8 Channel amp: Buckeye vs VTV vs Monoprice

[exm]

I am looking for a new amplifier to drive my 8 (currently 6) Kef R8 Meta speakers, with amplifier recommendation of 25 - 150W @ 4 ohm.

Here are the 3 main candidates:
Buckeye Hypex NC252MP 8-Channel, $1595 MSRP, 150 watts @ 8 ohm/ 250 watts @ 4 ohm, 1 year warranty
VTV AMPLIFIER Eight Channel Hypex NC252MP NCore Amplifier 250Wx8, $1919 MSRP, 250 watts @ 4 ohm, 2 years warranty
Monolith by Monoprice M8125x NC252MP. $1999 MSRP, 100W @ 8 ohm (All Channels Driven), 175 watts @ 4 ohm, 5 years warranty

My first question is why does Monolith rate their output lower using the same Hypex chip?

Second, based on the above the Buckeye is the clear winner priced 25% below the VTV/Monolith amplifier. Are there any measurements of these amps taken to look into performance of them?

 

[Descartes]

I am looking for a new amplifier to drive my 8 (currently 6) Kef R8 Meta speakers, with amplifier recommendation of 25 - 150W @ 4 ohm.

Here are the 3 main candidates:
Buckeye Hypex NC252MP 8-Channel, $1595 MSRP, 150 watts @ 8 ohm/ 250 watts @ 4 ohm, 1 year warranty
VTV AMPLIFIER Eight Channel Hypex NC252MP NCore Amplifier 250Wx8, $1919 MSRP, 250 watts @ 4 ohm, 2 years warranty
Monolith by Monoprice M8125x NC252MP. $1999 MSRP, 100W @ 8 ohm (All Channels Driven), 175 watts @ 4 ohm, 5 years warranty

My first question is why does Monolith rate their output lower using the same Hypex chip?

Second, based on the above the Buckeye is the clear winner priced 25% below the VTV/Monolith amplifier. Are there any measurements of these amps taken to look into performance of them?

The Buckeye looks cheaply made!

 

[welwynnick]

I am looking for a new amplifier to drive my 8 (currently 6) Kef R8 Meta speakers, with amplifier recommendation of 25 - 150W @ 4 ohm.

Here are the 3 main candidates:
Buckeye Hypex NC252MP 8-Channel, $1595 MSRP, 150 watts @ 8 ohm/ 250 watts @ 4 ohm, 1 year warranty
VTV AMPLIFIER Eight Channel Hypex NC252MP NCore Amplifier 250Wx8, $1919 MSRP, 250 watts @ 4 ohm, 2 years warranty
Monolith by Monoprice M8125x NC252MP. $1999 MSRP, 100W @ 8 ohm (All Channels Driven), 175 watts @ 4 ohm, 5 years warranty

My first question is why does Monolith rate their output lower using the same Hypex chip?

Second, based on the above the Buckeye is the clear winner priced 25% below the VTV/Monolith amplifier. Are there any measurements of these amps taken to look into performance of them?

The Monoprice specs are at full bandwidth and at rated distortion.
The other specs are at 1kHz and 1% THD, which Monoprice also quote.
The modules are all the same and the performance will be very similar.
Sometimes different amplifiers have different otuput due to different power supplies, but not in this case, as they're integrated.
There are tests of the Buckeye amplifiers here:

Buckeye 6 Channel Amplifier Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Buckeye Hypex NC252MP based, 6-channel amplifier. It costs US $1149 as of this writing. The owner/builder is @Buckeye Amps on our forum. The looks are fine for a well-priced build: The unit is quite light courtesy of rather thin sheet...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Buckeye NC252MP Stereo Amplifier Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Buckeye NC252MP balanced stereo class D amplifier. It was kindly drop shipped to me by a member and costs US $575. The amp is almost the size of a loaf of bread and literally weighs nearly as much! Amazing how far amplification technology has...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Nick

 

[howard416]

The Buckeye looks cheaply made!

Looks fine to me. I don't stare at my audio equipment.

 

[exm]

I ended up getting the Nord amp. Yes, I understand that the internals are the same but for a few extra dollars, I have a very nice looking case from a reputable company. I wish Buckeye Amp has a different case option for a surplus although I understand that doesn't fit his business model.

 

[ThatSoundsGood]

I own two different Buckeye Hypex amplifiers and they are amazing performers. The cases are just black. They look great, but aren't fancy. That is one way to keep the cost down.

 

[Dundas]

I ended up getting the Nord amp. Yes, I understand that the internals are the same but for a few extra dollars, I have a very nice looking case from a reputable company. I wish Buckeye Amp has a different case option for a surplus although I understand that doesn't fit his business model.

Nord has an 8-channel Hypex NC252MP amp? I don't see it on their website.

 

[exm]

Nord has an 8-channel Hypex NC252MP amp? I don't see it on their website.

Yes, https://nordacoustics.co.uk/product/nord-one-mp-nc252-4-8-ch-multi-channel-power-amplifier/

 

[exm]

I own two different Buckeye Hypex amplifiers and they are amazing performers. The cases are just black. They look great, but aren't fancy. That is one way to keep the cost down.

I understand, and I fully realize they'll sound and measure identical. However, build quality is worth a bit extra for me. I mean, the amp I was looking at is almost $1,600 at Buckeye. That's a bargain for what you're getting, but still a lot of money to spend. So to me, the extra 15% extra is worth it.

 

[Dundas]

Nord's optional trigger cable is £50.00 (US$63.75) when you order it with an amplifier!?
$5.49 at Amazon

Amazon.com

 

[exm]

Nord's optional trigger cable is £50.00 (US$63.75) when you order it with an amplifier!?
$5.49 at Amazon

Amazon.com

As far as I know, it's not the trigger cable but the trigger option in the amplifier itself. My 8-channel unit came with bot the trigger in/output and cable - FYI.

 

[Dundas]

Ah, I misread that. They say "12V Trigger Stereo Inc trigger cable" . Would be clearer if they spelled out including.

 

[Worth Davis]

Have three buckeyes now, all perfect with quick answers to any questions, I’ll buy more for other rooms over time

 

[ryaneagon]

I own the Monolith M8125x8. I've owned it since April of 2023. I got it on sale with nearly a 50% discount when they were first released. Killer deal! The Amp is powering a set of Polk R700 Dual 8" at full range, a Polk L400 at full range, a pair of Polk surround, and a set of Atmos speakers. (7 Speakers total) Amp has been flawless. No noise, doesn't ever seem to get hot, or warm for that matter, even with powering full range towers and sometimes listening at loud volumes, over 90db. I highly recommend it. (processor is an Anthem AVM 70, XLR to amp) Cheers!

 

[Descartes]

I own the Monolith M8125x8. I've owned it since April of 2023. I got it on sale with nearly a 50% discount when they were first released. Killer deal! The Amp is powering a set of Polk R700 Dual 8" at full range, a Polk L400 at full range, a pair of Polk surround, and a set of Atmos speakers. (7 Speakers total) Amp has been flawless. No noise, doesn't ever seem to get hot, or warm for that matter, even with powering full range towers and sometimes listening at loud volumes, over 90db. I highly recommend it. (processor is an Anthem AVM 70, XLR to amp) Cheers!

Wished they offered such an other deal?