Mytek slams Hypex in Stereophile Amp Review

The tweak is possible with Pascal, not possible with Hypex (Being a closed design) and that is why companies like Mytek take Pascal, make (slight?) modifications and brag about nonexistent supremacies.

Was about to say this isn't true, but I just checked the nCore 400 spec sheet and you are right. I do know that ICEpower does offer low impedance inputs which bypasses their own input stage, allowing manufacturers to offer their own.

@nugat

The website is incomplete, and misses the nc1200 :

https://www.stereophile.com/content/theta-digital-prometheus-monoblock-power-amplifier

And... why does 85C matter? All amplifiers are thermally limited. There’s no evidence that the Hypex modules cannot handle their rated power for extended periods of time if properly cooled.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/theta-digital-prometheus-monoblock-power-amplifier-measurements

The same is true for ICEpower modules. Stick them in a closed wooden box and they are not going to be able to perform to their spec as well as in fully heat dissipating enclosures.

On the other hand, in a normal enclosure, I defy you to get those amps anywhere near 85C/185F

@nugat 

I mean this sincerely: Are you just making up random numbers??

Nugat,

That is weird. 1st order crossovers tend to create relatively benign loads as well.

I’m not sure where you got 100 watts for which Ncore though. The modules are available for OEM’s in the 400 to 1200 watt per channel range.

Best,

E

I also have not (knowingly) heard a Pascal based amp either. Anyone who wishes to send me a pair for evaluation... :) 

There are definitely some fans of those modules too. 

Best,

E

Nugat, 

They definitely did make a big deal of the quality of the phonograph stage. :) I have heard good things about it, but I have cats. :) 

The NAD I listen to has Hypex derived circuits. I like it, but I can't say I can tell it's better or worse than my ICE modules. I'm not feeding them into anything particularly challenging though. 

Best,

E

From a couple of manufacturers I am familiar with (B&O and Hypex), the modules offer two inputs. One fully buffered, and the other low impedance.

The unbuffered and low impedance input allows the opportunity for OEM’s to make their own input stages. From tubes to discrete class A amps, you name it.

Of course, it also matters how many you are buying. If you buy 10,000, I am sure B&O or Hypex can accommodate custom engineering changes. :)

Best,

Erik

I’ve had several audiophiles listen to my system. No one ever said "Gosh that sounds like class D"

If they don’t know what is driving them they just sound like really good amplifiers, with the usual issues of amp to speaker and component matching. 

Best,

E

Not if there's a -50'-60' degree negative phase shift also at 3ohms, then the amp could be looking at nearer 1ohm.

Not exactly how this works, but yes, large phase shifts mean high currents near zero volts. Hard for most amps. Would be nice if we had impedance graphs for the Duntechs. 

addyson :

Well, I don’t own stock and won’t make money either way, but that kind of attack in the press is really not one I am used to.

Anyone have experience comparing Pascal vs. Hypex amps?

cheeg : 

My bad, I _thought_ that while sober I had seen the insides and it looked like an ICEpower module. I stand corrected, and obviously overlooked that in the article.

Thank you for correcting. 

Best,

Erik

BTW, it is NOT OK to brush off Mytek’s criticism as "typical Class-D"

Typical Class D is far better than that. It is a big deal if Mytek is right, or if they are lying. Those are big big claims. And I say this with the full context of the article, not one line or two.

I really expect to see lawsuits threatened over this.

Do any readers have specific experience with Hypex amps and big speakers to confirm or deny Mytek’s claims? Because sadly I do not and I would love to hear a personal experience. 

I mean, all I can say is I like my NAD D 3020, and I love my ICEpower amps, but I'll never have Duntech Sovereigns. :) 

Well, I’m sorry, I did not agree when I posted the article, I did not trim it to be scandealous, or click bait. You want to complain, pay me. Otherwise, add to the conversation.

From my point of view, and you may disagree wizabet, either way it is close to libel.

Saying the Hypex doesn’t work with any normal speker is scandalous. The Duntech Sovereigns are specified as being 3 to 4.5 ohms. That is well within what should be the Hypex’s comfort zone.

So we are faced with one of two scenarios:

1 - Mytek is hyping their amp at the cost of Hypex and all the brands who use them like Theta Digital, NAD, etc.
2 - Mytek is right.

There’s not a lot of room in between. Mytek’s Michal Jurewicz essentially just said "Hypex is not a high-end amp"

For the record, I think (but do not know) that Mytek is running an ICEpower amp. Thats cool, that’s what I use in my mains. I’m also a fan of Mytek as I use the Brooklyn as my DAC/pre.

My real point was, I personally am _shocked_ a Mytek rep would say this and let it go to print. He’d better have the juice to back that up. I have never read a menaingful critique of Hypex amps that said they were whimpy. 

elizabetty something something not replying to nonsense, something something. 

addison:

If your going to copy and paste something from an article, you shouldn’t do just part of it.

Meh.  I included the source, and the rest of the paragraph doesn't really change the quote. If you were my editor and this was a site I was paid to post to I'd really really care. 

E