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How to DIY yourself very nice Class D monoblocks

If you want to know what the hoopla is about Class D and want to put together a very nice sounding kit I have a starter recommendation for you.

Go to Parts Express and search for "ICEPower ASP"
Next, look online for Ghent Audio. They make many sets of cases.

You'll need a high power soldering iron, and screw skills.
Between those two, you can put together a very nice monoblock for around $500 a piece.

I highly recommend both. I have no financial interest in either. 
You may need wiring kits, so make sure to order appropriately.
erik_squires
55 responses Add your response
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
But it's not just the modules. The input and output stages matter too.
mzkmxcv
777 posts
 
The Hypex kit is more expensive (<$1500 for a pair of monoblocks) but better quality amps and it’s so easy, no soldering needed (first gen kit did, but not current gen).
michaelgreenaudio's avatar
michaelgreenaudio
1,019 posts
 

Or, you will have people like myself praising you Erik for continuing to lead the charge!

Anytime you have a hobby like this one going through such a huge paradigm shift it brings out the emotions on both sides and more. Many of us who have secretly been exploring Class D and simplicity are finding soundstage and tonal bliss. It takes a slight adjustment to go from mega dollar systems to the more balanced approach that happens to cost much less. Keep in mind though that places like Agon are going to be one of the last stand forums. It's great watching Agon make the transition from old to new or more money to less or high mass to low mass and other comparisons.

I'm glad your being diligent and we want you to know your far from alone. Most may not post on the paradigm shift and many will troll the heck out of you, but these times they are a changing, and there's really no stopping progression wants it gets rolling like a rolling stone.

Michael Green

Post removed 
erik_squires OP
16,007 posts
 
Since I am sure in moments all sorts of posts will appear to talk about how terrible sounding Class D amps I want to say this:
I've been listening to ICEpower ASP modules for years and they are really wonderful. There is no hint of anything they used to talk about Class D. They are not hard, they are not noisy, they are not compressed or clinical. They are very warm sounding, perfectly natural sounding amps which I cannot tell apart from linear amplifiers. 
If you feel like dropping $1k to build yourself really nice stereo pair and listen for yourself, I encourage you to. I also don't mind if you like something else instead.
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