Multi-channel amp suggestions

jasonlee1 · 15th July 2010, 11:08 AM

Hey there,

I am building Mark's ER18DXT Speakers and am looking for a good stereo amp to go with it. I need stereo for now but eventually want a 5.1 HT/Music setup. Would the UCD180 from Hypex be a good choice for these or would you guys recommend something else?

My budget is $400 for a stereo amp + PS.

Cheers

AndrewT · 15th July 2010, 11:51 AM

a discrete amplifier budget is often made up from 30% for chassis, 30% for amplifier, 30% for PSU & heatsink, 10% for hardware.

If one substitutes a chip for a discrete amplifier then the budget for the amplifier parts drops to 10% to 20% rather than 30%.
Your new budget should be around 35% chassis, 35% PSU & heatsink, 12% hardware and 18% for chip based amplifier.

Divide your $400 accordingly and see where your money can stretch to.

jasonlee1 · 15th July 2010, 12:51 PM

Thank you Andrew. This is my first build and I was under the impression that the cost of the trafo + chassis would be insignificant.

With a total budget of $500 can you please recommend a kit?

jasonlee1 · 15th July 2010, 05:31 PM

anyone?

Dane · 11th August 2010, 03:14 AM

Class A construction costs are not insignificant requiring both large heatsinks, lots of PSU Capacitors, and large expensive high VA rated transformers.

The Class D Hypex modules are used in Commercial Channel Island amplifiers, and they also get a good review here: Hypex UcD180AD [English]
Built like this dual mono construction, after exchange rate conversion, I'm not sure how close to $500 they will be, but look like a good option if you need 5 channels eventually as they will run cooler than Class A or Class A/B.

I am interested in the ER18DXT's myself so hopefully you will comment on their sound.

I have only built a pair of 100W Aleph's and a LM3875 Chip amp.

I don't think you can build a pair of 100W Aleph's for $500, and I don't think the 30W Aleph's will be enough power for the quoted 84-85dB/2.83v sensitivity of the ER18DXT.

I would like to try the UcD180HG with HxR at some point myself.

15th July 2010, 11:08 AM	#1
jasonlee1 diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2010	Multi-channel amp suggestions Hey there, I am building Mark's ER18DXT Speakers and am looking for a good stereo amp to go with it. I need stereo for now but eventually want a 5.1 HT/Music setup. Would the UCD180 from Hypex be a good choice for these or would you guys recommend something else? My budget is $400 for a stereo amp + PS. Cheers

15th July 2010, 11:51 AM	#2
AndrewT diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Scottish Borders	a discrete amplifier budget is often made up from 30% for chassis, 30% for amplifier, 30% for PSU & heatsink, 10% for hardware. If one substitutes a chip for a discrete amplifier then the budget for the amplifier parts drops to 10% to 20% rather than 30%. Your new budget should be around 35% chassis, 35% PSU & heatsink, 12% hardware and 18% for chip based amplifier. Divide your $400 accordingly and see where your money can stretch to. __________________ regards Andrew T.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
multi channel LM3886 amp??	mrnedrub	Chip Amps	12	24th May 2009 07:23 PM
multi channel t amp	kendt	Class D	2	4th April 2009 11:12 AM
Multi purpose multi channel gainclone PCB: Team project - group buy	rick57	Chip Amps	14	29th March 2003 05:54 PM
multi-channel AMP?	JAZZ2250	Solid State	1	15th September 2002 09:10 AM

New To Site?	Need Help?
Register to Participate Search Privacy Statement Contact Us	Frequently Asked Questions Did you forget your password? Mark Forums Read


	Please consider donating to help us continue to serve you. Ads on/off / Custom Title / More PMs / More album space / Advanced printing & mass image saving

15th July 2010, 12:51 PM	#3
jasonlee1 diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2010	Thank you Andrew. This is my first build and I was under the impression that the cost of the trafo + chassis would be insignificant. With a total budget of $500 can you please recommend a kit?

15th July 2010, 05:31 PM	#4
jasonlee1 diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2010	anyone?

11th August 2010, 03:14 AM	#5
Dane diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Houston	Class A construction costs are not insignificant requiring both large heatsinks, lots of PSU Capacitors, and large expensive high VA rated transformers. The Class D Hypex modules are used in Commercial Channel Island amplifiers, and they also get a good review here: Hypex UcD180AD [English] Built like this dual mono construction, after exchange rate conversion, I'm not sure how close to $500 they will be, but look like a good option if you need 5 channels eventually as they will run cooler than Class A or Class A/B. I am interested in the ER18DXT's myself so hopefully you will comment on their sound. I have only built a pair of 100W Aleph's and a LM3875 Chip amp. I don't think you can build a pair of 100W Aleph's for $500, and I don't think the 30W Aleph's will be enough power for the quoted 84-85dB/2.83v sensitivity of the ER18DXT. I would like to try the UcD180HG with HxR at some point myself.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)