State-of-the-Art for Module Amps

[smoore]

I've done a lot of google-reading and forum-searching for amplifier modules. I'm looking (initially) for 8 channels to power my Linkwitz LXstudio speakers. One amplifier per driver (tweeter, midrange, 2 x woofers per side). I'll be replacing the 2 x woofers per side with Beethoven towers later (4 x woofers per side), which ups my eventual goal to 12 channels.

I've concluded the Hypex UcD180HG amplifiers are quite good, but they are expensive (~$100/channel). They measure great. 8 channels of Hypex quickly accumulates to $800 of just modules (no power supplies). I'm not looking to spend that today.

I need 50W/channel for the top 4 channels (highs and mids), and 75+W/channel for each woofer driver. The LXstudio is best suited for low output impedance and extremely low distortion, especially intermodulation distortion. So no tube amps, Carver TFMs, McIntosh, etc. No "warmth" from the amplifier.

What is "best" state-of-the-art amplifier module currently? I looked at HiFimediy (the T2 Jantzen and T3S mcap). There's also the L30D/300. The Bang & Olufsen ICEpower. And so on.

 

[markgolf]

Hypex ncore is best "state of the art"

Mark

 

[smoore]

Hmmm ... perhaps I should restate my question to "state-of-the-art for affordable modules, focus on the 50W to 100W range".

The ncore modules are quite expensive (~$350/channel) and overpowered (400 Watts). I've broken the bank with only a few channels.

 

[smoore]

It's hard to find a good resource that quantifies the differences between different implementations:

TDA7498 system
TP2050/STA505 system
L30D/300 with IRS2092S

 

[mikey_audiogeek]

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/class-d/276982-tpa3251d2.html

Cheers,
Mike

 

[RHosch]

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/class-d/276982-tpa3251d2.html

Cheers,
Mike

I've seen that thread posted as a suggestion to similar questions before. Not trying to be too lazy, but can you or someone summarize the nearly 60 pages contained into that thread, as simply as... is there an actual assembled module for purchase resulting from that thread? In my quick browse through it before, that wasn't obvious.

 

[impuls60]

I dont think so.. I'm waiting for Gmarsh to release his version of TPA3251d2.

 

[5th element]

It's probably a little too soon for the stream of TPA3251D2 and TPA3250D2 boards to appear from all the usual places, but providing the PCB and surrounding components are up to scratch then this chip sounds sublime.

 

[pguerin]

Hi Smoore,

IMHO 50ASX2 Icepower SE modules are sounding very good and are very well build.
I use them with an input buffer. See thread ICEpower 50asx2 modules :

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/class-d/190311-icepower-50asx2-modules-6.html#post4425894

Have a try 🙂

 

[marce]

It's probably a little too soon for the stream of TPA3251D2 and TPA3250D2 boards to appear from all the usual places, but providing the PCB and surrounding components are up to scratch then this chip sounds sublime.

Look nice, minimal components, a simple layout with a full ground plane should be quite easy...

 

[Eldam]

It's probably a little too soon for the stream of TPA3251D2 and TPA3250D2 boards to appear from all the usual places, but providing the PCB and surrounding components are up to scratch then this chip sounds sublime.

Hi 5th e.

Is there still aviability for the chip ? Or Dr M. planned to edit two layout ?

(I like the listening review of the chip and Ncore is still expensive and seems dependant yet of the buffer before ! )

Do they plan a PS as well ? Will be pleased to try ative speaker with such a smart little board !

best regards

 

[xrk971]

How much power do you need per module? I have just tested these tiny TPA3118D2 PBTL monoblocks and they are a bonafide 60watt capable (17.3v into 5ohm dummy load at 1kHz for 5min no thermal shutdown). Sounds great as you would expect a well laid out compact TPA311XD2 to be. Extremely small (36mm x 45mm) and affordable ($9ea). Full review here:

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/class-d/237086-tpa3116d2-amp-867.html#post4583670

I did not measure THD or anything like that but did listen to it and it is one of my better sounding TPA amps, based on listening to test tracks. I like how these are mono so you get as many channels as you need and they are independent.