Standard XLR
Pin 1 GRND / Shield
Pin 2 +
Pin 3 -
1 Like
For the Hypex fans (‘nCore n-Clined’), Parts Express is now carrying the NC-MP series modules with built-in mains power supplies under the Hypex Direct brand.
I’ve had a couple misbehaving NC-MP modules, one NC252MP (quiescent noise leakage) and one NC122MP (nasty turn-off pop), but it’s possible both modules I got were off the secondary market where they were let out for being rejected due to these items, and at the price PE wants for the NC252MP, I’m thinking about giving it another shot since it’s 2x 250W at 4 ohms for about $350 when the Ghent case kit is added in (and excluding shipping, etc.), and that’s a fine deal if true.
Rory, let us know your thoughts. Currently I have the ice power 200 stero on the shelf, will try it out first.
Interested in knowing your thoughts if the issues are absent.
So I have the NC122MP, and it is close to the same power output into 4 ohms as the IcePower 200AS2 (with the Hypex having a little bit less).
Out of those two amps, I prefer the match of the IcePower amp to my main speakers, the Thiel CS1.7. The Hypex is water-clear and extended in the treble, but seems to have a death-grip on the woofers, which is excellent ‘control’ but seems to rob the Thiels of openness and tonal richness. And there is the concerning turn-off pop; I was hesitant to run the NC122 on the Thiels for very many on-off cycles in case there could be stress to the tweeters, which are now unobtainium apart from the remaining stock with Coherent Source Service, which are quite expensive. The treble of the IcePower amp is similarly clear but a touch more subdued in its rendering of detail, which also complements my speakers well for long listening without fatigue.
So I will probably be sticking with the 200AS2 module as my ‘favorite’ amp for the Thiel speakers, even after I get my hands on the NC252MP without self-noise. The NC252MP will be an important example on my journey of exploring the capabilities of Class-D, and it’s possible that later on I will have some speakers that are a better match for its amount of bass control, so I’m still going to buy one, of course 
.
After hearing what IcePower’s sonic priorities are, I will probably also be pursuing the SC400A2 when those modules become available in assembled units.
1 Like
Small update (now that I’ve bought mine), the NC252MP is now back in stock at Parts Express for those who like the Hypex sound. It’s probably the best value in the NCore range, though it is superseded for commercial amps by the NCx252MP which has higher gain and therefore even more (!) feedback for even lower THD.
When I bought the NCx500 monoblocks I have, I also found the NC252MP amp on an auction site for the right price, and I picked it up around the same time, but it had some self noise related to the power supply that was audible and therefore really wasn’t great, and then I replaced it with an NC122MP board that had a hellish turn-off pop, so I was soured on the MP series NCore amps, but other folks report better results so I decided to take another try since the price on PE isn’t too bad.
An amp comparison would be a neat idea for a future Grand Rapids DIY.
We did a few quickie comparisons but didnt realy donit justice really just playing around.
We had a Gemsound xp-350 class ab pro audio amp and 2 class d fosi monoblocks.
I was suprised how many liked the class d better. I preferred the class ab. Neither sounded bad.
We also compaired 2 dacs that should “sound the same” because they measure the same but they sound noticeable different. One was the smsl sanscrit 10 and the other was the fiio KA11 dongle. The sanscrit seemed to be the favorite but we spent even less time on the dac than we did on the amps.
I should set up a jig to truly compare components. I bet it would get used a lot.
I’m assembling some balanced passive preamps and a three-way passive switcher, and Ben has his speaker selector box which could run in reverse to switch between two amps, to keep things audience-blinded and level-matched. Stay tuned.
1 Like
Channels have common ground, if that matters.
Interesting to me also, that most people liked the class D. I also like class AB better from what amps I have heard. I guess I need to hear more class D amps.
I don’t mind them in subwoofer applications, but I still like class AB better for high SPL listening. Class D seems to be leaner or cleaner but can’t keep up with dynamics. My opinion.
1 Like
Ok, then I will need to find another way to switch…these full bridge amps will let the smoke out if the negative actually gets grounded.
1 Like
Let me be clear, speaker level negative is common, and this is not tied to ground.
True that bridged amplifiers should not be used with my switcher.