Amp Dilemna...input requested...

[klinemj]

So, I went from thinking I had issues with my Magnepan 1.7's to realizing my Maggies were fine, but that I not only had fried NCore Hypex amps - I have a fried channel in my old (2009) XPA-5 Gen 1. (I suspect a lightning strike took it's toll...)

I need to start thinking about how to handle this. I spoke to Jake and Jason at Emotiva today (both VERY helpful!).

I had hoped the XPA-5 issue was just a fuse, but...doesn't appear so. Net, I need to replace the NCores (which were mainly multi-channel duty...I have a tube amp for 2-channel listening) and either replace the XPA-5 or have it repaired. Jake referred me to a repair service who might be able to fix the XPA-5 (for <$300-ish).

Here's what I'm thinking:
1) Get a custom-build Emotiva 7-channel XPA amp with 3 "power" blades (for FR, FL, and Center) and 2 stereo blades (for my ERD-1 surrounds). Plenty of power for FR, FL, Center, as well as surrounds.
2) Get a custom-build Emotiva 5-channel XPA amp with 1 "power" blade (for Center) and 2 stereo blades (for ERD-1 surrounds)...and...something else for FR/FL
3) Go to a non-Emotiva solution.

As noted, I have a tube amp (Prima Luna) I use for 2 channel...fully independent of the XMC-2 home theater. So, for "critical listening", I'm set. The question is really home theater. And, I'm not super-critical on that...I don't listen super-loud, but I enjoy basic surround experience.

My option #1 is a lot less $ than option #2. And, I've not even looked into option 3.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

Mark

[marcl]

Mar 15, 2024 16:24:49 GMT -5 klinemj said:

So, I went from thinking I had issues with my Magnepan 1.7's to realizing my Maggies were fine, but that I not only had fried NCore Hypex amps - I have a fried channel in my old (2009) XPA-5 Gen 1. (I suspect a lightning strike took it's toll...)

I need to start thinking about how to handle this. I spoke to Jake and Jason at Emotiva today (both VERY helpful!).

I had hoped the XPA-5 issue was just a fuse, but...doesn't appear so. Net, I need to replace the NCores (which were mainly multi-channel duty...I have a tube amp for 2-channel listening) and either replace the XPA-5 or have it repaired. Jake referred me to a repair service who might be able to fix the XPA-5 (for <$300-ish).

Here's what I'm thinking:
1) Get a custom-build Emotiva 7-channel XPA amp with 3 "power" blades (for FR, FL, and Center) and 2 stereo blades (for my ERD-1 surrounds). Plenty of power for FR, FL, Center, as well as surrounds.
2) Get a custom-build Emotiva 5-channel XPA amp with 1 "power" blade (for Center) and 2 stereo blades (for ERD-1 surrounds)...and...something else for FR/FL
3) Go to a non-Emotiva solution.

As noted, I have a tube amp (Prima Luna) I use for 2 channel...fully independent of the XMC-2 home theater. So, for "critical listening", I'm set. The question is really home theater. And, I'm not super-critical on that...I don't listen super-loud, but I enjoy basic surround experience.

My option #1 is a lot less $ than option #2. And, I've not even looked into option 3.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

Mark

Just a thought on option#3 ... I'm currently using a stereo Nord One Hypex NC500DM amp for my L/R 3.7s and a Nord Three Purifi monoblack for my CCR center.  Very happy with both.  Nord and others make multichannel Hypex and Purifi solutions with mixtures of power ratings for different channels, if you don't want all high power.

[klinemj]

[/quote]Just a thought on option#3 ... I'm currently using a stereo Nord One Hypex NC500DM amp for my L/R 3.7s and a Nord Three Purifi monoblack for my CCR center.  Very happy with both.  Nord and others make multichannel Hypex and Purifi solutions with mixtures of power ratings for different channels, if you don't want all high power.[/quote]

Is that these?

Nord 2-channel

[geebo]

Mar 15, 2024 16:24:49 GMT -5 klinemj said:

So, I went from thinking I had issues with my Magnepan 1.7's to realizing my Maggies were fine, but that I not only had fried NCore Hypex amps - I have a fried channel in my old (2009) XPA-5 Gen 1. (I suspect a lightning strike took it's toll...)

I need to start thinking about how to handle this. I spoke to Jake and Jason at Emotiva today (both VERY helpful!).

I had hoped the XPA-5 issue was just a fuse, but...doesn't appear so. Net, I need to replace the NCores (which were mainly multi-channel duty...I have a tube amp for 2-channel listening) and either replace the XPA-5 or have it repaired. Jake referred me to a repair service who might be able to fix the XPA-5 (for <$300-ish).

Here's what I'm thinking:
1) Get a custom-build Emotiva 7-channel XPA amp with 3 "power" blades (for FR, FL, and Center) and 2 stereo blades (for my ERD-1 surrounds). Plenty of power for FR, FL, Center, as well as surrounds.
2) Get a custom-build Emotiva 5-channel XPA amp with 1 "power" blade (for Center) and 2 stereo blades (for ERD-1 surrounds)...and...something else for FR/FL
3) Go to a non-Emotiva solution.

As noted, I have a tube amp (Prima Luna) I use for 2 channel...fully independent of the XMC-2 home theater. So, for "critical listening", I'm set. The question is really home theater. And, I'm not super-critical on that...I don't listen super-loud, but I enjoy basic surround experience.

My option #1 is a lot less $ than option #2. And, I've not even looked into option 3.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

Mark

I vote for option 1. I'm using an XPA-5 Gen 3 for main, center and surrounds and a Behringer digital amp for the height speakers. A nice thing about the Gen 3's is that you can always add more channels if needed as long as you have empty slots. They have 7 total.

[marcl]

Mar 15, 2024 17:18:39 GMT -5 klinemj said:

Just a thought on option#3 ... I'm currently using a stereo Nord One Hypex NC500DM amp for my L/R 3.7s and a Nord Three Purifi monoblack for my CCR center.  Very happy with both.  Nord and others make multichannel Hypex and Purifi solutions with mixtures of power ratings for different channels, if you don't want all high power.[/quote]

Is that these?

Nord 2-channel
[/quote]



Yes that's the one I'm using for the 3.7 fronts

[cwmcobra]

A used XPA-5 Gen 2?

[klinemj]

Mar 15, 2024 18:04:44 GMT -5 cwmcobra said:

A used XPA-5 Gen 2?

I looked...I can have my old one rebuilt and sell it, then buy my option #1 and be ahead of buying a new 5-channel + a new 2-channel. The used XPA-5's (Gen 1 amd 2) seem to do well in resale.

Mark

[creimes]

Outlaw is another great company/option

outlawaudio.com/shop/11-power_amplifiers

[405x5]

Mark, it appears to me you’re getting some great suggestions regarding the replacement and upgrading of amplifier components.

The only thing I can offer is a renewed effort to monitor weather conditions in your area and yank that plug out of the wall if even a rumor of naughty weather exists while you’re gone.

For my part, you’ve never seen anyone pull the plug as quick as me lol.

[mgbpuff]

Take a look at Buckeye. futureaudiophile.com/buckeye-amps-hypex-ncx500-stereo-amplifier-reviewed/

[klinemj]

Mar 16, 2024 7:04:15 GMT -5 405x5 said:

Mark, it appears to me you’re getting some great suggestions regarding the replacement and upgrading of amplifier components.

The only thing I can offer is a renewed effort to monitor weather conditions in your area and yank that plug out of the wall if even a rumor of naughty weather exists while you’re gone.

For my part, you’ve never seen anyone pull the plug as quick as me lol.


View Attachment

This appears to have happened while we were out of the house. It was working fine, came home, and static in my front left and sporadic odd noises from the right. I didn't even notice the back right not playing until I was troubleshooting the speaker noises!

Mark

[klinemj]

Thanks all for the tips! A lot of good reco's...those Buckeye audio Hypex looked really tempting. I've enjoyed the Hypex I've had. Who knows - I might end up replacing the modules in the Hypex I built and keeping the cases I made to have another amp option!

I ended up doing some 2-channel listening to my Prima Luna Premium Prologue tube amp, and I decided it was really all I need for critical listening in 2-channel. And, I am less picky about what powers the FR/FL for movies/surround sound. I went with the custom-build option Emotiva has and got a 7-channel with 3 of the power blades and 2 stereo blades. The power blades will handle FR, FL, Center, and the stereo blades will handle my 4 ERD-1 surrounds. They had a 10% off deal, so I got it for $1724, tax included.

I'll let you all know what I think once it arrives! They say it takes 5-7 business days to get them built and ready to ship, and that's perfect because I'll be out of town the end of next week anyway.

Mark

[klinemj]

PS to all - I pulled the XPA-5 from my system and opened the top. There is nothing visually wrong - like sign of a fried capacitor, resistor, etc. The channel just doesn't work! Very odd. Oh well, it is what it is! (And, yes, the bal/unbal switch is in the proper location...LOL!)

Mark

[leonski]

Mar 15, 2024 16:24:49 GMT -5 klinemj said:

So, I went from thinking I had issues with my Magnepan 1.7's to realizing my Maggies were fine, but that I not only had fried NCore Hypex amps - I have a fried channel in my old (2009) XPA-5 Gen 1. (I suspect a lightning strike took it's toll...)

I need to start thinking about how to handle this. I spoke to Jake and Jason at Emotiva today (both VERY helpful!).

I had hoped the XPA-5 issue was just a fuse, but...doesn't appear so. Net, I need to replace the NCores (which were mainly multi-channel duty...I have a tube amp for 2-channel listening) and either replace the XPA-5 or have it repaired. Jake referred me to a repair service who might be able to fix the XPA-5 (for <$300-ish).

Here's what I'm thinking:
1) Get a custom-build Emotiva 7-channel XPA amp with 3 "power" blades (for FR, FL, and Center) and 2 stereo blades (for my ERD-1 surrounds). Plenty of power for FR, FL, Center, as well as surrounds.
2) Get a custom-build Emotiva 5-channel XPA amp with 1 "power" blade (for Center) and 2 stereo blades (for ERD-1 surrounds)...and...something else for FR/FL
3) Go to a non-Emotiva solution.

As noted, I have a tube amp (Prima Luna) I use for 2 channel...fully independent of the XMC-2 home theater. So, for "critical listening", I'm set. The question is really home theater. And, I'm not super-critical on that...I don't listen super-loud, but I enjoy basic surround experience.

My option #1 is a lot less $ than option #2. And, I've not even looked into option 3.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

Mark

Non-EMO?
Go to HYPEX store and put together a DIY NCore Package for your Maggies.     'Word' is that NCore and Maggies like one another.      You could even build high-power mono amps so you could locate near each speaker.

Here is kit offered thru MADISOUND       But somewhere is the 'official' Hypex store.....

www.madisoundspeakerstore.com/speaker-amps/hypex-nilai500diy-250w-stereo-amplifier-kit/

 And depending on WHERE you live?    Get a whole-house surge protector.     Save yourself a lot of trouble downstream......

[klinemj]

Mar 17, 2024 18:49:53 GMT -5 leonski said:

Mar 15, 2024 16:24:49 GMT -5 klinemj said:

So, I went from thinking I had issues with my Magnepan 1.7's to realizing my Maggies were fine, but that I not only had fried NCore Hypex amps - I have a fried channel in my old (2009) XPA-5 Gen 1. (I suspect a lightning strike took it's toll...)

I need to start thinking about how to handle this. I spoke to Jake and Jason at Emotiva today (both VERY helpful!).

I had hoped the XPA-5 issue was just a fuse, but...doesn't appear so. Net, I need to replace the NCores (which were mainly multi-channel duty...I have a tube amp for 2-channel listening) and either replace the XPA-5 or have it repaired. Jake referred me to a repair service who might be able to fix the XPA-5 (for <$300-ish).

Here's what I'm thinking:
1) Get a custom-build Emotiva 7-channel XPA amp with 3 "power" blades (for FR, FL, and Center) and 2 stereo blades (for my ERD-1 surrounds). Plenty of power for FR, FL, Center, as well as surrounds.
2) Get a custom-build Emotiva 5-channel XPA amp with 1 "power" blade (for Center) and 2 stereo blades (for ERD-1 surrounds)...and...something else for FR/FL
3) Go to a non-Emotiva solution.

As noted, I have a tube amp (Prima Luna) I use for 2 channel...fully independent of the XMC-2 home theater. So, for "critical listening", I'm set. The question is really home theater. And, I'm not super-critical on that...I don't listen super-loud, but I enjoy basic surround experience.

My option #1 is a lot less $ than option #2. And, I've not even looked into option 3.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

Mark

Non-EMO?
Go to HYPEX store and put together a DIY NCore Package for your Maggies.     'Word' is that NCore and Maggies like one another.      You could even build high-power mono amps so you could locate near each speaker.

Here is kit offered thru MADISOUND       But somewhere is the 'official' Hypex store.....

www.madisoundspeakerstore.com/speaker-amps/hypex-nilai500diy-250w-stereo-amplifier-kit/

 And depending on WHERE you live?    Get a whole-house surge protector.     Save yourself a lot of trouble downstream......

Thanks for the link to Madisound...I was looking at the link to Hypex, and it appears they are only doing OEM now. When I built my Hypex (that are now fried), I got the modules and power supplies direct from Hypex. I might rebuild the Hypex I have to be able to swap between them and my Prima Luna tube amp. I need to take a close look at the circuits and see if I see any obvious damage on them. I did open up the XPA-5 and there's no obvious part failures (I've been fried cap's and resistors...)

Mark

[leonski]

So! Those Rats at Hypex got 'too big' to service the DIY market. Too bad!

I met Bruno many years ago in Newport (Ca) at the audio show. Fun guy and apparently had a taste for 'piquant' food....(HOT)


Use your NOSE as well as your eyes. Burned Electrons have a unique aroma.....

[LuisV]

Been a fan of the XPA-2 and XPA-5 amps for many many years... I originally had Gen 1 and then Gen 2; never had the opportunity to listen to the Gen 3s. 

When we moved 5 years ago, I sold my HT components.  After a few years of 2 channel listening in the new home, I was bitten by the HT bug.  I opted for a Marantz AVR and recently added a BasX A3; zero complaints thus far.  I don't miss the larger / heavier XPAs at all.  I obviously can't compare the XPA against the BasX, but thus far, the A3 is driving my 4ohm Arendal LCRs with ease.   Have you considered the BasX line?  

Multi channel non-Emotiva... based on reviews, I would look at the higher power Monolith amps as they are built by ATI or Buckeye amps. 

[sockemdog]

Mar 17, 2024 6:04:49 GMT -5 klinemj said:

PS to all - I pulled the XPA-5 from my system and opened the top. There is nothing visually wrong - like sign of a fried capacitor, resistor, etc. The channel just doesn't work! Very odd. Oh well, it is what it is! (And, yes, the bal/unbal switch is in the proper location...LOL!)

Mark

Hey Mark- if you can get a schematic it might help you troubleshoot a few areas on the board. I recently had a similar issue with my BasX 5175 where the 3 channel board had no output. The smell test led me to a particular area that had a hot electronics smell to it. I found two zener diodes shorted which provides power to the protection circuitry. They were 20v ones in series which provides 40v to that circuit. I replaced them and amp came back to life. Twenty-cent SMD components from DigiKey plus $10 shipping/tax/import fees. I did go ahead and replace the 2k resistor that loads the zeners just in case as it took all the current when the zeners shorted. Good luck!

-Brad

[leonski]

Sometimes transistors simply fail 'open'.......so no obvious signs of distress.

[klinemj]

New amp arrived ~2 hours after I left town for a few days, so it was up to my wife to bring the amp inside. It's a bit heavy and Fed Ex left it in the middle of our driveway.

Luckily, my wife had an empty clothing rack she uses for her costume work. So...onto the rack it went! LOL!




Mark PS..."nice job FedEx!"