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HYPEX,PASCAL OR ABLETEC

Knowing about the many apparently very good class D amps on the market right now and even though I'm very satisfied with my current ClassD Audio SDS-440CS amp, I'm seriously considering purchasing one of these amps to try out in my system. My thinking is that, if I do like the amp in my system, I can just use my current amp to replace an older Adcom GFA-545 that currently powers my Magnepan CC3 center channel and my unamplified (passive)sub for ht purposes. I would then always be able to choose which amp I used for my 2 ch music and which amp I used for ht(cc and sub).

Well, I should get to my point:

I'm using an Oppo105 as the master source in my streamlined A/V living room system used 40% for 2-ch music and 60% for ht. For 2-ch listening, I stream my cd collection and hi-res Flac files from a Synology NAS in another room to the Oppo. The Oppo acts as a stand alone dac and sends the analog output via xlr cables to my class D amp (440 w/ch@4ohms) which powers my Magnepan 2.7qr speakers. For ht, I use the Oppo for decoding surround sound from Netflix, Directv and bluray discs. Two class A/B amps power the Oppo's ht audio outputs to my Magnepan CC3 center channel, LFE sub and in-ceiling rear surround channels.
I've narrowed my new amp choices down to the following four listed below. I'm requesting feedback on any or all of these 4 amp options, especially from anyone who has used 1 or more in their system. My budget is $2,000 to $2,500 and my room is 18ft x 13ft with 8ft ceilings. Here are my options:

Option#1 Hypex Ncore nc400 based amp builds from James Romeyn in Utah. A stereo, dual-mono build is $1,500 total and is rated at 400 watts @ 4 ohms. It includes 2 Hypex nc400 power modules both powered by 1 nc12000 smps mounted in a generic case with a black or silver aluminum faceplate with both se and xlr inputs. A pair of mono-blocks built runs a bit under $2,000/pr. total and consists of a nc400 power module mated to a nc600 smps in each 'NCORE' labeled black case with both se and xlr inputs.

Option#2 Pascal amp build from Aluminati Sound in Ohio. This is a stereo build only that will use a new stereo board from Pascal in Denmark, called the SPRO-2, that has a smps incorporated on the board. Power output is rated at 500 watts/ch @ 4 ohms. Forecasted price is about $2,000 but may run a bit higher. Pascal modules are used in the new JRRG Continuum 2 integrated amp that has received very positive sq reviews. Alumnati is owned by 2 former CNC machinists/fabricators. Their main advantage is their case work. One of the Aluminati owners, Matt Kraemer, told me the new stereo Pascal amp is tentatively named the "X-1" and should be available for order by approx. mid July. He said the stereo case will be milled from a single large aluminum block. The finished case will have an anodized finish (think JRRG cases but milled as 1 solid piece instead of multiple anodized face panels attached to a chassis underneath. The aluminum case will have a blue power/status light mounted underneath projecting downward.

Option#3- Abletec amp modules in the DSonic M3-600M mono-blocks. I'm not certain which Abletec modules are used in these amps but the price is $1,950/pr. and power output is 600 watts/ch @ 4 ohms in black cases with a blue power/status light with both se and xlr inputs. The Abletec modules have built-in smps just like the Pascal modules. According to DSonic's owner, Dennis Deacon, the 600Ms and their top-of-the-line 1500Ms have similar sound characteristics, even though the 1500Ms use Pascal modules(likely either a MPro or XPro module).

Option#4- Identical ClassD Audio SDS-440CS amp to replace my older class A/B amp that powers my center ch and sub. This option is least attractive to me since it would mean my music amplification would remain the same and I wouldn't be auditioning any of the newer class D amp modules. If I liked option 1,2 or 3 above better for music playback, I would simply move my existing CDA music amp over to center and sub duties anyways. The only benefit of option #4 is that it's the least expensive at $630.

I've ruled out some amps, like the Wyred4Sound and Red Dragon offerings, because they use the older Ice ucd power modules typically considered sonically inferior to the newer Hypex Ncore, Pascal and Abletec power modules. Any comments comparing the sq of these options is greatly appreciated, especially if you've owned or listened to some of these. I do understand that there is more involved with how various class D amps sound than just the power modules utilized, such as high quality components and custom input stages.

I should also say, just like Audiozen, I have never actually heard a Hypex, Pascal or Abletec powered amp. I'm just curious and base my optimism on the positive reports from owners, listeners and professional reviewers. If I had a larger $10k plus budget, I'd likely just buy a completed amp based on the Hypex Ncore nc1200 power modules, such as Merrill, upcoming Mola-Mola or Acoustic Imagery.

Thank you in advance for your thoughts, comments and suggestions. Please feel free to suggest other reasonably priced class D amps I may have omitted.

Thank you,
Tim



Much like Audiozen, I am basing
noble100
noble100's avatar
noble100 OP
1,093 posts
 
Hi Guido,

My current german skills were not sufficient to gather much info from the German language review you attached. However, the 6Moons comparison of the Gato DIA400 vs the DIA 250's sonic impressions were more helpful but required a bit more study to comprehend. I was able to decipher Srajan Ebaen's sonic impressions and descriptive variances between the two and found that my sonic system preferences are in tune with his and that I'm seeking a system sound that is more in-line with the DIA 250's than the DIA 400's.

That is, I would like my system to be detailed and transparent even if that means not all of my recordings will sound as good and some of my upstream components' weaknesses may be exposed.

I believe my system preferences are evolving from one that wanted a sound a touch on the warm side of neutral to one that is more accurate and detailed with warmth provided by the music/recording if it exists at all; I don't want to color the sound.

The section of his review concerning 'class D flavors' was particularly helpful in coming to this realization. It appears the Pascal SPRO-2 power modules, contained in the DIA, may be to my liking in tis regard. But, the Hypex nc400 and Abletec modules may also be suitable as well; it's hard to be sure without hearing them.

My current system(24 bit/96khz files via a Synology NAS processed via an Oppo 105, output direct via xlr to a CDA high powered amp that drives Magnepan 2.7qr speakers)is supplying a detailed, dimensional and palpable sound on well recorded music. My current favorite is a Carmen Gomes hi-res file called 'A Thousand Shades of Blue'. Some of my ripped cds have less of these qualities, which I understand is to be expected.

Thanks for the referenced materials, I think I'm getting closer to an informed choice.
Tim

guidocorona
4,114 posts
 
Hi Tim, in case you opt for an amp based on Pascal S-Pro2, note that while S-Pro2 supports bridged-to-mono operations, and would deliver about 1000W/8 in this mode, it does not mean that bridged functionality is inherently supported by any particular emplifier using this module.

If you are thinking of adding a second unit for more power at a later time, and using the amps as monos, you need to make sure that the manufacturer supports bridging, lest you get an unwelcome late surprise. Rowland M525 is bridgeable, but I have no information on Aluminati X-1.

Saluti, G.

noble100's avatar
noble100 OP
1,093 posts
 
Guido,

I also read one needs to make the distinction between bridging into 8 ohm vs 4 ohm speaker loads with this module, with the former being generally permissible and the latter being somewhat more restrictive. My use is a relatively constant 4 ohm speaker load over the audible range with few, if any, dips below 4 ohms at any frequency. I don't envision utilizing the modules bridging ability, anyway, but I appreciate your cautionary forewarning.

Thanks,
Tim
ua100k
32 posts
 
My personal recommendation with the disclaimer that I make the Merrill Audio VERITAS Monoblocks, for your Maggies would be either the Pascal or the NC400 for these resaons.
1. Better control from the Pascal. You don't have to worry about low impedance with the Maggies but it is a heavier membrane, so the low output impedance of the Pascals will give you better control on our speakers. You will enjoy this a lot.
2. The NC400 will provide excellent sound, not as good on control as the Pascals. When building the Nc400 (I have not looked at their build), it is important to separate the power supply from the amp board and to have a shield.

Either will give you a very nice musical experience and both are well priced.

Bridging will give you more power and you don't have to worry about speaker impedance. It will also give you better speaker control, however you don't need all that power, you really need the control to get nice slam at the low volume and at the high volumes. Keeping the noise level low is great for details and something you should strive for with an improved source and high res music, perhaps in the future.

Have fun. Any choice will still give you a significant improvement which you will really enjoy.
guidocorona
4,114 posts
 
Tim, Merril raises some excellent points... So I am thinking that, if you opted for the Aluminati integrated with Pascal S-Pro2, as the amp is not quite ready yet, you might still be in time to persuade the manufacturer to support the bridgeable option of the module in one form or another.... So, if at a later time you decided to go for more power, you will be able to double your fun without ditching your investment. G.
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