I posted this over at AK, but thought some of the other mad scientists here might be interested in trying this path...
Wyn is a big fan of (and owns) the Benchmark AHB2 amplifiers. I had plans to purchase two for myself actually (and may still do- read on). Their performance is quite impressive, in fact straining the limits of the test equipment to quantify. https://www.stereophile.com/content/benchmark-media-systems-ahb2-power-amplifier
But they are not an insignificant purchase, and being a small DIY group here I thought I'd mention something I found today:
[URL unfurl="true"]https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...and-measurements-of-hypex-nc400-diy-amp.5907/[/URL]
(Not Wyn's favorite site I know...)
And this is where we can get "kits" (also available with everything including the box, for about double kit price):
[URL unfurl="true"]https://www.diyclassd.com/[/URL]
I am thinking of purchasing a set of 400-watt boards and power supplies to make mono amps (about $475.00) and I could then house them in some better-looking boxes. But then I thought it might be more fun to get one for Wyn to test and compare (sonically) to his current "Benchmark" (get it?) amplifiers and comment if they are worth the hassle, or not. One thing noted at ASR was there is still some PS noise getting into the amp. Wyn did such a fantastic job on the filter board of the phono pre that I am a convert to the SMPS technology- implementation is critical, however.
But if these are 75% of the Benchmark performance, they represent a serious upgrade for just about all of us who own conventional amplifiers, regardless of pedigree or cost. I love my Counterpoint amps, but as I improve my front end, I know that they are by far the weakest link in the distortion and coloration department. Plus, they are huge, heavy, hot and expensive power hogs. And, fragile to boot. Irreplaceable components inside for good measure. I could sell my amps and either buy a car, or these amp kits and have change for a trip to Disney.
UPDATE_ their top (latest) design amps and SMPS come out to about $1200 for a pair of mono amps. Still need enclosures but not big fancy heatsink enclosures.
Wyn is a big fan of (and owns) the Benchmark AHB2 amplifiers. I had plans to purchase two for myself actually (and may still do- read on). Their performance is quite impressive, in fact straining the limits of the test equipment to quantify. https://www.stereophile.com/content/benchmark-media-systems-ahb2-power-amplifier
But they are not an insignificant purchase, and being a small DIY group here I thought I'd mention something I found today:
[URL unfurl="true"]https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...and-measurements-of-hypex-nc400-diy-amp.5907/[/URL]
(Not Wyn's favorite site I know...)
And this is where we can get "kits" (also available with everything including the box, for about double kit price):
[URL unfurl="true"]https://www.diyclassd.com/[/URL]
I am thinking of purchasing a set of 400-watt boards and power supplies to make mono amps (about $475.00) and I could then house them in some better-looking boxes. But then I thought it might be more fun to get one for Wyn to test and compare (sonically) to his current "Benchmark" (get it?) amplifiers and comment if they are worth the hassle, or not. One thing noted at ASR was there is still some PS noise getting into the amp. Wyn did such a fantastic job on the filter board of the phono pre that I am a convert to the SMPS technology- implementation is critical, however.
But if these are 75% of the Benchmark performance, they represent a serious upgrade for just about all of us who own conventional amplifiers, regardless of pedigree or cost. I love my Counterpoint amps, but as I improve my front end, I know that they are by far the weakest link in the distortion and coloration department. Plus, they are huge, heavy, hot and expensive power hogs. And, fragile to boot. Irreplaceable components inside for good measure. I could sell my amps and either buy a car, or these amp kits and have change for a trip to Disney.
UPDATE_ their top (latest) design amps and SMPS come out to about $1200 for a pair of mono amps. Still need enclosures but not big fancy heatsink enclosures.
