hypex ncore

[eclectic2k]

Originally Posted by Bruno Putzeys

I think this might be the right moment for you guys to chip in with feature or spec suggestions.

Hi Bruno,

if you only were to make one "DIY" ncore module I for one would like it to be of "moderate" power. A 300W @ 4Ω would be sufficient I think. I can understand though, that to be useful to the widest market, maybe something up to as much as 500W @ 4Ω might have the broadest appeal. (depends on where the cost sweetspot is) I don't think paying for higher voltage and current capacity is worth the price beyond that

those who want a 1kW beast can find away to source an OEM module

I currently have a pair of UcD400HG's. (I think 200W/400W is a good size/cost/performance compromise) I built them when I had speakers that were much more power hungry. Now with 90dB speakers they mostly just loaf along. That's OK though, because it's nice to know I can hook up and drive almost any speaker.

I had thought maybe a nice pair of UcD180's would be good, but if the ncore were available in a ~400W version, I would definitely go for that.

Feature-wise not much pops into my head immediately, as the UcD series are pretty good. (OCP/OVP/OTP?) Though maybe something long the lines of a more flexible heatsink/mounting solution would be nice.

[thune]

My fantasy wish:

For DIY, I'd like to see a small power amp-module with world-class sound/specs for cheap; something that can be run in the 10W-50W (+/- 10V-30V supply) range (maybe even with batteries). While wrongheaded and unfair, a 300-400W power spec is intimidating and makes me think 'large speaker' or 'sub only', not the many smaller systems and projects where a great amp would have DIY application.

[eclectic2k]

Originally Posted by thune

My fantasy wish:
For DIY, I'd like to see a small power amp-module with world-class sound/specs for cheap;

• 300 to 500W @ 4 ohm ~= 150 to 250W at 8 ohm (I also don't like insanely high power, as I don't run a nightclub ) around 200W can be of use though.

• while world class is debatable at best, I assume you've checked out the various quite decent T-amps, 41Hz modules, and various chip-amps?

I agree though, if it were even close to cost competitive a little 15W dude with the specs of this ncore would be kinda cool
(just that at that power level there are so many ways to go - even class A)

[Bruno Putzeys]

I may supply some of the requested graphs next time I get one on my lab bench. As it is I'm currently writing software.

@Roberto, I hope you're not suggesting that my measurements can't be real... They were done on the thing shown on the first page of the leaflet. It was still warm when I took the photograph. There are several things at play:
1) The SMPS output voltage hasn't dropped as much at 800W as at 1200W, so the effect is most visible near 1% distortion.
2) The linearity of the modulator is slightly load dependent. It is worst at 8 ohm and best at two. As a result, the distortion free range extends further, in modulation percentage terms, with a 2 ohm load attached than with an 8 ohm load attached. This offsets the sagging of the supply. I hope you accept the explanation because there isn't any other .
Shorted parts on the module on the photograph are optional coupling caps and an optional Kelvin sense input network.

@kevin, distortion is mostly 2nd and 3rd. On account of minor nonidealities the first "bump" is dominated by the second, the second bump is dominated by the third. Before the two bumps, distortion has the normal second/third etc order rise with signal level.

@thune, low powers make little sense because on a <200W Ncore amplifier the control circuit would take up more board space than the power stage. As for "cheap" well there's a bit of a problem. Most applications looking for cheap wouldn't pay extra for the better performance, and most applications looking for good performance want the nec plus ultra which isn't cheap. Believe it or not, a cheap low-power Ncore amplifier would hardly earn back the expense of developing it whilst by its mere existence devaluing the higher end offering.

@Trev, the DIY module will have an MOQ of exactly 1. The NC1200 is on a project basis.

@eclectic: OTP is indeed planned for this one. Re mounting, freedom is somewhat limited (EMC and thermal requirements prevail) but all ideas are welcome. I'm thinking along the lines of the method used in the UcD...OEM and the NC1200 i.e. an aluminium base plate with tapped holes in it.

@Others keep the suggestions coming. I can't comment on everything but all points are well taken.

[hisense]

Hi Bruno,

Looks like great work.

I can only speak for myself and a few others i know of but there is some DIY demand for the high power modules as well - custom active very high quality PA, studio monitor projects etc and people wanting to drive big PMC's and similar.

It would be great if the NC1200 could be availble in smallish qty's as well as the dedicated DIY board, without having to buy completed products which are unlikley to fit the application precisely or push the cost out of the justifiable range.

Presume the NC1200 has features like clip indicator and thermal protection etc.

[TheShaman]

Hi Bruno,

Great work as always! You had hinted at this tech on one of our private conversations over a year ago and I was really looking forward to it!

I think a DIY module that matched the specs of the NC1200 would be a good all-around offering (if you're only going to make one model). There is no point making a "statement" model with "just" 400W @ 4Ohms. As you have stated in numerous occasions, UcD700HG was the best of the previous generation, so a "replacement" of that which improves on everything (incl. output power) seems logical. NC1200 seems to fit the bill (and then some). I don't see it as an overkill.
Improving 10-fold on output power (to match the improvement on the rest of the specs)... Now THAT would be an overkill!

Just my 2c!

Keep up the good work!

[back]

great measurements there bruno.
i think nc 1200 would be the ideal module if you offer only one.
there are many high quality speakers that are at their best
with that kind of power.

[PHEONIX]

Hello Bruno

Congratulations with NCore and may you guys have lots of success in the market place with it.

Regards
Arthur

[AP2]

Hi Bruno,
thank you for having responded to me.absolutely I did not think that is false measures, maybe they just do not know the circuit. is normal, even when I presented my own, many have doubted the appearance.
I hope you admire my questions, even though I am a competitor instead of stupid attacks.

Regards
Roberto P.

[Bruno Putzeys]

Don't worry Roberto, it's good to ask targeted questions. I think it's just language that's causing confusion. I'll have to keep in mind that your English is a lot better than my Italian.