2. Again, if this is true, what are the differences in costs, applied technologies and sound qualities between the updated UcD 700 and Hypex 700 amp modules?

I know I may be splitting hairs with these distinctions, but I'd appreciate any assistance in answering the questions above. I'm starting to get confused.

Thanks,
Tim