Navigating the world of amplifier modules for reliable performance at 500-1000w at 8R

Hi all,

I would appreciate guidance for searching the world of Class D amplifiers, looking at a pair of amplifier modules / power supplies that can fulfil the following:

  • 500-1000W @ 8R
  • Subwoofer duty only
  • Reliable
  • Affordable


Can anyone recommend which of the 'Aliexpress' modules (or otherwise) can meet these? I have been burnt before by modules failing under load or just proving generally unreliable. I have been looking mainly at the IRS2092s and the UCD clones that seem to be all over there. I would ideally spring for something like two Hypex FA252 (it's for two active subwoofers), but they would blow the budget out of the water!

Many thanks in advance.
 
Here are two:
ICEpower 1000ASP - 525W into 8 Ohms
ICEpower 250asx2 - the two channels can be used bridged for 500W

Other possibilities:
consider bridging two 4-Ohm, 500W capable modules. That would open up the options. But amps need to not already be in BTL configuration.
Buy a pro audio amplifier, e.g. Crown XLS 1002 or 1502 in bridge mode. Replace the fans with quieter ones.

I would pass on IRS2092 based amps. Pretty crappy compared to many current amps. I would not trust anything from AliExpress at this power level either!
 
Thanks all for your replies,

CharlieLaub / StigErik, I have used the Icepower modules before, they're pretty great. I was eyeing up the 1200AS1 as an AIO solution. Sadly the cost is a little higher than I would like for small quantities. & thanks for the steer away from the aliexpress IRS2092 high power modules. I never have had good feelings looking at them.

Erica those look like they can fit the bill! I have a couple of questions to ask in the thread, thanks
 
Yes, I have seen only good things about the integrated Icepower modules. Will see if I can find one for an affordable price.

And yes, 2 ohm is of course easier. Dual 2 ohm voice coil better again. I originally planned to use an Alpine R2-W10D2 with a pair of TPA3255 in PBTL per driver giving 1200W RMS per driver for an easy & potent setup.

Since that I'm looking at the Faital 10RS430, which is sadly only in 8R, with 4R not on the horizon right now.
 
There are quite a few telecoms 48v second hand units on eBay. I’ve also used a CNC spindle drive before with success.

An example 1.2kW amplifier can use:

1x 2kW Eltek flatpack2 power supply (£50)
2x dual TPA3255 boards (£70)

Total cost of £120.

Arguably you could add another two dual TPA boards and the power supply would still be happy given a minimum crest factor of 3dB.
 
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There are quite a few telecoms 48v second hand units on eBay. I’ve also used a CNC spindle drive before with success.

An example 1.2kW amplifier can use:

1x 2kW Eltek flatpack2 power supply (£50)

These SMPS units are available in the US as well. I like the fact that they are universal voltage.

How loud are the fans? Did you replace them with low noise fans?

How did you make connection for AC and DC? It looks like there are just some socket type connectors on the rear for plugging into some sort of bus.
EDIT: OK, I have identified a couple of Ebay sellers of plug in PCB boards for the connectors. Nice!

What about the DC voltage? How is that adjusted other than plugging it into a "CAN bus" and using a bus based controller unit? I could not find any info on that... Otherwise I think the DC voltage will be 53.5V, and that is too high for the TPA3255 modules I think...
 
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I have been purchasing MeanWell SMPS units from the UHP line. They are fanless. To achieve the maximum Wattage rating of the unit you need to attach them to the case/chassis, however, audio/music reproduction has a significant crest factor so this is not really necessary in practice.

There are examples of these on Ebay, such as UHP-500-48 and UHP-1000-48 that are available right now and have adjustable DC output voltage. There are higher power units up to IIRC 2500W but as soon as you exceed the 1kVA level they get expensive fast.

I strongly prefer a fanless SMPS over a commercial one like the Eltek that has a noisy fan.
 
Yep, the SMPS has a little blue (normally, but not always) adjuster screw on the side oust adjust down to your desired voltage, Normally can reduce by 10 volts, if you need more just use a adequately rated DC voltage reducer, simple.

Cheers
 
There are quite a few telecoms 48v second hand units on eBay. I’ve also used a CNC spindle drive before with success.

An example 1.2kW amplifier can use:

1x 2kW Eltek flatpack2 power supply (£50)
2x dual TPA3255 boards (£70)

Total cost of £120.

Arguably you could add another two dual TPA boards and the power supply would still be happy given a minimum crest factor of 3dB.
I like the idea of using the Eltek Flatpack2.

Nice, heavy duty industrial look. Bargain pricing.
Kicad files for the PCB adapter at GitHub.
Needs a CANBUS controller to set the voltage. Not sure how to do this. ESP32 cantroller . CAN bus module and Arduino. Oh.
Eltek canbus controller.png

Am I on the right track? Any other ways to program voltage?
Any way to use my Bluetooth OBD II scanner to program the voltage?
 
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