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NCore vs. Ice -- single or separate cases

Hey guys,

I've recently gotten a bug that I can't shake. I went to sleep thinking about it last night.

I want to try out a class D amp.

I've narrowed my choices down to something based on either the NCore NC400 or the IcePower 125asx2.

If I went the way of the NC400, I'll be building them myself. If I went the way of the Ice, I may build it myself or just buy the assembled units. Either way, the NC400 builds will run about twice that of the Ice builds.

Is there anyone out there that can comment on which is better? If the answer is that the NC400 is better, is it worth twice the price?

My next question is whether I should build the mono units into separate boxes or a single box? In other words, is it better to use a longer interconnect with a short speaker cable or vice versa?

Thanks.
tonyangel
vicdamone
850 posts
 
Depending on the Euro the Hypex NCore 400 kits maybe the least expensive introduction to switching amplifiers, depending you don't go nuts on case work.

Compared to buying used, nCore technology is quite new. Without actual experience with ICE kits I can't honestly say which is better. The only ICE examples that didn't sound horrible to me where highly modified such as Rowland and Bel Canto.

I should mention that I use nCores in my studio were there presentation is incredibly useful in monitoring mic placement. I use Carver tube amps in my main system.

Long cabling? How long is long?
hifial's avatar
hifial
332 posts
 
GO FOR THE NCORE NC400!! You not be sorry!

There are many people who have both and feel the Ncore NC400 is more then worth the difference in price.

I understand you are trying to stay within a budget but I would recommend from my experience with an Ncore NC400 the following;

1)go mono blocks
2)USE a VERY good case and DO NOT go too small, leave yourself some room on the back so your cabling is not on top of each other, AND...
3)VERY good VIBRATION footers...(Stillpoints Ultra Mini in a three point config should do or a really good set of brass Audiopoints)
4)VERY good binding posts, XLR, and power inlet.
5)It is a true balanced amp so running a longer XLR cable is fine, within reason.

Other then the footers most of the above is NOT that much more then decent parts and is worth it on an amp of this quality in sound. Sound wise it will pay you back, assuming you have the system or are planning to have, that can take advantage of the sound.

Also it is designed to be an easy assembly.

Good luck.

tonyangel OP
309 posts
 
I've looked into it more closely and as it turns out, there isn't much difference in price between the Ice and NCore builds, when considered watt for watt.

It seems that the consensus is that the NCore edges out the best of the available Ice units. It figures that I come across information that I couldn't find before AFTER I start this thread.

To date, I have never owned a brand new amplifier. Maybe it's time to treat myself and get into something nice.

To keep initial costs down, I'm just gonna start with two amp modules and a single power supply and stick them on a piece of sheet aluminum to get comfortable with the electronics, then I'll dust off the old mill and lathe and bang out a real enclosure later.
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
I have owned several ICE amps, including the Bel Canto S500 which uses two of the 125asx2 modules. That was the cleanest sounding amp I have ever owned; the proverbial straight wire with gain. Kind of left me cold I guess as I sold it after less than a year. Actually the reason I sold it was to try the Ref1000 monoblocs which didn't thrill me at all.
I have not heard the NCores but have read quite a few glowing testimonials here at AudioCi.rcle Be advised though, some of these folks are a bit over the top on their praise, IMHO.
hifial's avatar
hifial
332 posts
 
Tony, GET TWO power supplies and then add the build as you want.
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