Icepower Vs Hypex digital amplifiers. Which is best?

[cirrus18]

In this test of various digital amplifiers 2008 - Class D Amplifier comparasion test the Icepower was bottom of the pile.
I have no idea how accurate this test was though.

I have been looking at the Hypex VCD180 HG series which offers amazingly good value for money, it also gets very good reviews.
Believe the Hypex, class-D DIY amplifier - UcD, universal class-D .


Available[/url] here, https://www.hypexshop.com

UcD180
180Wrms amplifier-module based on UCD-technology
Price: € 60,00 excl. VAT

UcD supply ST
Power supply to power one or two UcD180/400's. On-board DC protection.
Price: € 65,00 excl. VAT

So for only Euros €185 excluding VAT for 2 VCD180 HG modules and a power supply to power them both.
Just a little over the price for only one Icepower module.

Perhaps someone with more technical knowledge than me would like to have a look at their respective datasheets and let us have your opinions.

The Ice Power can be downloaded from here, ICEpower — Speaker Engine Solutions.The VCD180 HG from Hypex Electronics B.V..

[calvert73]

Very odd, that test places the Hypex ahead of B&O ICE, not my impression at all, I cannot take this seriously, personal preferences are one thing but the comments made about the ICE I just dont understand. I used both as standard and have modified both to higher performance and the ICE for me sounds more real. I guess you should try both.
Forget about trying to fathom what the performance with music is like from data sheets, unless of course you're clairvoyant.

RC

[bwaslo]

I think you still have to come up with a power transformer to make an amp with the UcDs after your 180. They don't have built-in SMPS supplies like the ICEpowers usually do and the power supply kit is the board with rectifier and filter caps.

Haven't heard the UcDs, but have heard good things about them (and their inventor has written some pretty impressive papers on the subject). I have a couple of ICEpowers and I wouldn't trade them for any class A, AB or B amps I've ever had access to.

[dweekie]

Does this thread help address some of your questions?

Hypex or NewclassD? Which is the Best Class D Amp there is????

[cirrus18]

Originally posted by calvert73
I used both as standard and have modified both to higher performance and the ICE for me sounds more real. I guess you should try both.
RC

Thank you for your reply.
I see that you prefer the ICEpower. I have been looking to see where I can buy them from with not much luck except on eBay., no guarantee or backup there.

May I ask where you bought your ICEpower modules from, price paid, and I would also be interested to know what modifications you made to both types to make them sound better. That would be most interesting. Many thanks.

[Pano]

For the most part, Icepower will sell only to OEMs. Not to the end user.

For midrange, I still like the Tripath amps better, but the Icepower is hard to beat in bass. A very strong a neutral sounding amp.

[tritosine]

just looked at test measurements, UCD beats the ice in neutrality department so bad its not even funny a little bit (given i own ICE modules, unused yet though).

[ArthurG]

I'm not sure they address the same market. ICE modules are old tech now but they are reliable and that's why so many pro audio companies use them successfully.
On the other hand, UCD are more end user oriented. At least I've never seen it in pro audio.
Regarding sound quality, it's subjective but on the bench, UCD has better performance.

[BWRX]

Originally posted by ArthurG
ICE modules are old tech now

Old tech, eh? That depends on what you're comparing it to

These "which is best" threads are pointless because the responses you get are all subjective. If you can, listen to both for yourself. If you can't, choose the one that is most economical for you. You probably won't be disappointed either way.

[Pano]

Yep - Brian said it.