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Post by stellabagpuss on Sept 19, 2021 18:31:22 GMT
Just though l would post my findings in regards to some Nord Acoustic 1ET400A Monoblocks amplifiers.For a few years l have been running Temple Audio Monoblocks with Battery PSU.
I recently changed my speaker set up, and although the Temple Audio have always sounded great and still do,l found they ran out of Steam volume wise, so truth be told, l wanted to push to higher volumes and retain the qualities of the Temple's.
I have been living with the Nords for a few days, and yes they drive my 8 x Kef set up to a insane level,distortion free,so box ticked. But really surprised myself was the Nords seem to offer improved soundstage, you can hear deeper, and neutral but cleaner sound,where the Temple's are a bit smoother.
Early days, but l am really pleased with the Nords, and wasn't expecting them to better the Temple's, but to my ears they do. Of course I know this is subjective, just thought l would share my views
Damien
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Post by MikeMusic on Sept 19, 2021 18:54:32 GMT
Hope it continues to please !
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Post by John on Sept 19, 2021 19:01:11 GMT
8 Kefs Gosh that is a bit insane
Glad the Nords are doing for you
I gone to the Klipsch RP 500m after comparing them to the Kefs at Vic But would love to hear your system sometime
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Post by julesd68 on Sept 19, 2021 19:01:41 GMT
I've heard John's Temple Monos and was very impressed so the Nords must be really excellent.
What was the price differential?
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Post by John on Sept 19, 2021 19:08:44 GMT
They are about the same price Jules
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Post by MartinT on Sept 19, 2021 19:29:22 GMT
They look good, too.  |
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Post by stellabagpuss on Sept 19, 2021 20:52:29 GMT
l plan to pay visit to Vic's during November and bring the Nords for a listen, would be great if you could make it as well John.
Let's hope we don't have a repeat of the lockdowns,and l can finally meet yourself and Vic.
l took a punt after looking at the audioscience review and the spes, and then search around for reviews, the amp is basically a Class D Hypex Purifi, thankfully looks like a lucky purchase, considering there isn't loads of information about this model. BTW mine unit is the Nord Three 1ET400A, it's the basic version, you can for additional cost have a choice of 2 different Class A Op Amp stages, of course, the additional stages are costly,and it's debatable if there is an improvement,simply an expensive different flavour option.
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Post by John on Sept 20, 2021 4:16:12 GMT
I had a March class D amplifier (Hypex) in my system before the Temple the mids were a bit dry and could not live with them so hopefuly they sorted this out.
Yes Vic mentioned you might visit if you can give me warning around the date I see what I can do
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Post by MartinT on Sept 20, 2021 5:27:04 GMT
I did a product evaluation on a Hypex based amp last year. It was very good all round, perhaps lacking just the last ounce of heft in the lower end. Impressive, though.
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Post by stellabagpuss on Sept 20, 2021 6:39:50 GMT
Would be interesting to know what Hypex Module was in the March Audio "John" and the one you evaluated "Martin T", that's if your aloud too.
Perhaps John you hit the nail on the head with the March Audio in terms of midrange, and this is what has lead to Nord, playing with Class A op amps. I know my basic 1ET1400A amp has the OPA1612 Op Amps fitted, the same as my SMSL M400 Dac, so on paper,should be good. I will arrange a date John, and let Vic and yourself know in regards to meet up, yourself and Vic have trained ears, and have many years of playing with components than myself.
Damien
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Post by John on Sept 20, 2021 6:49:34 GMT
I see you have the SMSL is it the M400 if you have that a nice DAC I think playing with different OP amps might have helped. The March had the potential of being a really good amp, just the mids let it down This was the one I tried www.marchaudio.com/p252-hypex-ncore-amplifier |
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Post by MartinT on Sept 20, 2021 7:30:07 GMT
Showing the KJF Audio SA-01 Hypex amp (right) next to my Belles SA-100.  |
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Post by wannarock2 on Sept 22, 2021 19:23:28 GMT
Yeah, Bruno Putzeys is riding a wave. Starting with the Hypex NCore experience and now the Purifi label takes it up a notch. I’m a Class D fan. Tempted by a dual mono Benchmark AHB2 setup.  |
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Post by stellabagpuss on Sept 24, 2021 7:01:35 GMT
Yes the Benchmark is the king, technically. For myself it's the cost,of the Benchmark.lt seems that Hypex are better,on spares,if something goes bang etc
Something l forgot to mention, my 1ET400A is not being used for low frequency use, the Kefs start rolling of at around 95hz. The Bass duties are covered by my Behringer inuke 1000.
l only mention thus, as l have heard that the 1ET400A can be slightly bass light on the low frequencies, Nord recommend the NC1200,which has a higher output, and is more costly,personally l doubt l would benefit from a NC1200,unless l ditch the Behringers, but the inukes are so flexible, so l doubt l would do that.
l would be tempted to jump to upgrading to the Nord Rev D boards in the future, but that will be a number of months, as that's around £800 to do.
What's anyone's view on the Benchmark vs Hypex sound? Most of the specs are beyond of human hearing.
Damien
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Post by John on Sept 24, 2021 7:44:18 GMT
The inuke is ideal for bass and so easy to adjust the crossover and ideal for the setups we are using I wouldn't use them full range
I am looking forward to hearing your Nords in the future
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Post by wannarock2 on Sept 24, 2021 15:55:37 GMT
.. Benchmark vs Hypex sound? What I have read on forums from those few whom have compared in-house both the Hypex v. Benchmark products go to, for example, what we all have experienced and heard over our upgrading experience. “It isn't that the detail is not present with the other amp, but individual sounds not as easily recognized became more obvious do to the exceedingly low noise floor of the Benchmark.” |
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Post by stellabagpuss on Sept 25, 2021 14:57:12 GMT
That's pretty interesting, would love to know which Hypex models the statement is referring to? Or manufacturers.
Perhaps one day, l can stretch to a Benchmark
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Post by stellabagpuss on Oct 9, 2021 13:07:49 GMT
Minor update, l now have the Rev D boards with Sonic Image Op amps.
Will report back later in the week.
l am expecting a different flavour, so should be interesting, as l already like the sound in stock format.
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Post by stellabagpuss on Oct 11, 2021 20:54:37 GMT
Happy to report that the new Rev D boards delivers a nice subtle improvements. Wider soundstage, dynamics have more impact ,richer texture and sweet treble. Certainly the best amps l have owned and heard, l am looking forward to John and Vic having a listen, as they are seasoned listeners, So John can leave his thoughts on this post.
Damien
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Post by John on Oct 11, 2021 21:05:08 GMT
I am too
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📶NAS > Gustard x26p DAC > Benchmark LA4 Pre-Amp > NAD M22-V2 Amplifier > Revel F228Be Speakers