Buckeye Amps Hypex NCx500: A New Contender in High-Power Class-D
In recent years, the audiophile landscape has experienced a renaissance in Class-D amplification. The technology, once derided for its shortcomings, has evolved remarkably, giving traditional Class-A and Class-AB amplifiers some formidable competition. At the forefront of this evolution is the Hypex NCx500 module, and Buckeye Amps—an American company with a penchant for delivering affordable, no-nonsense amplification—has integrated this potent module in their latest offering. The Buckeye NCx500 represents a modern take on high-power, clean, and efficient amplification.
First Impressions
Out of the box, the Buckeye NCx500 immediately reflects the company's pragmatic ethos. Its exterior is simple, bordering on utilitarian, with clean lines and an industrial aesthetic. Buckeye emphasizes function over flamboyance here; this is an amplifier for those who value sonic performance over visual flash. Encased in a heavy-duty aluminum chassis, the build quality is solid and confidence-inspiring, with a weight that hints at the robust power supply and quality components within.
The back panel is sparse but functional: RCA and XLR inputs alongside high-quality speaker binding posts, catering to both single-ended and balanced configurations. The Hypex NCx500 module itself is based on an enhanced Ncore technology, designed for lower distortion, better damping, and reduced noise floor. It boasts a power rating of 500W into 4 ohms and 300W into 8 ohms, more than adequate for all but the most demanding speaker loads.
Sound Quality
To truly understand what the NCx500 brings to the table, I set it up in my reference system, pairing it with a range of speakers—from the highly resolving Magnepan 3.7i to the slightly warmer KEF R7s. I ran it through both RCA and XLR connections to compare the sonic impact of each configuration.
Tonal Balance
The Buckeye NCx500 impresses from the get-go with its neutrality. It eschews the warmth and coloration of traditional Class-AB amplifiers, offering instead a sound that is exceedingly clear and free of embellishments. This neutral character allows the natural timbre of each instrument to come through. The high frequencies are crisp yet not fatiguing, managing a delicate balance between detail and smoothness. Vocals are presented with precision, lending both male and female voices an uncanny clarity.
Midrange and Imaging
The midrange performance of the NCx500 deserves particular attention. Hypex’s Ncore modules have been praised for their transparency, and the Buckeye iteration of the NCx500 brings out layers in recordings that can be startling to the seasoned listener. Listening to a familiar album like Kind of Blue, I was struck by how present and natural Miles Davis' trumpet sounded—each note hanging in the air with realistic weight and texture.
Imaging and soundstage are similarly impressive. While Class-D amplifiers can sometimes exhibit a “flatness” in soundstage depth, the NCx500 proves a pleasant exception. The spatial rendering is notably three-dimensional, with each instrument occupying its place in the room. It's easy to close your eyes and feel transported to the recording venue.
Bass Control and Dynamics
The low end is where the Buckeye NCx500 shines. This amplifier is unflinchingly powerful and effortlessly controls bass frequencies with surgical precision. The impact of kick drums and bass guitar is palpable, delivered with tightness and accuracy. On tracks like Massive Attack’s Angel, the bass is forceful and defined, avoiding the bloat or muddiness that can plague lesser amplifiers. This is a particularly valuable trait for those who enjoy bass-heavy music or own speakers with substantial low-frequency extension.
The dynamic range, too, is commendable. The NCx500 handles micro-dynamics with finesse, capturing the smallest details in the music, while maintaining control over explosive transients. From delicate acoustic passages to high-energy rock anthems, it never breaks a sweat, remaining composed even at high volumes.
Efficiency and Practicality
The NCx500’s efficiency is another highlight. It remains cool to the touch, even after extended listening sessions. Its low power consumption makes it suitable for long listening without impacting the electricity bill—a bonus in the eco-conscious age. For those seeking a reference-level amplifier that doesn’t require a dedicated cooling system, the Buckeye NCx500 is ideal.
Final Thoughts
The Buckeye Amps NCx500 is a statement piece in the world of high-fidelity amplification. It combines Hypex’s top-tier NCx500 module with Buckeye’s meticulous construction to deliver an amplifier that excels in transparency, dynamics, and sheer power. For the price, it competes not only with similarly priced Class-D amps but also with some of the best Class-AB amplifiers on the market.
This amplifier isn’t for everyone—it’s a no-frills, performance-oriented product that places function over form. However, for those seeking an amplifier that simply disappears, letting the music take center stage, the Buckeye NCx500 offers a compelling value proposition. In a market where great sound often comes at a premium, Buckeye has provided an option that will satisfy discerning listeners without breaking the bank.
Verdict
For those searching for a high-power, neutral amplifier that can handle nearly any speaker load with ease, the Buckeye NCx500 is a rare gem. It embodies the future of high-fidelity, offering a taste of high-end performance at a reasonable price point, and without a doubt, it deserves a place in the discerning audiophile's toolkit.
