Hypex NCore Stereo amp, looking for 300 watts into 8 ohms

RE: Hypex NCore Stereo amp, looking for 300 watts into 8 ohms, posted on February 7, 2016 at 06:45:11
Jack G Audiophile Posts: 9740 Joined: September 24, 1999	Acoustic Imagery sells some mono blocks of the NC500. I don't know how it sounds. Merrill sells a stereo version. Google nc-500 and see what's out there. There's a lot out there. Jack

RE: Hypex NCore Stereo amp, looking for 300 watts into 8 ohms, posted on February 7, 2016 at 06:49:08
morricab Distributor or Rep Posts: 9178 Location: switzerland Joined: April 1, 2005	Why would NAD be out if they are using off-the-shelf like everyone else??

RE: Hypex NCore Stereo amp, looking for 300 watts into 8 ohms, posted on February 7, 2016 at 06:53:21
bullethead	I had a bad experience with their M series, I bought not one but two SACD players new that didn't work. It was hell to get everything squared away, I would never buy a NAD product after that experience. I don't know if it was B stock or what have you, I am sticking to USA made equipment. I seem to like Merrill so far. I'll feel around a bit more too. Thanks

RE: Hypex NCore Stereo amp, looking for 300 watts into 8 ohms, posted on February 7, 2016 at 06:53:42
bullethead	I forgot to mention, USA made only.

Check out kits, posted on February 7, 2016 at 06:56:57

E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37634
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
Since: April 5, 2002

You can buy ready to go kits directly from the Netherlands well within your budget.

There doesn't appear to be an board level soldering required. Looks like more of a parts and connector assembly job.

I used to enjoy building Dynakits as a teenager.

edit: regarding country of origin - remember that all Hypex modules are made in the Netherlands. A "US made" implementation may use an American box and wiring. :)

RE: Hypex NCore Stereo amp, looking for 300 watts into 8 ohms, posted on February 7, 2016 at 07:00:57
gbeard Reviewer Posts: 646 Location: Indiana Joined: April 21, 2000	The Taranis meets your criteria. I thought it sounded very, very good. I have not heard any of the other NC500 amps.

thanks a lot, posted on February 7, 2016 at 07:04:18
bullethead	once Uncle Jacob J. Lew pays me what he owes me I'll consider it. I anticipate a Hypex solution from Bel Canto, seems to be they make Monos first then develop a S version. Anticipating a 600S but I could be wrong. thanks a lot for the experience you mentioned with Taranis.

RE: Hypex NCore Stereo amp, looking for 300 watts into 8 ohms, posted on February 7, 2016 at 07:07:27
Jack G Audiophile Posts: 9740 Joined: September 24, 1999	The modules aren't made in the U.S., but Merril's Taranis claims to be " made in the U.S.". At least the box is. The same is true for Bel Canto and all the other U.S. companies. Jack

RE: Hypex NCore Stereo amp, looking for 300 watts into 8 ohms, posted on February 7, 2016 at 07:20:58
bullethead	yes, I know. I'd rather support local communities here in the USA. Even if the modules are outsourced no matter, it is something to be said about working within our borders for the most part. At least that is my ideology.

RE: Hypex NCore Stereo amp, looking for 300 watts into 8 ohms, posted on February 7, 2016 at 07:26:56

Banat

Bullethead

You can also try First One amps developed and assembled by Lazy Cat , those SS amps are AB class , CFA`s , very good sounding , and will cost you lot less $$$$ than those switching Hypex amps .

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/vendors-bazaar/248996-first-o

AVA 600R fet valve, posted on February 7, 2016 at 07:55:27

Uncle Mike

300 watts into 8 ohm. I use a 400r to drive, with ease, a set of original AR9s. Open, neutral, great sound stage, plays nice with both tube and SS preamps.

http://www.avahifi.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=art

Here ya go, posted on February 7, 2016 at 08:02:30
Jack G Audiophile Posts: 9740 Joined: September 24, 1999	http://merrillaudio.net/taranis.html The meters turns off if you wish. Jack

Pulled the trigger on it, posted on February 7, 2016 at 09:09:02

bullethead

Thanks, there is a very cool YouTube video, that sold me on it.

I appreciate the help. This seems to be very good.

Taranis Power Meters

thanks all for the help and chiming in, posted on February 7, 2016 at 10:11:10
bullethead	I have the Merrill, will let y'all know what I think next weekend. I won't be enjoying the Super Bowl today but I will be enjoying the bread part of the circus, Hail Caesar!

RE: Hypex NCore Stereo amp, looking for 300 watts into 8 ohms, posted on February 7, 2016 at 10:40:29
A.Wayne Audiophile Posts: 2527 Location: Front row center Joined: November 30, 2011	Banat, Is there a website for LC's amplifiers or is it all thru DiY ....?

RE: Hypex NCore Stereo amp, looking for 300 watts into 8 ohms, posted on February 7, 2016 at 11:25:08
Banat	A.Wayne As I know all goes only thru DIY , but in the mid time L.C.(Andrey Lackner) developed and offered new improved variants of his famous F.O. amp , all based on the same CFA topology .

Let us know how you like it...(nt), posted on February 7, 2016 at 12:05:25
mkuller Audiophile Posts: 38130 Location: SF Bay Area Joined: April 22, 2003	(nt)

RE: Hypex NCore Stereo amp, looking for 300 watts into 8 ohms, posted on February 7, 2016 at 13:34:17

howgeif
Audiophile

Posts: 354
Location: Northern California
Joined: April 23, 2002

I connected my Hypex NCore NC400 Bridged mono block class D power amplifiers to my Bricasti M1 DAC and my system sounds terrific. The combination of the Bricasti M1 DAC & the Hypex NCore NC400 bridged power amplifiers mono blocks sound more natural, clearer, have more bass, a lack of noise, excellent dynamics and details. Another layer of sound is presented WITHOUT THE pre-amplifier in the system. The Hypex NCore NC400 bridged mono block class D power amplifiers are highly recommended.

After conversations with Bricasti, Hypex & James (James Romeyn Music and Audio, LLC), we decided to remove the R141 (circuit) from my Hypex NCore NC400 bridged mono blocks, thus lowering gain by 14 dB, requiring 14 dB higher M1 volume setting for same playback level. Bricasti says the goal is to have the M1 CLOSE to 0db front panel attenuation. If you reduce the volume on the M1 DAC, you cause more bit reduction meaning you lose sound quality. When you connect the Bricasti M1 DAC to a power amplifier, you have to balance the M1 DAC to the power amplifier in order to achieve your M1 volume settings CLOSE to 0db. My volume listening range is in the -10 to -25db range depending on the source material.

I purchased the Hypex NCore Class D amps from James Romeyn Music and Audio, LLC (James). He was very helpful answering my many questions and I suggest you contact him for more information on his assembled Hypex amplifiers (he offers 3 models).

http://jamesromeyn.com/#/home-audio-gear/hypex-ncore-nc400-build-service-on-time-or-free-build/

This is my first class D power amplifier and, based on my results, sounds terrific. Of course, everyone has a different opinion on this subject. You never know "how it really sounds", until you listen in your room and system.

In summary, I am thrilled with how good my system sounds . I am hearing details, imaging and bass that I have not heard before. I highly recommend you contact James for information on his Hypex NCore power amplifiers.

RE: Hypex NCore Stereo amp, looking for 300 watts into 8 ohms, posted on February 7, 2016 at 14:39:14
A.Wayne Audiophile Posts: 2527 Location: Front row center Joined: November 30, 2011	What speakers are you using Howgeif .... ?

RE: Hypex NCore Stereo amp, looking for 300 watts into 8 ohms, posted on February 7, 2016 at 14:40:20
A.Wayne Audiophile Posts: 2527 Location: Front row center Joined: November 30, 2011	Thanks Banat ...

RE: Hypex NCore Stereo amp, looking for 300 watts into 8 ohms, posted on February 7, 2016 at 14:46:55
howgeif Audiophile Posts: 354 Location: Northern California Joined: April 23, 2002	As requested RE: Sonys Faber Olympica II speakers

Do a search for posts by kuribo who seems to have..., posted on February 7, 2016 at 14:53:43
musetap Audiophile Posts: 31878 Location: San Francisco Joined: July 8, 2003 Contributor Since: January 28, 2004	much knowledge and experience with Hyphex Ncore to the point where it seemed to bother many around here. "Once this was all Black Plasma and Imagination"-Michael McClure

If your open to non-class D amps, posted on February 7, 2016 at 19:41:19

G Squared
Audiophile

Posts: 8486
Location: Washington, DC Metro Area
Joined: November 16, 2004
Contributor
Since: May 23, 2023

These might be worth a look
Gsquared

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-cary-audio-des

RE: Hypex NCore Stereo amp, looking for 300 watts into 8 ohms, posted on February 7, 2016 at 20:31:50
hahax@verizon.net Audiophile Posts: 4309 Location: New Jersey Joined: March 22, 2006	I can confirm that Merril amps are made in the USA.

curious: what don't you like about NAD? , posted on February 7, 2016 at 20:59:04

DrChaos
Audiophile

Posts: 2063
Location: San Diego
Joined: July 13, 2009

Do you dislike the products, or the business or both?

Anyway, I have the M22 which I think is excellent and meets your specs nearly exactly other than the nameplate.

Its industrial design and physical build is also very nice. The internal heat sink is huge and nicely machined copper or copper coated or something similar. Heavier than I expected, but still compact and cool

I also was looking at the Taranis and this

http://www.tweekgeek.com/acoustic-imagery-atsah-500/

but had an opportunity to buy a demo M22 for about $2000.

Oops: just saw your report about NAD, I guess it was customer service problems, sorry to hear.

Anyway, solid state power amps need very little support---simple and robust---so customer service doesn't seem quite as important in my mind.

http://%20http://www.tweekgeek.com/acoustic-imagery-atsah-50

RE: Hypex NCore Stereo amp, looking for 300 watts into 8 ohms, posted on February 7, 2016 at 23:03:43

Sunya
Audiophile

Posts: 595
Joined: July 11, 2007

If you're open to class AB amps as well, there's a new Bryston 4BSST2 (300W) on the 'gon from an authorized dealer for $3.4k ($5k retail).

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-bryston-4b-sst

Not a fan of the meters, posted on February 8, 2016 at 11:52:19
Jack G Audiophile Posts: 9740 Joined: September 24, 1999	Reminds me of my old Aiwa cassette deck back in the 80s. enjoy. Jack

RE: Hypex NCore Stereo amp, looking for 300 watts into 8 ohms, posted on February 8, 2016 at 13:10:32

Young-Ho
Audiophile

Posts: 38
Joined: April 22, 2002

Talk to James Romeyn about the NCore NC500. Should be 400 watts into 8 ohm at a lot less than your stated budget.

http://jamesromeyn.com/#

I had a JVC dual, posted on February 8, 2016 at 18:14:46
bullethead	It was nice, the meters didn't look as good as this though, Try not to make my eyes pop out of their sockets, I'll try ;)

Amp/Preamp Asylum

Hypex NCore Stereo amp, looking for 300 watts into 8 ohms

108.14.40.252