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How's the (re)audition of the Hypex NC 1200 amps going?
Just curious.
Jack
Follow Ups:
I had to send the loaners back and I was unable to come to a clear decision as to whether they were my long term choice over the SMc Signature Edition amp I have here, so....I purchased a set of the NC1200s for a longer term audition.
Both the NC1200 and the SMc amps have strengths that are somewhat different. The SMc amp is the best Class AB amp I have owned, or heard. In my opinion, the bass is powerful and excellent from both amps, but different, with the bass from the SMc amp being fuller and from the NC1200 amps being tighter. The amp with the better bass often depends on the recording that is playing, but I usually like the SMc bass a touch better overall. High frequencies are also differently presented, with the SMc amp being very clear and extended while the NC1200 amps are just a touch recessed, comparatively. Neither amp is ever harsh or shrill, unless its on the recording. In the midrange, both amps are very musical with the SMc amp being a bit more open sounding with maybe a little better dimensionality and presentation of venue. However, if there is one thing overall that I really like about the NC1200 amps is the dense tonality that I perceive from the midbass through the upper midrange. Vocals become prominent and exciting, providing a sense of being closer to the stage. This tonal quality reminds me of my previous Clayton and Lamm Class A amps, which were also a touch dark sounding. The SMc amp also has great tone and a warm bass and midbass but sheds any darkness as frequencies ascend into the midrange. Some of these comparisons reflect personal preference, as both amps are wonderful.
Ergonomically, they both meet my needs better than Class A since both amps can remain powered up all the time. The SMc amp has a standby circuit with signal sensing that works great and allows the amp to remain powered at a lower draw so it is warmed up and ready whenever I want to use it, and the low power draw Class D NC1200s can also remain powered up. This fits my lifestyle better than my former Class A amps that required between 30 - 60 minutes of power up before they began sounding their best. Also, both the SMc and NC1200 amps are dead quiet with no noise/sound coming from the speakers unless music is playing. Both amps are balanced, which meets my system needs.
Once my pair of NC1200s arrive in a few weeks, I want to take my time and play around a little since cable changes and other things I might try could provide unexpected results. As examples, toward the end of the NC1200 audition, I tried the NC1200s through a couple of passive preamps I have here and they sounded quite good. I also recently started fooling around with EQ by using Apple's AU Parametric EQ, which is a plug-in loaded with my Pure Music player, and that has been positive for fixing some room/speaker interaction conditions, especially in the low frequencies. At some point, one of the amps will have to go but, for now, I need a little more time to figure out which to keep.
...do you have? The DNA 1, the 500? Last year I finally sold my Rev. A DNA 1 after some 15 years and bought the little Wyred mAmps and couldn't be happier. I'll also be waiting for more updates from you!
The McCormack amp began as a DNA-2 Limited Anniversary Edition and was completely upgraded by Steve McCormack at SMc Audio this past spring to the highest level he can achieve, now considered his Signature Edition. A couple of highlights include Lundahl input transformers, new Jupiter copper foil caps in strategic locations, new output caps, and a hard wired Neotech OCC power cord, which removes the IEC connector from the power connection chain. This amp replaced Clayton M300 monoblocks. See links.
...that DNA 2 was always the amp that I lusted for! Geez, the thing is huge. Well, I'm guessing you've got a hard decision to make.
Very Interesting.
Keep us posted.
Jack
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