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Post by dsjr on Nov 30, 2019 14:13:15 GMT
Following on from Biggie's Neurochrome power amp, here's another new one, sadly for us from Austrailia although Keith at 'Purite Audio' seems to sell their products here and it may be available via him before too long, probably under £3k -
The amp modules used are further developments on the Hypex amps designed in full or part by Bruno Putseys (remember his name as he seems to be 'it' right now in the sota amp world). $2600 the pair isn't a large amount in high end circles yet the expected performance will run rings round almost all of them, as well as being far more efficient.
I think they look cool as well..
To save materials and these days, actually improve performance, expect more like this in future high end amps. I believe the Sh#t that older types spewed out has been solved, excessive heat in some parts in these supplies is being sorted now and long lives should hopefully be better expected. Power amp switching frequencies are so high and far out of the audio band now, the filtering used should have absolutely no effect on the audio reproduction, at least at this level.
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Post by westie on Nov 30, 2019 14:48:18 GMT
I could never own something like that. It looks like £50 worth of Chi Fi. Some folk will not care about the build/design side, but for me it’s important.
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Post by Walpurgis on Nov 30, 2019 15:13:00 GMT
It looks like an SFF PC, but that wouldn't put me off if it sounds decent.
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Post by sq225917 on Nov 30, 2019 15:57:03 GMT
Seems expensive for what it offers beyond a DIY nc400 build.
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Post by Lemos on Nov 30, 2019 16:07:01 GMT
No thanks never heard a switching amp I like, just like a Mosfet it just don't sound right.
Bugger the heat, a fan sorts that, I will stick with valves thank you.
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Post by dsjr on Nov 30, 2019 17:14:02 GMT
And the high output impedance and speaker response altering consequences, together with bass distortion at low frequencies?
These amps are way ahead of the old ICE power ones B&O developed I gather and one Hypex implementation I heard in an active speaker sounded as sweet as anyone could wish for (Kii Threes). Stunned me it did and I wish I could afford a pair (they're cheaper than ATC actives too).
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Post by sq225917 on Nov 30, 2019 18:54:43 GMT
I did a lot of back to back testing when building my current power amps, ncores, class a solid state and my mod 86. Loved the ncores on the bass, tight as a drum, couldn't want better, the class a stuff excelled in the hf but fell apart in the bass, and the mod86 traded a little bass softness for a much sweeter treble compared to the ncore, and lost the tiniest bit in the treble to the class a stuff but walked all over them in the bass.
I cant live with class d in the hf, theres something not right with it. Though I will add them when I go active in the bass.
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Nov 30, 2019 19:35:55 GMT
I know of a set of these March Audio amps, and the owner is not all that complimentary about them.
For me, and most importantly, my enjoyment, the Neurochrome don't sacrifice much, if anything, against the strengths of any of the amps I've owned, loaned or heard.
Admittedly, I haven't heard the Hypex amps.
Where the Neurochrome excels is in its ability to not be there. Its not doing anything that I would pick out as an obvious sound signature.
It's spooky at times, just how easy it is to forget there is even a system involved.
I haven't heard an amp that does it as well as the Neurochrome amps. Whether there's better at one specific aspect is irrelevant to me, the overall performance is delighting me.
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Post by Walpurgis on Nov 30, 2019 20:02:00 GMT
My mate just picked up a Lavardin IS Reference. He's very complimentary about it and that's after using an EAR 861. I've not heard it yet, but I expect he may pop round with it sometime.
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Post by sq225917 on Nov 30, 2019 21:09:26 GMT
Oli imagine super tight bass and edgy treble with the mids of your neurochrome amps, that's a hypex. It's not a compromise I was willing to make.
Cant beat the neurochrome, just built a bridged 286 for someone today. Tiny case... scraped knuckles.
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Nov 30, 2019 21:15:05 GMT
Oli imagine super tight bass and edgy treble with the mids of your neurochrome amps, that's a hypex. It's not a compromise I was willing to make. Cant beat the neurochrome, just built a bridged 286 for someone today. Tiny case... scraped knuckles. The BOSC was a close Contender but the Neurochrome edged it. Yes, I'm with you mate, the Neurochrome amps are marvellous. It took some time to get there but I'm absolutely delighted with mine. I've turned down the opportunity to audition 4 different amps, necause I'm just not Interested anymore. There were isolation platforms here too that I flat out refused to try. The revolving door of hifi is jammed shut at the minute. That will change if I can get my grubby mits on a few nice DACs to try. |
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Post by sq225917 on Nov 30, 2019 22:16:34 GMT
I'm waiting on new transformer board for mine then I'll case it up in the new year. I'll bring it round sometime in the new year.
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Nov 30, 2019 23:09:01 GMT
I'm waiting on new transformer board for mine then I'll case it up in the new year. I'll bring it round sometime in the new year. I would really appreciate that. Not to divert a very good thread, but I honestly feel a DAC is the last bit of hifi I haven't explored in any depth. I'd love to hear the Mytek Brooklyn and obviously your Ian Pi DAC, that would be very high on my list. Maybe a couple of Chords offerings and if money allowed, a Chord Dave or a Denafrips Terminator would be on the list. We shall see. |
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Post by dsjr on Dec 1, 2019 1:27:07 GMT
I know of a set of these March Audio amps, and the owner is not all that complimentary about them. I thought the one I linked to was different to the others? |
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Post by Lemos on Dec 1, 2019 3:33:05 GMT
And the high output impedance and speaker response altering consequences, together with bass distortion at low frequencies?
These amps are way ahead of the old ICE power ones B&O developed I gather and one Hypex implementation I heard in an active speaker sounded as sweet as anyone could wish for (Kii Threes). Stunned me it did and I wish I could afford a pair (they're cheaper than ATC actives too). You make me laugh I use very high efficiency speakers your first comment is nonsense, sorry. "Bass distortion" you crack me up. Then we are all entitled to our preferences and opinions not so.    |
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