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Having spent many hundreds of hours over the past 10 years (and a fair chunk of Jon’s time - huge shout outs) in developing some ambitious three and four way Avalon Acoustics inspired floor-standers, it is now time to divert my attention to a much needed Power Amplifier upgrade. If you’re not familiar with the aforementioned ‘mistresses’ here they are:
From the early days with my fridge sized, non-audiophile JBL CF-150’s, I have always relied on, and taken for granted, my trusty Rotel RB-1092 Power Amplifier. Having over 600W/Channel and powered by the early Bang & Olufsen ICE modules, I became accepting of their clinical sound given their sheer brute force in the power department. But as my speakers have evolved over the years, the Power Amplifier has been neglected and I am now at a point where a change is mandatory. Of course nothing is simple when it comes to Amplifier choice given some great products like the NAD M22, Theta Digital Prometheus, Acoustic Imagery Atsah, the Bel Canto REF600M as well as Auralic, Benchmark and even the Merrill Veritas NC1200 powered Amplifier. However, my ultimate goal is to find an amplifier with (1) the best quality sound (2) the necessary power, and (3) the right affordability (not spending upward of $6000+/pair). Whilst the option of two NAD M22 running in bridge mode offers a sound option, excuse the pun, I’ve always thought there must be a better option. And so without this perfect combination readily available I’ve decided to create one.
As an avid follower of the evolution of D-Class amplifiers, and having used a Rotel RB-1092 since its release, I have always looked for the next leap forward in which audiophiles could have a D-Class option as a legitimate alternative to some Class A and Class AB amplifiers, and the option to have RB-1092 power, without the clinical sound. Over the past year, I have followed the evolution of the Hypex Ncore Technology, and noted some serious Audiophile companies get more involved in this breakthrough… thanks to Bruno Putzey. What the Hypex team are providing is some great, affordable technology with both power and quality to satisfy the majority of us fanatics. The use of the Hypex DS8.0 Plate Amps in my current Four Way project further cements my high opinion of the Technology, and these are based on the older UcD modules.
After connecting with the Hypex team, and talking through the options, I am now in the process of developing MY perfect solution. Ncore powered, 1000W+ mono-block, packaged in an uncompromising , awesome looking but beautifully simple enclosure. With the release of the latest NCXXXMP range, the option to get a small form factor, power brick whilst getting the benefits of the now third generation+ of the Ncore revolution. Who knows, this may one day lead somewhere “commercial”, but at the moment this is being developed to satisfy MY needs and then to see if other audiophile fanatics share my wish list in Power Amplifier characteristics.
General specifications are as follows:
1. Powered by Ncore, using a single NCXXXMP Module – Delivering up to 500W/Channel into 4 ohms and 350W/Channel into 8 ohms in stereo mode, then up to 1000W into 4 ohms and 1200W into 8 ohms in Bridge Tied Load Mono-block.
2. THD + N at 1W = 0.0024%
3. Inputs = One pair of balanced Furutech XLR Connectors
4. Outputs = Two pair of WDT-0703 Nextgen Speaker Terminals
5. Furutech IEC Connector with EMI Filter, 115/230V, 27A Current Limit/Channel
6. Enclosure = Solid Billet Aluminum CNC Machined, featuring machined channel shielding and an abundance of thermal relief
Concept design is nearly complete, and the first prototype enclosure has been machined and pending bead blasting, anodizing and silk-screening. Shown below is the current status, including the test fit of all connectors and the amplifier and power supply module.
As things progress, I will keep you all posted. As always, recommendations and suggestions to better fulfill the goals are welcome!
From the early days with my fridge sized, non-audiophile JBL CF-150’s, I have always relied on, and taken for granted, my trusty Rotel RB-1092 Power Amplifier. Having over 600W/Channel and powered by the early Bang & Olufsen ICE modules, I became accepting of their clinical sound given their sheer brute force in the power department. But as my speakers have evolved over the years, the Power Amplifier has been neglected and I am now at a point where a change is mandatory. Of course nothing is simple when it comes to Amplifier choice given some great products like the NAD M22, Theta Digital Prometheus, Acoustic Imagery Atsah, the Bel Canto REF600M as well as Auralic, Benchmark and even the Merrill Veritas NC1200 powered Amplifier. However, my ultimate goal is to find an amplifier with (1) the best quality sound (2) the necessary power, and (3) the right affordability (not spending upward of $6000+/pair). Whilst the option of two NAD M22 running in bridge mode offers a sound option, excuse the pun, I’ve always thought there must be a better option. And so without this perfect combination readily available I’ve decided to create one.
As an avid follower of the evolution of D-Class amplifiers, and having used a Rotel RB-1092 since its release, I have always looked for the next leap forward in which audiophiles could have a D-Class option as a legitimate alternative to some Class A and Class AB amplifiers, and the option to have RB-1092 power, without the clinical sound. Over the past year, I have followed the evolution of the Hypex Ncore Technology, and noted some serious Audiophile companies get more involved in this breakthrough… thanks to Bruno Putzey. What the Hypex team are providing is some great, affordable technology with both power and quality to satisfy the majority of us fanatics. The use of the Hypex DS8.0 Plate Amps in my current Four Way project further cements my high opinion of the Technology, and these are based on the older UcD modules.
After connecting with the Hypex team, and talking through the options, I am now in the process of developing MY perfect solution. Ncore powered, 1000W+ mono-block, packaged in an uncompromising , awesome looking but beautifully simple enclosure. With the release of the latest NCXXXMP range, the option to get a small form factor, power brick whilst getting the benefits of the now third generation+ of the Ncore revolution. Who knows, this may one day lead somewhere “commercial”, but at the moment this is being developed to satisfy MY needs and then to see if other audiophile fanatics share my wish list in Power Amplifier characteristics.
General specifications are as follows:
1. Powered by Ncore, using a single NCXXXMP Module – Delivering up to 500W/Channel into 4 ohms and 350W/Channel into 8 ohms in stereo mode, then up to 1000W into 4 ohms and 1200W into 8 ohms in Bridge Tied Load Mono-block.
2. THD + N at 1W = 0.0024%
3. Inputs = One pair of balanced Furutech XLR Connectors
4. Outputs = Two pair of WDT-0703 Nextgen Speaker Terminals
5. Furutech IEC Connector with EMI Filter, 115/230V, 27A Current Limit/Channel
6. Enclosure = Solid Billet Aluminum CNC Machined, featuring machined channel shielding and an abundance of thermal relief
Concept design is nearly complete, and the first prototype enclosure has been machined and pending bead blasting, anodizing and silk-screening. Shown below is the current status, including the test fit of all connectors and the amplifier and power supply module.
As things progress, I will keep you all posted. As always, recommendations and suggestions to better fulfill the goals are welcome!
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