ICEPower 50asx2 kit

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I bought 2 125asx2 modules from the first ebay link. They are the real deal. Installed in Ghentaudio cases with rtx modules, probably a bit overkill for a desk top system. In my opinion 125asx2 is a much better value than the 50asx2 at the moment. I tried a topping d50 and a Sabaj Da3 dac which worked fine without balanced inputs straight into the ice module.

The Emotiva PA-1 uses ICEpower 300ASC, pair would cost US$600 and free shipping to Canada.
140 watts RMS into 8 Ohms at 1 kHz at 1% THD;
135 watts RMS into 8 Ohms at 0.1% THD.

300 watts RMS into 4 Ohms at 1 kHz at 1% THD;
270 watts RMS into 4 Ohms at 0.1% THD. 

450 watts RMS into 2.7 Ohms at 1 kHz at 1% THD

How much total cost was it for 2 125asx2, Ghent case, and parts? Is the watts output comparable?
 
That Emotiva PA-1 is a great option. So far the Ghentaudio option has probably cost me close to 400(taxes in) per mono block. So 800cdn plus tax for a ready made solution from Emotiva def sounds like a better option to go.

What is your plan for dealing with the balanced input only option of the Emotiva?
 
That Emotiva PA-1 is a great option. So far the Ghentaudio option has probably cost me close to 400(taxes in) per mono block. So 800cdn plus tax for a ready made solution from Emotiva def sounds like a better option to go.

What is your plan for dealing with the balanced input only option of the Emotiva?

From the PA-1 Manual, it does allow for unbalanced input, just need an RCA to XLR connector.

---Manual Page 11 ---
If your source device only offers an RCA unbalanced output, you can easily find low cost
adapters and adapter cables that go from an RCA connector to an XLR connector or a 1/4” phone
connector.
---

My mistake, shipping is $20 DHL, comes with 5 year warranty.

I was curious about the Ghent GA-M500P, from Ghents reply it has one 125ASX2(BTL) inside with a Mono input buffer. Costs US$675, compare that to your DIY $400.

Maybe one way to get the cost down (US$477) is to use one case for dual mono. I asked Ghent if I can get a DIY case similar to "GA-S500P Stereo Power Amplifier (Dual Mono)" amplifier.
1. Two 125ASX2(BTL) - US$277
2. Dual mono Case - US$120
3. RTX Module (pair) - US$80
 
Good to know about Emotiva-1. For the input just use an adapter like shown below, they work great.

BR
Eric
 

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Got an updated quote from Ghent. Total cost will be $587 to build the exact GA-S500P, vs buying a fully built one for $1350.

Will cost the same as an Emotiva PA-1, advantage is more output power.
500w x 2(4Ω), or 250w x 2(8Ω) - Two 125ASX2(BTL)
300w x 2(4Ω), or 140w x 2(8Ω) - Emotiva PA-1

Cost breakdown
1. GA-S500P Stereo Power Amplifier (Dual Mono) DIT kit US$310
-200mm x 315mm amp case with dual-mono rear-plate
-all needed audio connectors
-RTX-B(0db, 100K) module
-Custom Power supply/signal Harness for two 125ASX2
2. Two 125ASX2(BTL) - US$277

If only the 300ASC board was available for purchase. What do you guys think?
 
Another way

...
Cost breakdown
1. GA-S500P Stereo Power Amplifier (Dual Mono) DIT kit US$310
-200mm x 315mm amp case with dual-mono rear-plate
-all needed audio connectors
-RTX-B(0db, 100K) module
-Custom Power supply/signal Harness for two 125ASX2
2. Two 125ASX2(BTL) - US$277
...
What do you guys think?


The theoretical and preparation phase is gratifying. I try to prolong it, by collecting discarded electronic stuff for a couple of months.
Old cases have thick and non-optimized sheets.
If I buy cheap accessories, they simply don't work. If I buy quality parts, I spend on them as much as an industrial device. Instead, I can get functional parts from garbage.
Wrong purchases of the past can be rethought.
Sustainable.
 

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If you are looking for ICEpower amps how about this XTZ:
XTZ EDGE A2-300 power amp - XTZ Sound in Balance
I'm not an expert but it looks well built, I think there is also some sort of buffer on the RCA inputs. Has good reviews and fair price.

On the other hand, Allo Audio is working on a TPA3255 AMP.
I for instance am waiting to see what they can get from that chip :)

Comparing the pictures, Emotiva PA-1 and XTZ use the exact same 300ASC icepower board. Only difference is Emotiva is mono and XTZ stereo/mono selectable. Price wise, the Emotiva is cheaper, 495 € = US$553.
 
Actually these models are not using the same components:

Emotiva PA-1 is monobloc using 1 x 300ASC / ch.
XTZ is stereo using 1 x 300ASC and 1 x 300AC (amp only powered by 300ASC)

The Emotiva should theoretically cost more.

BR
Eric
 

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