Hello, several years ago, I purchased an NHT Power2 on clearance, fully aware of its unusual design. Instead of using a single Icepower 500A along with the 500ASP to achieve the same results, NHT used the power supply on the 500ASP to feed two 500A modules and rated the amp at 200W x 2. I've learned that Icepower released a 1000A(EDIT: I meant 1000S. Sorry for the confusion) module that's essentially a 1000W power supply.
I'm interested in obtaining one of these modules to power the two 500A modules and potentially create a third channel to utilize the 500ASP. This modification could transform the amp into a 3-channel version, possibly increasing the power output to 250W per channel if the 500ASP's power supply was indeed limiting the existing design to only 200W per channel.
Although I have an EE degree, I've never worked as an engineer. Nonetheless, I believe I could handle following a wiring diagram and soldering connections. However, I don't know where to find the wiring diagram for this specific modification, and I would appreciate tapping into someone else's wisdom who has experience with IcePower modules. Is there a resident expert who would be willing to help?
I'm interested in obtaining one of these modules to power the two 500A modules and potentially create a third channel to utilize the 500ASP. This modification could transform the amp into a 3-channel version, possibly increasing the power output to 250W per channel if the 500ASP's power supply was indeed limiting the existing design to only 200W per channel.
Although I have an EE degree, I've never worked as an engineer. Nonetheless, I believe I could handle following a wiring diagram and soldering connections. However, I don't know where to find the wiring diagram for this specific modification, and I would appreciate tapping into someone else's wisdom who has experience with IcePower modules. Is there a resident expert who would be willing to help?
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Wow, thanks for that info. Do you know of a better option for a power supply I could use to achieve my objective?
Is the original 500ASP damaged? Confused...
If so, I would just get another 500ASP unit off of Partsexpress. Replacing it with a 1000ASP (also at Partsexpress) to power the two 500A modules will still provide 80vdc as the 500ASP, so you will not get more power.
Do not try to power the 500A modules with the 120 vdc header. It is for the 1000A Unit, and the 500A will NOT like it.
Dont forget the +/-10-15vdc line from 500ASP to 500A
If so, I would just get another 500ASP unit off of Partsexpress. Replacing it with a 1000ASP (also at Partsexpress) to power the two 500A modules will still provide 80vdc as the 500ASP, so you will not get more power.
Do not try to power the 500A modules with the 120 vdc header. It is for the 1000A Unit, and the 500A will NOT like it.
Dont forget the +/-10-15vdc line from 500ASP to 500A
I thought the main goal was to get a 3rd channel into the amp, the 1000ASP would be a good fit for a subwoofer power wise.
I thought that was clear by mentioning that the 80V are the upper voltage limit (esp since he said he got an EE degree) but it's good you've explicitly said that.
The fuse for the 500ASP is 230V and 3,15A. So a maximum of 724,5 W input. Ignoring all losses, that's 241,5W for each of the 3 channels (or distribute the power uneven, that doesn't make it more). I don't judge if he does needs more or not and while he can use all 3 modules with that solution and I don't know what he wants to do with it but it seems he wants more power and that does not provide enough for it.
The ASP module is a fully-working amp and PSU - NHT just chose to only utilise the power supply part, but I see no electrical reason you can't wire input and outputs to the amp section if you want an extra channel. The A-series and ASP-series amps are not 100% identical, so it is not actually recommended to use one ASP and on A-module to build a stereo amp and that's why NHT did it like this. The ICEpower modules we developed for active speakers, which is also why there was no requirement for the PSU to sustain full load on all hanger modules.
As for the 1000W-models, the 1000A is bandwidth-limited because of the FETs available at the time it was designed (late 90'es), whereas the 1000ASP can just manage full audio bandwidth because it is a later product.
The original 500ASP is not damaged; it only powers the two 500A. The design does not make much sense to me, but that is what it is. I've opened up the amp and seen it myself. There are three modules, but only two are being output to the terminals.
It's good to know about the 120 VDC header on the 500A.
I'm unsure what you mean about the +/-10-15vdc line from 500ASP to 500A
I wanted to source a 1000s from Icepower for $250. Is there a cheaper way to get it? https://icepoweraudio.com/switch-mode-power-supplies-by-icepower/.
I never knew it was an option to power all three modules with the single 500ASP. However, if I could secure a 1000s for $250 and possibly give me another 50W per channel to do so, that would be worth it.
I also enjoy tinkering and learning new things. The build experience is more fun than the reward that a possible 50w could bring. I just finished restoring a piano, and my daughter is starting to discover classic rock. It's making me want to move some equipment around and acquire the high-end audio equipment I was forced to sell when she was a baby.
Thanks for your help.
If the third channel intent is not subwoofer , but a center channel, I would definitely just keep / use the 500ASP, as 1000ASP a bit of overkill
If you have the itch to build something, build the surrounds out of 200ASC/200AC modules in a case. They are simple and cheap on Partsexpress.
If you have the itch to build something, build the surrounds out of 200ASC/200AC modules in a case. They are simple and cheap on Partsexpress.
I'm sorry, everyone; I said 1000A when I meant 1000S. It's a power supply from Icepower. I'm sorry for all the confusion.
I assumed the amp's 200w output was limited by the 500ASP power supply. If I were to raise it using the 1000s module, I would see a full 250w output from the existing two channels. Then, I could use the 500ASP as a dedicated center channel.
I edited my OP to point out my error.
I assumed the amp's 200w output was limited by the 500ASP power supply. If I were to raise it using the 1000s module, I would see a full 250w output from the existing two channels. Then, I could use the 500ASP as a dedicated center channel.
I edited my OP to point out my error.
Are links permitted on this forum? Here are the power supplies I was considering, but if someone has a cheaper and easier-to-obtain option, I would love to hear your suggestion. https://icepoweraudio.com/switch-mode-power-supplies-by-icepower/
That's definitely worth it. And it's not 'just' 50W more, with the big PS it can hold the peak power a lot longer. I'd suggest to install it with the additional capacitors (rail voltage + 30% (or above), low ESR).
Keep an eye on your setup, she might want something like that soon too. 😉 And you're welcome, I like to help. 🙂
I'd do the same and the ICEpower 200 are a good and very reasonable choice for the sourround speakers .
Disagree, it's a marginal improvement at best - especially if the amplifier on the 500ASP is not connected to a signal and just idling. Have you got measurements to back up how much power you really need or is it just speculation?
Also, the 1000S is a positive/negative supply for the newer 300A2/400A2-modules, so the output is +/-. Some symmetric PSUs do not like if you just use one rail and if that is a not a problem you are unlikely to be able to get the full 1000W power out of it, so this is IMO completely off the mark for this application.