Apollon NCx500ST Stereo Amplifier Review

[CleanSound]

The only way to shift from the XLR to the RCA inputs is with a small switch located on the back panel, correct? It would be handy if the switch were more accessible, or if a remote were supplied. You could then switch between, say, a balanced DAC and an unbalanced preamp connecting to multiple other sources.

Why would you need that though? I less you have two different sources for the amp. And what setup would entail that?

 

[Ecaroh]

Why would you need that though? I less you have two different sources for the amp. And what setup would entail that?

Yes, besides a DAC I have, primarily, a turntable with phono stage, and a TV; but also a cassette deck and an FM tuner, and occasionally a reel-to-reel. The S/PDIF out on my TV doesn't work right. So all have RCAs for output, though I expect I'll soon have a DAC that also has XLR. Not that important; I can continue to use the RCAs from all sources.

 

[Julf]

Yes, besides a DAC I have, primarily, a turntable with phono stage, and a TV; but also a cassette deck and an FM tuner, and occasionally a reel-to-reel. The S/PDIF out on my TV doesn't work right. So all have RCAs for output, though I expect I'll soon have a DAC that also has XLR. Not that important; I can continue to use the RCAs from all sources.

And of course feeding a balanced/differential (XLR) input from an unbalanced (RCA) output is no problem.

 

[CleanSound]

Yes, besides a DAC I have, primarily, a turntable with phono stage, and a TV; but also a cassette deck and an FM tuner, and occasionally a reel-to-reel. The S/PDIF out on my TV doesn't work right. So all have RCAs for output, though I expect I'll soon have a DAC that also has XLR. Not that important; I can continue to use the RCAs from all sources.

In this case, I think your best option is to get a pre-amp.

 

[Ecaroh]

In this case, I think your best option is to get a pre-amp.

I expect so, and I have one. (My post #640 above )

 

[CleanSound]

I expect so, and I have one. (My post #640 above )

Am I missing something?

Comment #640 does not say anything about you already having a pre-amp:

Anyway, what you are describing here:

Yes, besides a DAC I have, primarily, a turntable with phono stage, and a TV; but also a cassette deck and an FM tuner, and occasionally a reel-to-reel. The S/PDIF out on my TV doesn't work right. So all have RCAs for output, though I expect I'll soon have a DAC that also has XLR. Not that important; I can continue to use the RCAs from all sources.

That is the exact use case for a pre-amp. The only problem is that, there are no pre-amps on the market with this level of performance to match with a matching 43cm wide case, with the exception of a very very expensive Bryston.

I have the Gustard P26 preamp, it looks absolutely weird next to all of my components due to the miniature size.

 

[Ecaroh]

Am I missing something?

Comment #640 does not say anything about you already having a pre-amp:
View attachment 358226

"...a balanced DAC and an unbalanced preamp connecting to multiple other sources."

 

[CleanSound]

"...a balanced DAC and an unbalanced preamp connecting to multiple other sources."

Ahh, I see. I overlooked it as single ended preamp is rather of a rarity now.

But it's time to upgrade to a fully balanced preamp

 

[Apollon Audio]

I see that the multichannel lux amp is available with a rackmount faceplate; is this one (the standard one) available with a rackmount style as well? If I am putting it in a rack there is no point in paying for the upgraded casework of the lux one since it won't be visible. I am interested in a 5 channel version.

Hypex NCx500 Multichannel Amplifier(3-5 ch.) | Apollon Audio

Hypex NCx500 Multichannel Amplifier by Apollon utilises the Hypex NCOREx amplifier modules.. This technology provides ample power and remarkable precision.

apollonaudio.com

The normal version is not available with a rack mount faceplate. Only the Lux version is.

 

[Dalprad]

When buying expensive stuff, you expect exceptional, life-changing results. Given enough time, the novelty wears off, you accept the new balance on your bank account, stop listening to amps and start to enjoy the music. You have changed.

Spot on! It's also why a $10 amp from goodwill sounds so amazing at first. Your expectations are very low going in.