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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
rsimms
150 posts
 
I have NCore NC400 amps with Aluminati cases. They are the real deal. Heavy cases with shielding do make a difference. They are very neutral and transparent. They will let you hear the quality of the other components in your system better than almost any other amp. They will not fix any tone problems you have in other components though.

Bob
hifial's avatar
hifial
332 posts
 
Tulz43, they will be even more so as more OEM versions are released over the next 6 to 12 months.
tulz43
3 posts
 
Excellent. I'm leaning toward do a pair and some Fritz speakers (not sure which ones yet). Any idea how they compare to the W4S mAMP's? I know Fritz likes to demo his speakers with W4S gear.
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
I have attempted to track availability of pure NCore NC1200-based amplifiers. This is the current lineup as far as I know:

Acoustic Imagery ATSAH monos -- $12K / pair

Merrill Veritas Twin stereo -- $9K

Merrill Veritas monos -- $12K / pair

Theta Digital Prometheus monos -- $12K / pair

Mola-Mola Kaluga monos -- $16K()?) / pair

Audience WavePower monos -- $18K / pair

Merrill Veritas Siamese Twins (bridged version of Twins) -- $18K / pair

Rowland M825 stereo -- $32K

Rowland M925 monos -- $58K / pair

Does anyone know of further NCore NC1200 amps on their way to market?

I personally own Rowland M925, which is an absolutely fantastic music maker.

I have reviewed Veritas on PFO. See my Veritas scribblings at:

http://positive-feedback.com/Issue68/merrill_audio.htm

Guido
dpatterson
105 posts
 
Rsimms-I also have the NC400 modules in Aluminati cases and I love them.

Tulz43-My NC400 amps are quite a bit better than my W4S SX500. Quieter, faster and more transparent

Don
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