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Is Hype About Forthcoming NC400 Based Amps Worthy

I've read great praise for the Hypex N-Core Class D amp modules and some mighty hyped praise and major claims regarding the "superior nature" of some NC400-based amps that are currently under development by some key designer/developers (e.g.: supposedly better than major league class A A/B designs...). I wonder if the hype is actually worthy from a consumer standpoint rather than a marketing/promotional standpoint...

I wonder if a $2,500 NC400-based amp design can actually best a moderately-priced class A/B solid state amp design - as purported by recent claims within the industry (i.e.: would a $2,500 NC400-based class d amp be a sonic upgrade to a relatively new designed $6,000 solid state Class A/B amp...)?

This is a pertinent question if one is considering an amp upgrade today...Is it reasonable to assume that waiting up to a year for the release of some of these NC400-based amps will be worthwhile (i.e."is the hype too good to be true?")

_Ben
2chnlben

Showing 2 responses by nsirkin

nsirkin
40 posts
 
The NC400 modules are only available to individuals, the NC1200 modules are used in some soon-to-be released commercial amps.

I assembled a pair of NC400 amps for less than $2000 and they out-perform any other amp I have heard in my system. For that, and things like size, heat and power use make these something special.

I will have a pair of commercial NCore NC1200 amps within a month as they are currently being built.

Nick
nsirkin
40 posts
 
With due respect to Hifial's great suggestions, my NC400 amps in flimsy cases with average parts and construction sound fantastic!

Marakanetz, it's not actually a kit, look at diyAudio forums and the Hypex documentation and you will have little trouble. It's not so much build as assemble. The only soldering you need to do is at the XLR input connectors.

The case is the main issue and there are several that are ready-made.

Good luck, you will NOT be disappointed.
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