System for 10K that will shame $30K systems all day long!

[Blizzard]

Thanks for the input. I think I will like the zero coloration of the NC400, this is what I am looking for.

No problem

I'm not saying that the NC500's are coloured and non-transparent, I'm saying that you can choose the sound profile you're looking for based on input buffer opamp choice. The closest thing to the NC400 input buffer would probably be to use the LM4562 opamp. So far everyone who I've heard of comparing the NC500's with the LM4562 opamp buffer, to the NC400's, prefers them to the NC400's. But my personal favourite is the Sonic Imagery 994's. Super transparent with a touch of class A warmth.

You obviously like warmth, or else you wouldn't like the sound of the Gustard x20U, use a tube preamp, and amps with tubes. The Gustard is specifically voiced for warmth. Many people find the NC400's to be cold and dry.

 

[nc42acc]

The NC400 might be a great match for my Gustard X20. Still have tubes in my amp, Rogue ST100. I don't think the NC400 have socketed op amps do they?

 

[Blizzard]

The NC400 might be a great match for my Gustard X20. Still have tubes in my amp, Rogue ST100. I don't think the NC400 have socketed op amps do they?

No they don't. I still say go for the Nord amps. I had the NC 400's since the week they came out. I've built tons of amps with them for people. You are stuck with a fixed input buffer that you can't change if you don't like how it sounds. Plus they are less powerful. 400w into 4 ohm vs 700. The NC 500's are simply better amps, and with the Nord amps you can tailor the sound to your personal taste. And it's completely built already with a very nice Italian made case, Swiss made power button and good quality cabling. It will cost you more money to build the NC400's into the same case with the same parts, plus you have to do all the work. It's seriously a no brainer. If I thought the NC 400 was a better option, that amp would be listed in my recommended components list, instead of this amp.

 

[nc42acc]

I have the NC400 mono amps coming this week and will have chassis for my LPS UcD400HG module amps coming next week. I am getting ready for a class D throw down!

 

[Blizzard]

I have the NC400 mono amps coming this week and will have chassis for my LPS UcD400HG module amps coming next week. I am getting ready for a class D throw down!

Okay, you should add the 500's into the mix for the throw down. I know my NC400's hit the road shortly after the 500's arrived

 

[nc42acc]

These will probably hit the road too after I hear what I need to hear.

 

[Blizzard]

These will probably hit the road too after I hear what I need to hear.

You can't go wrong with any Hypex amp either way. And resale value is great as well. Put them up for sale and they are usually gone instantly. Longest it took me to sell an NC400 based amp was 2 days.

 

[nc42acc]

Any Hypex modules that have the socketed op amps? Ones that are available to the DIY crowd?

 

[Blizzard]

Any Hypex modules that have the socketed op amps? Ones that are available to the DIY crowd?

No I came up with the idea, and Nord decided to use the idea in their products. Im sure if you really wanted to assemble the case and all of the stuff yourself, Colin at Nord would sell you a box full of parts. But not sure if he will give a discount, as it's already cheaper than the inferior competing boxes of DIY parts available out there.

The reason I'm not selling the same amps as him is simply because I can't live on a bowl of rice a day like he can.

It really seems like you are judging these units based on cost. If he sold them for $10000 a pair , and offered a DIY version for $5000, would they be a better deal? The NC500 amps are the best amp Hypex makes next to the NC1200, which is only better due to 1 ohm current output.

What power supply did you buy to power the NC400's?

 

[nc42acc]

Hypex is now offering a mono kit.
https://www.hypexshop.com/DetailServlet?detailID=7616

 

[nc42acc]

Absolutely not, I base all my audio purchases on musical satisfaction. I do tend to be a spendthrift audiophile

No I came up with the idea, and Nord decided to use the idea in their products. Im sure if you really wanted to assemble the case and all of the stuff yourself, Colin at Nord would sell you a box full of parts. But not sure if he will give a discount, as it's already cheaper than the inferior competing boxes of DIY parts available out there.

The reason I'm not selling the same amps as him is simply because I can't live on a bowl of rice a day like he can.

It really seems like you are judging these units based on cost. If he sold them for $10000 a pair , and offered a DIY version for $5000, would they be a better deal? The NC500 amps are the best amp Hypex makes next to the NC1200, which is only better due to 1 ohm current output.

What power supply did you buy to power the NC400's?

 

[nc42acc]

The UcD400HG amps I am building will have mammoth LPS.

 

[Blizzard]

The UcD400HG amps I am building will have mammoth LPS.

I was asking about the NC400's

 

[Blizzard]

Hypex is now offering a mono kit.
https://www.hypexshop.com/DetailServlet?detailID=7616

Yes for more money you can build your own amp with a Chinese made case and cheap toggle switch. I already know.

 

[nc42acc]

I like the Chinese, if it weren't for them I wouldn't have the Gustard X20 that puts all DACs in the $5k market to shame

 

[Blizzard]

I like the Chinese, if it weren't for them I wouldn't have the Gustard X20 that puts all DACs in the $5k market to shame

Yes if you can buy a better quality case from the Chinese, than what the Italian's offer, I would say go for it. If this option comes up, please share the link on this thread as I've been looking for years. Colin would also appreciate this as it would reduce his costs.

Here's the case Hypex is selling. Only difference is a wave pattern in the front panel:

http://www.ghentaudio.com/kit/ncore-mx.html

Hypex version:

https://www.hypexshop.com/DetailServlet?detailID=7616

Keep in mind you are forced to buy the 600w power supply rather than the exact same 1200w power supply's that's used in the $10000 Acoustic Imagery Atsah 1200's, $12000 Merrill Verita's , $50000 Bel Canto black's, and the Nord monoblocks when you go for this option.

Yes I know it would take an IQ over 180 minimum to realize these would be a better choice:

http://www.iqspeakers.co.uk/#!hypex-amps/avuyk

 

[nc42acc]

I will take the Ferrari any day! Oh wait we are talking audio.

 

[joeinid]

... edit .....

Keep in mind you are forced to buy the inferior 600w power supply rather than the exact same 1200w power supply's that's used in the Mola Mola Kaluga, $50000 Bel Canto black, and the Nord monoblocks when you go for this option.

Yes I know it would take an IQ over 180 minimum to realize these would be a better choice:

http://www.iqspeakers.co.uk/#!hypex-amps/avuyk

Mine are getting better as time goes by. Happy so far.....

 

[nc42acc]

I happen to be an active member of Mensa but my IQ only topped out at 172 so I now realize I made the wrong choice.

Yes if you can buy a better quality case from the Chinese, than what the Italian's offer, I would say go for it. If this option comes up, please share the link on this thread as I've been looking for years. Colin would also appreciate this as it would reduce his costs.

Here's the case Hypex is selling. Only difference is a wave pattern in the front panel:

http://www.ghentaudio.com/kit/index.html

Hypex version:

https://www.hypexshop.com/DetailServlet?detailID=7616

Keep in mind you are forced to buy the inferior 600w power supply rather than the exact same 1200w power supply's that's used in the Mola Mola Kaluga, $50000 Bel Canto black, and the Nord monoblocks when you go for this option.

Yes I know it would take an IQ over 180 minimum to realize these would be a better choice:

http://www.iqspeakers.co.uk/#!hypex-amps/avuyk

 

[audio.bill]

Yes if you can buy a better quality case from the Chinese, than what the Italian's offer, I would say go for it. If this option comes up, please share the link on this thread as I've been looking for years. Colin would also appreciate this as it would reduce his costs.

Here's the case Hypex is selling. Only difference is a wave pattern in the front panel:

http://www.ghentaudio.com/kit/index.html

Hypex version:

https://www.hypexshop.com/DetailServlet?detailID=7616

Keep in mind you are forced to buy the inferior 600w power supply rather than the exact same 1200w power supply's that's used in the Mola Mola Kaluga, $50000 Bel Canto black, and the Nord monoblocks when you go for this option.

Yes I know it would take an IQ over 180 minimum to realize these would be a better choice:

http://www.iqspeakers.co.uk/#!hypex-amps/avuyk

With all due respect but in the interest of full disclosure, for those considering NC1200 amp designs it appears that there is a bit of misinformation here regarding the boards and components used in the Mola Mola Kaluga amps. According to this response directly from Bruno Putzeys about customizations he makes to the OEM boards for the Kalugas (additional details about the changes are in the linked response), I quote this excerpt for your reference:

1. Lowest distortion input stage. Not available as an OEM component from Hypex.
2. nCore 1200 module with much higher quality components, selected by Bruno for their sonic qualities. Not available as an OEM component from Hypex
3. Switching power supply developed especially for Mola-Mola. Not available as an OEM component from Hypex