I replaced Marantz MA-500 monoblocks with Nord Hypex NC500 monoblocks. The Hypex amps are awesome. The Marantz are terrific, and I was happy, but the Hypex took it to another level. Had friends come over and listen to both. Speakers are Philharmonic Audio Phil-3 with two SVS SB2000 subs, one for each channel, and preamp is Cambridge Audio A308cr and player is Rega Apollo. Outboard NAD M51 DAC.
In my own experience can’t beat these new generation Class D amps. Dead silent and ample transient power.
Now I am building myself ICEpower 1200As1 based monoblocks. Had a custom case made by Ghent Audio, who did a great job. More power can’t hurt. Considered the Benchmark AHB2, which had terrific reviews and specs. Almost bought them, but I suspected more power is better. The Benchmark noise floor is measured a bit lower, but we are in extremely low noise territory to begin with with these amps. Some links for anyone interested:
Benchmark AHB2: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-benchmark-ahb2...
Nord Hypex NC500: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-nord-one-nc500...
Hypex NC2K: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/apollon-hypex-nc2k-monoblock-amplifier-re...
ICEpower 1200AS2: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/apollon-as1200-review-and-teardown.9373/
Purifi 1ET400A: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-purifi-1et400a...
Benchmark has been measured to have the lowest distortion/noise. However, we are looking at levels generally below .005%
I, for one, am not going back. These amps are terribly efficient. I previously had Bryston amps that were simply great, but that was 20 years ago.
PS - I have a separate HT system where I use a $400 Crown amp to drive subwoofers (18 inch Dayton), I built.
Clearly, others have different experiences and views. I have a cousin with the exact same speakers (we purchased them together), but he swears by his Audio Research tube system and I tell him he is wasting his money, and if he wants a tube characteristic, the Schiit Freya+ is difficult to beat, though his AR reference preamplifier is simply terrific.
Have fun!
In my own experience can’t beat these new generation Class D amps. Dead silent and ample transient power.
Now I am building myself ICEpower 1200As1 based monoblocks. Had a custom case made by Ghent Audio, who did a great job. More power can’t hurt. Considered the Benchmark AHB2, which had terrific reviews and specs. Almost bought them, but I suspected more power is better. The Benchmark noise floor is measured a bit lower, but we are in extremely low noise territory to begin with with these amps. Some links for anyone interested:
Benchmark AHB2: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-benchmark-ahb2...
Nord Hypex NC500: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-nord-one-nc500...
Hypex NC2K: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/apollon-hypex-nc2k-monoblock-amplifier-re...
ICEpower 1200AS2: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/apollon-as1200-review-and-teardown.9373/
Purifi 1ET400A: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-purifi-1et400a...
Benchmark has been measured to have the lowest distortion/noise. However, we are looking at levels generally below .005%
I, for one, am not going back. These amps are terribly efficient. I previously had Bryston amps that were simply great, but that was 20 years ago.
PS - I have a separate HT system where I use a $400 Crown amp to drive subwoofers (18 inch Dayton), I built.
Clearly, others have different experiences and views. I have a cousin with the exact same speakers (we purchased them together), but he swears by his Audio Research tube system and I tell him he is wasting his money, and if he wants a tube characteristic, the Schiit Freya+ is difficult to beat, though his AR reference preamplifier is simply terrific.
Have fun!