Apollon NCx500ST Stereo Amplifier Review

[IanForumUser]

Does this Hypex Apollon amp come with a ground lug?
I need that feature to avoid ground loops that generate hum/buzz sound in my installation.
My current NAD has it (attached picture) and that helps me to avoid buzz sounds.

Your NAD is likely a class 2 device. The Apollon is class 1 and therefore is grounded via the three pin IEC.

 

[fadetoblackbs]

Your NAD is likely a class 2 device. The Apollon is class 1 and therefore is grounded via the three pin IEC.

Well my NAD is also grounded through the power cable here (Europe). I have the 3 pins already in almost every device here at home, including the NAD.
The problem is, without connecting the NAD to my AVR using both ground lugs, I have this annoying hum/buzz because of the ground loop.
If the Apollon Amp does not have this ground lug I show in the picture, I will ask them if they can add it and explain thr reason.

 

[Jerry Sobel]

I recently received a four channel amp from Apollon for my home theater to replace a different branded four channel amp that needed warranty service. While it took quite a while to get it (less workforce in the summer I was told) I love the amplifier. Highly recommend the brand and it comes in many different configurations.

 

[kchap]

I recently received a four channel amp from Apollon for my home theater to replace a different branded four channel amp that needed warranty service. While it took quite a while to get it (less workforce in the summer I was told) I love the amplifier. Highly recommend the brand and it comes in many different configurations.

I purchased a pair of Apollon mono blocks on behalf of a relative. I too can recommend them.

 

[Meshuggener75]

Did anyone played with op amp rolling feature?
Am thinking of selling mine if i cannot change the top.

 

[IanForumUser]

Did anyone played with op amp rolling feature?
Am thinking of selling mine if i cannot change the top.

What problem are you trying to solve by changing the op amps? All the options from Apollon are very high quality, including the default OPA1656 (which is what I have in my NCx500ST). If you want to change your system sound profile to the extent that it's audible, I'd suggest EQ or moving your speakers around.

 

[Meshuggener75]

If compared with my old Bryston amp i miss the more smoother top.

And Apollon then say i could try different op amps for this.
Speakers are in a acoustic treated room by professionals and speakers is where they supposed to be. I only changed the amp.

 

[mike70]

If compared with my old Bryston amp i miss the more smoother top.

And Apollon then say i could try different op amps for this.
Speakers are in a acoustic treated room by professionals and speakers is where they supposed to be. I only changed the amp.

you're only listening to a more transparent sound, is what the source have, the Bryston isn't "smoother" ... simply don't have a flat frequency response.

try to listem some hours more with the apollon, things can be at the opposite, and you'll find the Bryston as dull / dark.
(or as many "audiophiles" says ... "that component needs 400 hours to break in" )

 

[Mart68]

pretty sure all Bryston amps have flat FR within the audible bandwidth?

 

[mike70]

pretty sure all Bryston amps have flat FR within the audible bandwidth?

I think the Bryston we're talking about ... No. Why? Because we know the Apollon FR, noise / distortion is SOTA and he finds the Bryston (an old model as he said) is "smoother" in a treated room.

I bet the Bryston have some recessed high / mid frequency (as many old amps) ... or ... we're talking about the usual "mind tricks" / placebo of a sighted listening.

 

[Soniclife]

If compared with my old Bryston amp i miss the more smoother top.

Do you have any in room measurements of the 2 amps?

 

[Meshuggener75]

pretty sure all Bryston amps have flat FR within the audible bandwidth?

Yes they are.
And above 20.000
About -3db at 100.000 hz.
Hypex -5db at 100.000hz.

The ncx sound to me is sound little "distorted" brighter sound at the top "in youre face". Sssss sound and cymbals piano etc.
Bryston feels just as dynamic and clean but very relaxed and natural and with ease at same time in my ears.

Its another level in my ears. But of course everyone is different and i respect that. Had the bryston for 5 years.

 

[mike70]

Yes they are.
And above 20.000
About -3db at 100.000 hz.
Hypex -5db at 100.000hz.

The ncx sound to me is sound little "distorted" brighter sound at the top "in youre face". Sssss sound and cymbals piano etc.
Bryston feels just as dynamic and clean but very relaxed and natural and with ease at same time in my ears.

Its another level in my ears. But of course everyone is different and i respect that. Had the bryston for 5 years.

With a ABX test or measurements we don't talk based on "everyone is different"

When you want to know the temperature you don't ask to some people and then say "well, everyone is different", you use a thermometer.

Audio is the same, sound doesn't have magical properties, we have the tools to know the truth, and we were talking about that.

I really respect to anyone who don't care about it ... but this forum can be a pain in that way, there're many other forums to ask for "audiophile formulas / sinergy laws" to get better sound.

 

[Scoobz1]

If compared with my old Bryston amp i miss the more smoother top.

And Apollon then say i could try different op amps for this.
Speakers are in a acoustic treated room by professionals and speakers is where they supposed to be. I only changed the amp.

How long did it take for your Amp to arrive - from actually ordering it please? Considering one

 

[IanForumUser]

How long did it take for your Amp to arrive - from actually ordering it please? Considering one

About 10 days to the UK, ordered earlier this year.

 

[Scoobz1]

About 10 days to the UK, ordered earlier this year.

Could i ask what did you get hit with in terms of taxes / charges - in the UK myself ?

 

[IanForumUser]

Could i ask what did you get hit with in terms of taxes / charges - in the UK myself ?

£218 - just checked the UPS invoice.

 

[Scoobz1]

£218 - just checked the UPS invoice.

Thanks. Was that all import tax or was some of it made up of Vat. At 1090 euros (£904) you would expect to pay £180 vat so an extra £38 would be great assuming it is the case but adding an extra £180 on top of the £218 would make me possibly consider a Nord or importing one into Ireland .

 

[Meshuggener75]

With a ABX test or measurements we don't talk based on "everyone is different"

When you want to know the temperature you don't ask to some people and then say "well, everyone is different", you use a thermometer.

Audio is the same, sound doesn't have magical properties, we have the tools to know the truth, and we were talking about that.

I really respect to anyone who don't care about it ... but this forum can be a pain in that way, there're many other forums to ask for "audiophile formulas / sinergy laws" to get better sound.

We all have different taste everyone is different thats way i wrote "my ears".
I know the Bryston sound.

How long did it take for your Amp to arrive - from actually ordering it please? Considering one

It took 3-4 days if i remember correct. I live in Europe.

 

[IanForumUser]

Thanks. Was that all import tax or was some of it made up of Vat. At 1090 euros (£904) you would expect to pay £180 vat so an extra £38 would be great assuming it is the case but adding an extra £180 on top of the £218 would make me possibly consider a Nord or importing one into Ireland .

I don't have breakdown, so that was the total of VAT, import and UPS process fees. Exchange rate might have been different in January too. I considered Nord or course, but I needed the variable gain offered by Apollon, and frankly just preferred the aesthetics and general build quality of Apollon. The closest Nord equivalent was more expensive, regardless of the import charges with Apollon.