diy class D amp kits

[crytklmass]

I Would like to DIY an amplifier (no special requirements) but im not sure what the difference is between these two kits. Which one will sound/perform better, does the Toroidal power supply make a difference in relation to sound/power? They are both Class D however kit A only supports 200wpc @ 4 Ohm load, I don’t believe it will support an 8 Ohm load. Kit B supports both 4 Ohm & 8 Ohm (and bridged) loads but costs slightly more. What are the pros and cons to each kit? any other amp kits I should consider under $500.

Kit A consists of the following parts: all parts via parts-express approx $300.00
200asc Board with power: https://www.parts-express.com/icepow...9101000a24060b
200ac Board: https://www.parts-express.com/icepow...9100fc0a24060b
Auto On Jumper: https://www.parts-express.com/icepow...5d01210a240611
Amplifier Case: http://www.ghentaudio.com/kit/asc200-ac200.html

500asp https://www.parts-express.com/icepow...9001040a240614 500w @ 4 Ohm, 100w @ 8 Ohm $311.52 ea

Kit B https://www.classdaudio.com/sds-250-...ifier-kit.html $325.00
Add $100 for a case
the SDS Series amplifiers have a balanced XLR input stage (as well as the single ended RCA inputs). The SDS also has gain control for each channel.

[fish fingers]

Also have a look at 3e audio 3255 based module and matching switching supply.
Awesome sounding and well priced

[Evil Twin]

I Would like to DIY an amplifier (no special requirements) but im not sure what the difference is between these two kits. Which one will sound/perform better, does the Toroidal power supply make a difference in relation to sound/power? They are both Class D however kit A only supports 200wpc @ 4 Ohm load, I don’t believe it will support an 8 Ohm load. Kit B supports both 4 Ohm & 8 Ohm (and bridged) loads but costs slightly more. What are the pros and cons to each kit? any other amp kits I should consider under $500.

Kit A consists of the following parts: all parts via parts-express approx $300.00
200asc Board with power: https://www.parts-express.com/icepow...9101000a24060b
200ac Board: https://www.parts-express.com/icepow...9100fc0a24060b
Auto On Jumper: https://www.parts-express.com/icepow...5d01210a240611
Amplifier Case: http://www.ghentaudio.com/kit/asc200-ac200.html

500asp https://www.parts-express.com/icepow...9001040a240614 500w @ 4 Ohm, 100w @ 8 Ohm $311.52 ea

Kit B https://www.classdaudio.com/sds-250-...ifier-kit.html $325.00
Add $100 for a case
the SDS Series amplifiers have a balanced XLR input stage (as well as the single ended RCA inputs). The SDS also has gain control for each channel.

You will find there are various schools of thought regarding performance criteria for Class D amplifiers and available modules and components for DIY. Many on this board have experience with the Hypex modules (not sold on PE, but available through other vendors and directly from the Hypex Shop online) and Bruno Putsys's new organization, PuriFi, has reached even higher levels of performance.

I prefer both Hypex and PuriFi on a fundamental conceptual basis, because they do not give power ratings based on substantial clipping distortion. And they also sound better than most of the competition. Compare the distortion performance, particularly at high frequencies.

Additionally, your links as posted do not work, at least not this morning from the state of California... it is most advisable to check your post for correct operation, and update as needed.


This, for example, is a working link to the 500W ASP module:

https://www.parts-express.com/icepower-500asp-class-d-audio-amplifier-with-power-supply-module-1-x-500w--326-204

Note the differences...

And I verified it from the Preview pane before making this post...

[crytklmass]

You will find there are various schools of thought regarding performance criteria for Class D amplifiers and available modules and components for DIY. Many on this board have experience with the Hypex modules (not sold on PE, but available through other vendors and directly from the Hypex Shop online) and Bruno Putsys's new organization, PuriFi, has reached even higher levels of performance.

I prefer both Hypex and PuriFi on a fundamental conceptual basis, because they do not give power ratings based on substantial clipping distortion. And they also sound better than most of the competition. Compare the distortion performance, particularly at high frequencies.

Additionally, your links as posted do not work, at least not this morning from the state of California... it is most advisable to check your post for correct operation, and update as needed.


This, for example, is a working link to the 500W ASP module:

https://www.parts-express.com/icepower-500asp-class-d-audio-amplifier-with-power-supply-module-1-x-500w--326-204

Note the differences...

And I verified it from the Preview pane before making this post...

New links. Not sure what happened.

https://www.parts-express.com/icepower-200asc-class-d-audio-amplifier-with-power-supply-module-1-x-200w--326-208

https://www.parts-express.com/icepower-200ac-class-d-audio-amplifier-module-1-x-200w--326-210

https://www.classdaudio.com/sds-250-power-amplifier-kit.html

I was also curious if having a toroidal power supply would be better or worse than the parts express modules?
Eventually I would like to build Ncore modules but wanted to stay under $400 for my 1st build, then enter the rabbit hole

[ergo]

I have had ICEpower 200ASC for several years and I consider that to be a very good sounding amplifier (especially with prices it goes for nowadays). I then built mono blocks based on Hypex Ncore NC500MP. These two are bit different in sound character and NCore perhaps has a small win overall, but ICEpower fights back strong and with some songs I do prefer that.

I'm now in process of building up Purifi 1ET400A (as evident from another chat)... Purifi, having a separate power module, allows tweaking and tuning of the sound. So this far it is clear that it is a clear improvement on prior two, but also takes more money and effort. So as a first project I would recommend going for ICEpower or NCore models where all of the modules are integrated. These can themselves rival many 1500 ... 3000EUR commercial power amps for sure.

[crytklmass]

Thanks for the reply. Maybe Ill start with the ICE power first then I'll build the Ncore. Have you had the opportunity to compare the NC400 and NC500? Just curious if they're is a reason to choose one over the other. I look forward to reading your build on the other read with the Purifi :T

I have had ICEpower 200ASC for several years and I consider that to be a very good sounding amplifier (especially with prices it goes for nowadays). I then built mono blocks based on Hypex Ncore NC500MP. These two are bit different in sound character and NCore perhaps has a small win overall, but ICEpower fights back strong and with some songs I do prefer that.

I'm now in process of building up Purifi 1ET400A (as evident from another chat)... Purifi, having a separate power module, allows tweaking and tuning of the sound. So this far it is clear that it is a clear improvement on prior two, but also takes more money and effort. So as a first project I would recommend going for ICEpower or NCore models where all of the modules are integrated. These can themselves rival many 1500 ... 3000EUR commercial power amps for sure.