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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
 
Guido and Merrill(Ua100k),

I would like your opinions on another option I just discovered online that might be a possible good starting point in my situation but don't want to make a purchase I may regret.
Currently, there's a 'gently used' pair of Bel Canto Reference 500M mono-block amps for sale on EBay. Current high bid is $800 for the pair that are being sold by Overture Audio/Video in Wilmington, Del. They were a customer trade in that are rated as very good condition, which the photos seem to validate, at least cosmetically. Here's the link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/221439500514

I was thinking that these might be a good and less expensive option especially if the ref500m have similar performance qualities to the ref1000m amps and they could be bought at $1,000/pair or so.
I read an older review from 6Moons on the ref1000 that was extremely positive. The ref500 are half the power, however, at 500 w/ch @ 4 ohms. I know that's sufficient power for my speakers since my current class D amp is 440watts and attains spl levels far above my normal listening levels without a hint of strain.
Not having heard these or any other amp options I listed, I'm relying on your experienced opinion on whether you think I'd be better served by these or waiting and buying the Abletec, Pascal or Hypex Ncore based amps.

Thanks for your thoughts in advance,
Tim
guidocorona
4,114 posts
 
Tim, if price is your main criterion for the new amp, a Bel Canto REF500M may be a reasonable option. However, do not expect REF500M to share the grace and sweetness of its more expensive and powerful REF1000M (Mik.2) brother.

Here is my original take of REF1000M (Mk.2):
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue43/bel_canto_ref1000.htm

And here is my take on REF500M
http://positive-feedback.com/Issue50/bel_canto500.htm

Furthermore, It is worth pointing out that when I wrote the articles above, REF1000M and REF500M were some of the most significant class D achievers on the market... The performance bar has risen significantly since then, and my original findings do not reflect today's state of the art.

Guido
macrojack
1,292 posts
 
My guess is Tim is looking for the amplifier counterpart of his speakers. Since he has no use for a preamp, I suppose that would mean he wants extremely cost-effective more than low priced. Additionally, I would imagine that he is looking for a solution that will remain viable for years to come. That, of course, depends on how much he allows us and the audio press to fill his head post purchase.

Isn't it clear to everyone that our hobby is driven by dissatisfaction more than anything else? Who amongst us has a system that outright sucks? That's what I thought - we could all stop right where we are and live happily ever after if not for the nagging suspicion that we are indeed missing something.

At least, that's how it has been for quite a few years now. But I would submit that the introduction and steady improvement of D Class amplification has created a paradigm shift. World class amplification at real world pricing has caused many of us to seek upgrades that just a few years ago were patently unavailable at our budgets.

The other interesting development is that kit building is experiencing a revival of sorts. Have we come full circle around to the Heathkit/Dynaco world? Not quite yet --- but the seeds are being sown. Nowadays we have manufacturers producing amplifier boards that can be purchased by end users for DIY, and established amplifier designers opting to purchase these overachieving boards for their amps rather than trying to compete with them from scratch. This trend, I think, bodes well for consumers like us.

So, Tim, I have to recommend that you take into account the initial purchase price, of course. But also think in terms of depreciation, which can be averted to varying degrees by buying used, warranty which usually does not follow used pieces when they change hands and reliability/serviceability which points toward the older more established source with the best overall reputation for QC before and customer service after the sale.

All of that points me toward Rowland. In fact it did direct me to Rowland.

That means I have an extra pair of NC 400 monos to dispense. Good as they are (and I mean incredibly good given their price point) the Continuum has shown itself to be much better. If the 525 is as good as my amp, there is no room for discussion. Buy it!!!
beatlebum
160 posts
 
Macrojack,

As a fellow JRDG Continuum S2 owner I am curious as to what power cords you have tried and what your sonic impressions of these power cords were. I'm currently using a VH Audio Flavor 4 pc with mine.

Thanks,

Tim
guidocorona
4,114 posts
 
Hi BeatleTim, I am not at all familiar with performance of VH Audio wire products.

Rowland has showcased Continuum S2 fed by Cardas Clear and Clear Beyond in the last couple of shows... I heard it and found the sound to be highly desirable.

I do not havve CS2 in my system, but have had mostly Rowland amps in my system since the late 1990s.... I have had particularly desirable results with Nordost Valhalla 2, Shunyata Anaconda Z-Tron, and Shunyata King Cobra CX. I suspect that the new Shunyata Alpha HC PC may also work very well on CS2.

Guido
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