Mark's Hypex NC400 Build

[rogersch]

Sept 24, 2012 13:27:47 GMT -5 garbulky said:

Can your ncores accept xlr inputs? Are they fully balanced?

Yes NCores are fully balanced.

[klinemj]

Yes indeed...and, since my USP-1 does not have XLR outs, my reviews to date are from RCA outs on the USP-1 into an RCA/XLR adapter, to an XLR cable into the nCore.

Yet another reason I am anxious to get the XSP-1! 10/12 ship date cannot come soon enough!!!

Mark

[rclark]

Mark don't forget an aes/ebu cable for your Erc-2! Remember, Emo only sells regular xlr cables so you need to seek out a specific aes/ebu cable for that purpose. Maggie's are super revealing all on their own, Maggie's + Ncores will reveal any slight change in your system so now it's time for attention to detail

[traider79]

Awesome build and love those custom cases! I want to build a pair now. Thanks alot....

[klinemj]

Thanks traider79!

rclark...on my ERC-2, I am going from the analog XLR outs to the XSP input, w/0.5 meter XLR cables from Emotiva for now. From what I understand (and I may be wrong here...), these are not aes/ebu (110 ohm), but since I am not going digital out from ERC-2 to a DAC and because the run is very short - there is no theoretical issue w/using regular XLR's in this application. Now...if I start trying an external DAC and I run the aes/ebu out from the ERC-2...you are right...I should make sure I use the proper cable.

Mark

[roadrunner]

Sept 25, 2012 16:03:34 GMT -5 klinemj said:

Thanks traider79!

rclark...on my ERC-2, I am going from the analog XLR outs to the XSP input, w/0.5 meter XLR cables from Emotiva for now. From what I understand (and I may be wrong here...), these are not aes/ebu (110 ohm), but since I am not going digital out from ERC-2 to a DAC and because the run is very short - there is no theoretical issue w/using regular XLR's in this application. Now...if I start trying an external DAC and I run the aes/ebu out from the ERC-2...you are right...I should make sure I use the proper cable.

Mark

If you ever did decide to connect the ERC-2 digitally you also have the option of digital coax and optical digital cables. I will be connecting my ERC CD Player to my XSP-1 using a short XLR analog cable, just like you are planning. I don't have a fully balanced power amp, but should I ever make that move I will have a fully balanced signal path to take advantage of it. Let us know how the Ncore performs with the XSP-1 as its source.

[klinemj]

Will do Ronnie! I am really expecting great things, for sure!

Mark

[paintedklown]

Every day I read this thread and weep a little bit...













...out of jealousy! ;D

Seriously though, congrats on the Emotiva/Ncore/Maggie setup. Very nice! My little brain still churns in trying to figure out how I can make some 2 ch leaps myself.

As you know I did send the MMGs back, but it had nothing to do with not liking their sound. It was mostly financial (to be honest), but also, they mad me crave the bigger versions, so I would get better bass to go along with that open, airy sound they have.

[GreenKiwi]

@pk ... I'd just keep prowling for used bigger versions. There are some good deals to be had, like the 2.7s that someone else picked up. Or some 3.5s or 3.6s.

[rclark]

PK, you're too impatient And we told you the stock mmg lacks bass ... Gunned, however, you saw my review there a page back. Bass. Framed is the way to go.

In fact, Mark, PG doesn't like the 1.7 crossover, fine, but I'd even still try and see if he would frame them and do the other tweaks. It is a HUUGE upgrade. Eventually you're going to try active crossovers anyway like me (DON'T TELL HIM I SAID THAT).

But, PK, if you can't wait, yeah, I would try and see about a used pair of 3.6's, those should ring your bell. Either way, get some Megnepans in there!

[paintedklown]

Sept 26, 2012 12:03:40 GMT -5 rclark said:

PK, you're too impatient And we told you the stock mmg lacks bass ... Gunned, however, you saw my review there a page back. Bass. Framed is the way to go.

In fact, Mark, PG doesn't like the 1.7 crossover, fine, but I'd even still try and see if he would frame them and do the other tweaks. It is a HUUGE upgrade. Eventually you're going to try active crossovers anyway like me (DON'T TELL HIM I SAID THAT).

But, PK, if you can't wait, yeah, I would try and see about a used pair of 3.6's, those should ring your bell. Either way, get some Megnepans in there!

That's very true, I am too impatient, as well as very indecisive. ;D

I am keeping an eye out for some used 3.6s though, just periodically checking a'gon, not really "tracking" them down...but keeping my eyes peeled for a good deal. As it stands at the moment, Magnepans are still in my long term setup plan.

[klinemj]

If you wait long enough...you will find some used 1.7's or 3.7's, and all reports are they are leaps and bounds beyond the 1.6's and 3.6's...

Mark

[rclark]

I'm with you Mark, it's going to be many years gone before my ERC-2 is retired! Just a fantastic player, the ERC-2 is a modern classic, like a '57 Chevy. It just rides so good.

I absolutely love mine.

[bootman]

I wonder if we took a UPA-2 and replaced the amp section with two N-Core modules but used the Emotiva power supply if it will work?

A UPA-2 is on sale now for $299.
I think you could save some $$$ by doing this. <evil grin>


...runs now before mods see me. lol

[Jim]

Nov 14, 2012 14:48:56 GMT -5 bootman said:

I wonder if we took a UPA-2 and replaced the amp section with two N-Core modules but used the Emotiva power supply if it will work?

...runs now before mods see me. lol

Evil evil evil.. But I love it!

[GreenKiwi]

I think that you'd have to look and see whether or not the UPA-2's power supply had the right voltages available for the NC400. I'm guessing that they won't line up quite with what you need.

[Deleted]

It would not work very well but it's wishful thinking

[klinemj]

I was going to say the same thing. I have not looked into the UPA-2's power supply, but I do know the SMPS600 (designed to go with the NC400's) is very low EMI - which can be the nemesis of Class D amps. That, and other factors, may prevent the UPA-2's from being a good match.

Mark

[jjmatrix]

Thanks for sharing your experience Mark; much appreciated. A few questions for you:

1. Would you say the ncores are twice as good as the XPA-2? How much better are they?
I understand it's not an easy question... I apologize in advance; I'm just trying to figure out it they're worth the money and effort, in your opinion that is.

2. Have you had a chance to play the ncores loud (~100 dB A weighted @ 1 meter in front of your speaker) ? If yes, for how long, and did you notice any difference in SQ vs lower level music?

Thanks in advance.

[klinemj]

jjmatrix...

It's hard to say "2x" or "3x" or "1.5x" as good...but I will say that for me - I feel the nCores are worth it. They really take off a harsh edge I was hearing w/the XPA-2.

As far as higher SPL's, I have listened for extended times at high volumes. For me, extended listening at high volumes means ~1 hour at a time or a little more. The nCores can handle it no problem...music I was listening to was ZZ Top Tres Hombres, Chili Peppers, and other various things like Coldplay, REM Murmur, U2's All that you can't leave behind, etc.

The clarity comes through great still and no harshness...just clear and punchy. Bass really thrives...very nice "kick".

One thing I notice with my system now is that as I turn the volume up - I just get louder versions of what I heard at lower volumes. It remains clear and smooth, just gets louder. In my former system, it would get louder and any harshness would be more "in my face". not true anymore...each change I made played a role, but the nCore's really drove this last part I just mentioned. (Since July, I changed my whole 2-channel system...most recently w/the XSP-1 but before that the ERC-2, Maggie 1.7's, and my nCores.)

Mark