Hi
I appreciate that the UCD modules have be superceded by the nc400 but the NC400 is a bit out of my price range. I wondered how the UCD modules compared to some of the newer competitors. I'd only be using it as a power amp, so not interested in volume control, etc.
I'm currently using a Peter Daniels LM3750 integrated amp (aka Specialized) and have a SKA Audio SKPre preamp that will go with the Class D power amp. I'm not looking for massive power as the LM3750 provides plenty. Speakers used are Jordan JK92S with Aurum Cantus G2i Mini Monitor (Jim Griffin design).
Any thoughts or recommendations? I'm looking for a significant step up in sound quality but is that realistic without spending NC400 money?
Dave
I appreciate that the UCD modules have be superceded by the nc400 but the NC400 is a bit out of my price range. I wondered how the UCD modules compared to some of the newer competitors. I'd only be using it as a power amp, so not interested in volume control, etc.
I'm currently using a Peter Daniels LM3750 integrated amp (aka Specialized) and have a SKA Audio SKPre preamp that will go with the Class D power amp. I'm not looking for massive power as the LM3750 provides plenty. Speakers used are Jordan JK92S with Aurum Cantus G2i Mini Monitor (Jim Griffin design).
Any thoughts or recommendations? I'm looking for a significant step up in sound quality but is that realistic without spending NC400 money?
Dave
I've also recently been looking at Class-D options, having in the past tried Tripath (nice for the price, short on power/headroom), and also wanting an alternative to my DIY Aleph (superb, but not great for the electricity bill). The Hypex nc400 was also out of my price range, and I wasn't sure of the UcD modules -- I had considered them quite a few years ago, but surely competitors have caught up?
So I've just ordered 2x Anaview AMS0100-2300 modules -- AMS0100-2300 -- they can be used as 50w stereo but I'll use them in BTL mode as 120w monoblocks. The two modules, connector cables and delivery cost 220 GBP. I would have liked to try the Hypex UcD but the price is still quite high -- 2x 180hxr modules and 2x SMPS PSUs would have cost 360 euros.
The ALS modules from Anaview are fairly new so there are no real reviews I could find, although from what I've read there is a company link to the design of the B&O Icepower amps, and the Anaview (previously known as Abletec) modules are used in some well-regarded and very expensive commercial offerings. Another nice thing is that the boards include the PSU. Wiring up will be very simple -- just input 220v.
I'll hopefully get them built next month, although I'll only have a DIY Tripath, a DIY class-A Aleph and an older but very good Marantz PM17 integrated (sound is similar to the gainclones) to compare them to.
Doesn't answer your question really but maybe useful. As soon as I build the Anaview amps I'll do a thread and try to do some subjective comparisons.
So I've just ordered 2x Anaview AMS0100-2300 modules -- AMS0100-2300 -- they can be used as 50w stereo but I'll use them in BTL mode as 120w monoblocks. The two modules, connector cables and delivery cost 220 GBP. I would have liked to try the Hypex UcD but the price is still quite high -- 2x 180hxr modules and 2x SMPS PSUs would have cost 360 euros.
The ALS modules from Anaview are fairly new so there are no real reviews I could find, although from what I've read there is a company link to the design of the B&O Icepower amps, and the Anaview (previously known as Abletec) modules are used in some well-regarded and very expensive commercial offerings. Another nice thing is that the boards include the PSU. Wiring up will be very simple -- just input 220v.
I'll hopefully get them built next month, although I'll only have a DIY Tripath, a DIY class-A Aleph and an older but very good Marantz PM17 integrated (sound is similar to the gainclones) to compare them to.
Doesn't answer your question really but maybe useful. As soon as I build the Anaview amps I'll do a thread and try to do some subjective comparisons.
I did look at the Anaview modules so will be very interested in your findings. The only things that stopped me going straight to them was the lack of reviews and the input stage comments I've read about. I'll be going SE rather than balanced. I don't understand yet how complex it will be to get a good input, if it's simple and they get good reviews I may go with them.
There's another thread (Anaview AMS1000-2600 project) where Omholt says he has both UCD and AMS modules, so I'm watching that with interest too.
Look forward to hearing your thoughts.
There's another thread (Anaview AMS1000-2600 project) where Omholt says he has both UCD and AMS modules, so I'm watching that with interest too.
Look forward to hearing your thoughts.
I'll start a thread when I get the modules so at least there'll be some feedback from a user on the forums -- for whatever it's worth, as I'm not an expert in Class D nor diy audio in general, just more of a tinkerer!!
Regarding the input stage: yes the input impedance of the modues I ordered is a very low 2.5k-12.5k SE, and 1.39k-12.5k balanced.
Initially I'll test them directly from my various DACs, which IIRC have an output impedence of about 200ohms.
I've also ordered a set of Per-Anders' Sjöström Super Buffer - I'll get those boards in a few weeks and the parts sometime later, so at some point will be able to test the Anaview's with a decent input buffer stage. These buffers have an Input impedance of >1 Mohms, and an output impedance of 2.5 ohms, so that should solve any issues.
Regarding the input stage: yes the input impedance of the modues I ordered is a very low 2.5k-12.5k SE, and 1.39k-12.5k balanced.
Initially I'll test them directly from my various DACs, which IIRC have an output impedence of about 200ohms.
I've also ordered a set of Per-Anders' Sjöström Super Buffer - I'll get those boards in a few weeks and the parts sometime later, so at some point will be able to test the Anaview's with a decent input buffer stage. These buffers have an Input impedance of >1 Mohms, and an output impedance of 2.5 ohms, so that should solve any issues.
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