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?
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
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?
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?
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
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
Another way
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.
...
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.
Attachments
Last edited:
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
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
Attachments
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.
I think* 500E includes local VAT (~20%) that is not paid whne exporting outside EU. However the prices are comparable and probably both amps are good.
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