Are you selling this as kit or anyone is selling? Not a circuit designer myself but handy with soldering iron, or at least I was 40 years ago.
yes
soon to have finished (hopefully) last iteration, included limiters for driver buffer
it seems that I need to buy another fly swatter, to increase productivity; or to find 4hrs/day more
shorter one:
Has anybody used inexpensive cases for the XA252, other than Modushop's? Interested in hearing from experience.
I've been looking at some of the big cases from Breeze Audio (aka Foshan Qingfeng Studio) on Taobao, also Ali. They do some lookalikes to Pass, Krell etc, all in aluminium, and a range of plainer cases which I prefer, including the 998 which is 430 x 418 x 200 externally, and 16kg, with 75mm heatsinks.
It's one of the few 5U cases, but unfortunately the fins aren't closely packed, and they don't have thermal data for any of their cases. I don't expect it to perform as well as Modushop's 5U cases, based on the dimensions of the heatsinks perhaps more like a 400mm deep 4U which would be delta-T of 24°C. Is that too high?
Other than that, it looks like good value.
@Mikerodrig27 was using a Pass Labs lookalike with 25°C, but the link to Ali is broken, so not sure which one he chose.
I've been looking at some of the big cases from Breeze Audio (aka Foshan Qingfeng Studio) on Taobao, also Ali. They do some lookalikes to Pass, Krell etc, all in aluminium, and a range of plainer cases which I prefer, including the 998 which is 430 x 418 x 200 externally, and 16kg, with 75mm heatsinks.
It's one of the few 5U cases, but unfortunately the fins aren't closely packed, and they don't have thermal data for any of their cases. I don't expect it to perform as well as Modushop's 5U cases, based on the dimensions of the heatsinks perhaps more like a 400mm deep 4U which would be delta-T of 24°C. Is that too high?
Other than that, it looks like good value.
@Mikerodrig27 was using a Pass Labs lookalike with 25°C, but the link to Ali is broken, so not sure which one he chose.
if smaller than 5U/500, that's compromise
already done, decreasing Iq
not so detrimental if having efficient speakers
already done, decreasing Iq
not so detrimental if having efficient speakers
Here is the case. Maybe this link will work for a while. Attached is the description. It seems that there is one manufacturer of them and they get sprinkled throughout the resellers on both Ebay and Aliexpress. Aliexpress tends to have the better pricing.
I've built four amplifiers in that case. Attached is a pic of the 5u and aliexpress case in my workshop.
The case was perfect for the XA252. At max bias, the temp was just right. I believe around 25C above ambiant. If you look for my posts in this thread, I wrote a good amount about that amplifier.
As you noted, I'm using the aliexpress case with the F5mX. Right now I believe I have it at 60 watts a channel and it is sitting at around 25-30C over ambiant.
The stays more local on the 5U where the heat on the aliexpress case is more evenly distributed. The aliexpress is also very stout. Simple thick panels. One piece heatsink as opposed to two, chunky metal blocks holding the corners toghether. The top and bottom panels fasten diretly to the thick heatsinks. Also, the screws are larger... I also like the handles on the front.
The 5U cases can probably be custom drilled for the XA252. They are also a more plug and play solution where you will be drilling holes on the rear, the bottom, the heatsinks and if you want a swtich on the front, you will be drillling that as well. I do believe there is a version of the aliexpress case out in the wild that has a push button switch on the front. Also, the milling on the 5U case is a bit nicer in that sometimes the edges of the heatsinks are a bit rough on the aliexpress case. It doesn't bother me. If you want, you can knock them down and touch them up with a sharpie. The anodizing on the 5U case's heatsinks is more robust than the Aliexpress. The anodizing on the panels of the aliexpress's case are about the same quality of the 5U. The 5U has a rougher brushed finish.
The feet that come with Aliexprss are not bad but grab these if you can. They are nicer. Mount them close to the corners so that when you tip the case, the metal has less of a chance of hitting the surface under the amp.
Also, the front panel on the aliexpress case is some sort of sandblasted finish. I like it personally but people who want brushed would want a different case.
Okay, I may have written too much considering the XA252 is the topic of the thread. But hopefully this info will help some people.
I've built four amplifiers in that case. Attached is a pic of the 5u and aliexpress case in my workshop.
The case was perfect for the XA252. At max bias, the temp was just right. I believe around 25C above ambiant. If you look for my posts in this thread, I wrote a good amount about that amplifier.
As you noted, I'm using the aliexpress case with the F5mX. Right now I believe I have it at 60 watts a channel and it is sitting at around 25-30C over ambiant.
The stays more local on the 5U where the heat on the aliexpress case is more evenly distributed. The aliexpress is also very stout. Simple thick panels. One piece heatsink as opposed to two, chunky metal blocks holding the corners toghether. The top and bottom panels fasten diretly to the thick heatsinks. Also, the screws are larger... I also like the handles on the front.
The 5U cases can probably be custom drilled for the XA252. They are also a more plug and play solution where you will be drilling holes on the rear, the bottom, the heatsinks and if you want a swtich on the front, you will be drillling that as well. I do believe there is a version of the aliexpress case out in the wild that has a push button switch on the front. Also, the milling on the 5U case is a bit nicer in that sometimes the edges of the heatsinks are a bit rough on the aliexpress case. It doesn't bother me. If you want, you can knock them down and touch them up with a sharpie. The anodizing on the 5U case's heatsinks is more robust than the Aliexpress. The anodizing on the panels of the aliexpress's case are about the same quality of the 5U. The 5U has a rougher brushed finish.
The feet that come with Aliexprss are not bad but grab these if you can. They are nicer. Mount them close to the corners so that when you tip the case, the metal has less of a chance of hitting the surface under the amp.
Also, the front panel on the aliexpress case is some sort of sandblasted finish. I like it personally but people who want brushed would want a different case.
Okay, I may have written too much considering the XA252 is the topic of the thread. But hopefully this info will help some people.
Attachments
Mike summed it up great, this case is a beast! I have two of them, the second one will be the home for my XA252.
Very robust build quality, when stuffed with heavy transformers it never flexes/bends when it's picked up. I don't get that same confidence when using cases with two heatsinks per side. If you can do your own drilling and tapping, I'd recommend this case.
Thanks Mike, I appreciate the detailed write up. I'm a huge fan of the Modushop Deluxe chassis for its practicality, but its always good to have other options for various reasons. I also appreciate the link to those chassis feet!
I've got myself a weekend 3D printing project now
I'll put the 3D printed feet on a XA252 build. How about that....back on topic already 😆
I've got myself a weekend 3D printing project now
I'll put the 3D printed feet on a XA252 build. How about that....back on topic already 😆
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Very cool! 3d printed feet... Why not. 🙂 The 1" height is nice to help you get your fingers under the case.
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It is quite noticeable in terms of heatsink heat to have your amp raised a touch, when compared to just sitting on floor. Much more efficient cooling.
Russellc
Russellc
@Mikerodrigo @Vunce Great, thanks for all the info - it's the same case, also known as the 4320! Looks like my estimate was pretty close to Mike's 25C. And thanks for the feet.
Breeze / Qingfeng are afaik the manufacturers of this and many of the other cases sold on Ali and their domestic outlet is on Taobao here: https://breeze-diy.taobao.com/category-797508653.htm One version comes pre-drilled - I'm trying to find out whether that's negotiable as they offer some customisation.
Numbers suggest that the Modushop 5U/400mm will run at +17.6C, and the 500mmm at +12C, so 25C for this one is a little higher ('heat dissipation function is quite good' 😆) , but it's $100+ cheaper, and looks solid.
Breeze / Qingfeng are afaik the manufacturers of this and many of the other cases sold on Ali and their domestic outlet is on Taobao here: https://breeze-diy.taobao.com/category-797508653.htm One version comes pre-drilled - I'm trying to find out whether that's negotiable as they offer some customisation.
Numbers suggest that the Modushop 5U/400mm will run at +17.6C, and the 500mmm at +12C, so 25C for this one is a little higher ('heat dissipation function is quite good' 😆) , but it's $100+ cheaper, and looks solid.
My vote goes for 'big'. Granted I reside in a country that equals bigger with better.
At 1.8A bias, in a 5U/500mm Modushop chassis, the warmest spots of the heatsinks are about +30C, this is with four small fans extracting hot air from the chassis, and close to +34 without the fans running. The amp is is on a shelf with >25 cm open space above and around it. All of this to say the 'numbers' quoted seem a little optimistic. Possibly, the amp is also more beastly than numbers predict 😊
At 1.8A bias, in a 5U/500mm Modushop chassis, the warmest spots of the heatsinks are about +30C, this is with four small fans extracting hot air from the chassis, and close to +34 without the fans running. The amp is is on a shelf with >25 cm open space above and around it. All of this to say the 'numbers' quoted seem a little optimistic. Possibly, the amp is also more beastly than numbers predict 😊
Sorenm, I am in Thornton CO not to far away from you. Let me know if you want to head over this way. 🙂 There seem to be quite a few members in this area!
Is the heat consistent throughout the heatsink? Is that the heat at the top of the heatsink or pretty close to the mosfets?
You could try a heat spreader to move the heat throughout. There is a metal resale shop around here. I can look it up if you like. Actually, I may even have some aluminum that would work.
I assume your case is UMS drilled? What you could try is get a couple pieces of aluminum (probably $35) drill some nicely spaced through holes using the UMS pattern (I have a drill template you are welcome to borrow) and then put your pucks on the aluminum piece. This may move the heat around to the edges, face plate etc a bit more. You can use cheap thermal paste to bond the two aluminum piece to the heatsink thermally.
Is the heat consistent throughout the heatsink? Is that the heat at the top of the heatsink or pretty close to the mosfets?
You could try a heat spreader to move the heat throughout. There is a metal resale shop around here. I can look it up if you like. Actually, I may even have some aluminum that would work.
I assume your case is UMS drilled? What you could try is get a couple pieces of aluminum (probably $35) drill some nicely spaced through holes using the UMS pattern (I have a drill template you are welcome to borrow) and then put your pucks on the aluminum piece. This may move the heat around to the edges, face plate etc a bit more. You can use cheap thermal paste to bond the two aluminum piece to the heatsink thermally.
on the subject of feet for the XA252 - I went BIG
https://www.svsound.com/products/soundpath-subwoofer-isolation-system
https://www.svsound.com/products/soundpath-subwoofer-isolation-system
Hey Mike, good to meet another Coloradoan 😎. Just saw pwayland this afternoon and we talked about gathering some of us local tinkerers.
I tapped the heatsinks and the pucks are centered on each half of the sinks, with the heat fairly evenly distributed +/-3c. No worries there. My point was only that xa252 produces a lot of heat and as ZM pointed out, less than 5u/500 may struggle with dissipating the heat at 'stock' bias.
Cheers
I tapped the heatsinks and the pucks are centered on each half of the sinks, with the heat fairly evenly distributed +/-3c. No worries there. My point was only that xa252 produces a lot of heat and as ZM pointed out, less than 5u/500 may struggle with dissipating the heat at 'stock' bias.
Cheers
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First attempt at 3D printed copycat chassis foot complete. It's extra "squishy" for when your driving down a wasboard dirt road and XA252 needs a smooth ride. I'm going to tweak it slightly to be 33mm tall and have a slightly flatter bottom.
I'll post the print files in a new thread in case others want to try. Ok, this is off topic. Back to regularly scheduled programming.
I'll post the print files in a new thread in case others want to try. Ok, this is off topic. Back to regularly scheduled programming.
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@Sorenm Interesting figures... The XA252 does produce a lot of heat which is why I've been thinking about the heatsinks.
From the temperature coefficients of the Modushop heatsinks, and the 126W (1.8A X 35 V X 2) of each channel of the XA252, I estimated +17.6°C for the 5U 400mm case, and +12°C for the 5U 500mm case.
These are rough theoretical numbers so probably optimistic, however my figures of 22.4-24°C for the Breeze 998 / 4320A used the same TCs adjusted for cooling area, and is close to Mike's actual figure of 25°C.
You're using what should be a cooler case, but getting slightly hotter results than Mike's +30°C which seems odd.
Can I ask how your pucks are interfaced with the heatsinks? Are you using thermal paste, or some other means?
From the temperature coefficients of the Modushop heatsinks, and the 126W (1.8A X 35 V X 2) of each channel of the XA252, I estimated +17.6°C for the 5U 400mm case, and +12°C for the 5U 500mm case.
These are rough theoretical numbers so probably optimistic, however my figures of 22.4-24°C for the Breeze 998 / 4320A used the same TCs adjusted for cooling area, and is close to Mike's actual figure of 25°C.
You're using what should be a cooler case, but getting slightly hotter results than Mike's +30°C which seems odd.
Can I ask how your pucks are interfaced with the heatsinks? Are you using thermal paste, or some other means?