How to DIY yourself very nice Class D monoblocks


If you want to know what the hoopla is about Class D and want to put together a very nice sounding kit I have a starter recommendation for you.

Go to Parts Express and search for "ICEPower ASP"
Next, look online for Ghent Audio. They make many sets of cases.

You'll need a high power soldering iron, and screw skills.
Between those two, you can put together a very nice monoblock for around $500 a piece.

I highly recommend both. I have no financial interest in either. 
You may need wiring kits, so make sure to order appropriately.
erik_squires
But it's not just the modules. The input and output stages matter too.


They do!

Many Class D module makers provide the option to separate the input from the rest of the amp, providing a very low impedance interface. The vendor is then responsible for making their own. This could be tubed for instance.

However, I'm not here to sell that idea. All I am here to sell you is that you can build very nice sounding monoblocks inexpensively, and if you are curious about Class D, and want to tinker, here you go.

Both ICEPower and Hypex provide it all.

The ASP modules have build in power supplies. The Hypex need you to purchase that separately.

Best,
E


mzk.... I’m into measurements and listening equally. I’m into it all and have been for many years. I’ve even built Marshall 45, 50 and 100 watt tube heads for local bands that sound killer. At some point I might just get interested in DIYing some Class D monoblocks. Lots are happening in this space, all for the good of audio enthusiasts. Enjoying my PS Audio M700 monblocks too, immensely. Just saying...
ICEPower and Hypex are some of the best amps on the planet, only behind Devialet. But this is absolutely not something most members of this forum should attemp to build (judging by the consistent daily posted nonsense). SMPS voltages will kill you proper. 
ICEPower and Hypex are some of the best amps on the planet,



Well, I wouldn't go THAT far either. I haven't heard everything, and I haven't had a chance to compare them all with all sorts of speakers.

I am however very very pleased with what I have.

But this is absolutely not something most members of this forum should attemp to build (judging by the consistent daily posted nonsense) 

The kits are super easy to assemble. The IcePower units especially.

Best,
E

     Good thread Erik.  

    Building your own class D amps is an excellent way to get hi-end sound quality at an affordable price.  The performance levels of the more recent class D modules are, in my opinion, outstanding and this technology has broken the mold on how to attain high quality sound from a home audio system.
     Previously, the only known and accepted method consisted of using large, heavy and expensive traditional class A solid-state or tube amps or ss class AB amps to drive the often very demanding requirements of the various high quality home speakers typically used.  
     Class D amps have broken, smashed?, the traditional mold of how to attain excellent home audio quality for both home theater and music.  Compared to traditional amps, they're smaller, lighter, electrically more efficient, run cooler, less expensive and I believe sound just as good or better.
     What's not to like, right?  I've been using them in my system for about 4 yrs now and can't think of anything. Class D amps are really wonderful.
     So, I completely agree with Erik's recommendation of building class D module based amps.  You can build your own, have them built for you or buy completed amps using these modules under various brand names.
Enjoy,
 Tim