Hypex Ncore NC400

OP here.

At the other end of the efficiency range, I have 81dB speakers and, while there is plenty of power, I can't help but wonder what bridged amps would do.

I assembled the mono amps with one SMPS/NC400 in each stereo case so there is provision for adding a second. Just thought I'd wait for someone else to do this and comment before I spent the other $1300.

And, as far as tube "sound" is concerned, I use a Metric Halo LIO-8 processor and find that the NCore neutrality (IMO) works well with the "Modern California Tube" character setting. Hey, DSP tone controls!

So, no-one has made/heard bridged NC400s?

Thanks, I have been following that thread closely for a while now.

Problem is solved as I am buying a pair of amps using the NC1200 modules.

Can't wait!

I have ordered 2 Veritas monoblocks from Merrill Audio. I expect to receive them by the end of October and will be able to directly compare them to the NC400s I assembled.

It's hard to imagine a better amplifier than the NC400s, IMO, but the attention to detail, component quality and case construction of the Veritas amps has me salivating!

To finish up, I just listened to my OPPO-95 playing SACDs directly into the NC400s and it is just the best I have heard in my room.

Dan, since the NC1200s will be in such a better "environment", a comparison would be inconclusive. Besides, I am sure that I will like the new amp better. ;^)

Simon, they do use the SMPS1200. I think that the site typo occurred because there are 2 versions of the SMPS1200, differing only in fixed output voltages. There's an SMPS1200a700 and an SMPS1200a400 version.

Early Christmas with these things and I'm going crazy getting photos as the chassis moves along! Boy, I love this hobby!

Nick

Thanks, I can't wait!

I use TWL 7+ power cords with the NC400s and have sold my Conrad-Johnson LP275M amps and have Parasound JC-1s for sale.

This 3.5" round NC400 board (with the SMPS) can drive my 81dB MBLs as I have never heard before and that is pulling less than 20 watts from the wall at idle!

I just got pictures of the Veritas chassis after glass-bead polishing and about to go for anodizing!