Hypex NCore Amps

[Vic]

Starting with PS Audio's HPA-2 I was instantly enamored by its lack of fatigue when pushed compared to linear solid state amps. Since then I've had a few other switching amplifiers in my system. As with the NuForce 9SEs the Hypex nCore 400s are clearly unique in their presentation. The nCore is a substantial leap were every aspect seems improved.

It is still a switching amplifier with a somewhat forward and very revealing presentation. Not long after I put together the nCores I decided to see if Bob Carvers VTA180s could drive my Avalon Eidolons and they do very well.

The nCores are now driving my Avalon Monitors in our little recording studio. This is where they truly shine. Ruthlessly revealing, powerful, and economical. They are also outstanding in my main system but the relaxed presentation that's offered by the second order harmonic of a tube amplifier is simply unmatched. Don't get me wrong the Bobs aren't necessarily better they're simply fundamentally different and they're not my first choice for the studio.

The Magtech is another purpose design. I'm not a panel fan but a friend has an all Sanders system and no other amplifier sounds as right in that system as the Magtech. IMO, it's a luscious sounding amplifier that could probably weld metal.

[Masterlu]

Vic... Welcome!

[hifial]

Vic,

Tell your friend with the Sanders that their is one amp that will better the Magtech with the Sanders. The Veritas NC1200 monos (Big brother to the NC400). A friend of mine who has the Sanders and Magtech tried using all Veritas on the Sanders and liked it so much he replaced the Magtech with the Veritas.

IMHO the Veritas NC1200 will (and have) change a lot of minds.

[Vic]

Originally Posted by hifial

Vic,

Tell your friend with the Sanders that their is one amp that will better the Magtech with the Sanders. The Veritas NC1200 monos (Big brother to the NC400). A friend of mine who has the Sanders and Magtech tried using all Veritas on the Sanders and liked it so much he replaced the Magtech with the Veritas.

IMHO the Veritas NC1200 will (and have) change a lot of minds.

Thanks, I'll turn him onto this thread.

After building a pair of nC400s for less than $1500 I'm personally skeptical regarding the astronomical price increase that manufactures are charging for assembling vendered parts for 1200 version monos.

I've always found the appeal of switching amplifiers to be what they offer the masses through their economy of price and the power required to run them.

[jdandy]

Vic.......Welcome to Audio Aficionado.

[veindoc]

anyone with actual experience with the newer ncore1200 based amps(ie Merrill, atsah, or mola) with TAD or other hi-end somewhat hard to drive speakers?
Nick

[hifial]

veindoc: Nick, I have a lot of experience with the Ncore NC1200 amps. First I want to state that I have NO affiliation with any audio company, just a big fan of some.
Some background; I have been following the development of the Ncore for over a year (about two) and had a chance to hear the DIY NC400 in both my system and several others over last summer. At the time I was looking to get a new amp as I was unhappy with several well regarded ones that came and went from my system over a few years. After hearing how very well the NC400 drove my very hard to drive B&W 802D speakers I had to check out the NC1200. ( Some amps that have been in my system;Theta Digital, Halcro, Nuforce REF 18 and many more) None are bad. The Veritas just does all the things you need to get the most out of your speakers.

I happen to belong to several Audio Clubs (Metro NJ/NY) and some of the members are also OEMs of Audio. Some of them are well known. One of the OEms is Merrill of Merrill Audio.

When I checked to see where I could buy a NC1200 based amp there was only whispers by some (Theta, Jeff Roland etc) at that time but two would have amps in short order. The Atsah and Merrill Audio. I also new that the price of some if they got to market would be too high for me.

Well as Merrill is nearby several of us in the club were lucky to have the chance to hear the Veritas amps in our systems over the course of a few months.
They made my B&W 802D sing like they never have but I new they could. Sub woofer? Who needs one! The improvements do not just stop and start there. Top to bottom across the board.

One of the club member who loves his ARC tube amps wants to replace them with the Veritas.
Another replaced all his Sander Sound amps with the Veritas at no small cost.
And another hosted a member meeting at his house so the other members can get a chance to hear the Veritas in a system we all have heard many times over the years. He has Pipe Dream speakers. Many of these guys do NOT impress easily at all. So I was happy to have them be just as impressed as I and the others are. They said they have never heard his system sound that good. This is just a few examples.

IMHO you would have to spend a lot more money to get in some instances a small improvement in sound.
And live with a big, heavy, HOT, eats electric, etc Class A 200+ watts amps.

One of the reasons I went with the Veritas is the design of the layout. Merrill left a lot of room on the back so you can connect any type and size of cabling without any issues. His case takes micro and macro vibration and shielding into account.
He gives you quality parts throughout. And if it does not add to the quality of the sound but hurts it he does not include it (RCA input, master on off switch). And so much more.

I urge you NOT to try the Veritas Unless you are prepared to buy them because once you do hear them in your system you will not want to return them to Merrill.

One more thing, if you buy them spring for the Stillpoints Ultra SS over the included Stillpoints Mini it is worth the improvement. I also liked what they did for my B&W over their spike feet. Very worthwhile.

Sorry for the long post. If you or anyone else has any questions I would be happy to help if I can.

[Swelfelo]

I am using Hypex NCores on the tweeters for my B&W 802's and never have obtained such presence and detail (I am using Ghent's Ice Amps on the bass). They do not sound etched or forward to me, but neither are they lush and romantic. As I said elsewhere in this Forum, they are highly revealing and powerful.

Nope, I am unaffiliated with Hypex and this is just a personal opinion.

Swelfelo

[hifial]

Review of Veritas on P.O.

Merrill Audio Veritas Amplifiers