Audiophonics HPA-S400ET Review (Stereo Amplifier)

[DMill]

Would this amp pair well with an Allo Boss 2 as my streaming source?

Also, and perhaps this question is better suited for a different thread but does anyone make a case for the Hypex/Purifi build with VU meters?

I love that McIntosh look.

It is Teac's build but uses Hypex: TEAC AX-505

 

[Rufus T. Firefly]

It is Teac's build but uses Hypex: TEAC AX-505

Hi, thank you for the response. That's pretty good looking IMO looking but not what I'm after though I'm pretty sure I could run the Boss2 through it successfully.

 

[DMill]

Hi, thank you for the response. That's pretty good looking IMO looking but not what I'm after though I'm pretty sure I could run the Boss2 through it successfully.

It’s the only one I know of with VU meters and Hypex NCore. It would work with the Allo Boss, but you’d have no Sub Out. I’d buy the Teac today if it had that and an HDMI Arc.

 

[Svensson]

Would this amp pair well with an Allo Boss 2 as my streaming source?

Also, and perhaps this question is better suited for a different thread but does anyone make a case for the Hypex/Purifi build with VU meters?

I love that McIntosh look.

Your streamer will be good.
I am using RPi4 as streamer, with USB into Topping E50 DAC which also is a preamp to feed poweramp HPA-S400ET. It sounds excellent to my ears.

 

[Rufus T. Firefly]

Your streamer will be good.
I am using RPi4 as streamer, with USB into Topping E50 DAC which also is a preamp to feed poweramp HPA-S400ET. It sounds excellent to my ears.

Thanks, more specifically I was questioning the ability to go directly From the Boss 2 to the amp and bypass a pre.

 

[DMill]

Thanks, more specifically I was questioning the ability to go directly From the Boss 2 to the amp and bypass a pre.

Yes. All you need to know about the Allo is here

Allo Boss2 Review (Stereo Streamer)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Allo Boss2 Ethernet (and wifi) streamer/player. It was sent to me by the company for testing and costs US $149 by itself. My tested configuration included the Nirvana power supply which brings the cost up to US $209. I must say, I am very...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Rufus T. Firefly]

Yes. All you need to know about the Allo is here

Allo Boss2 Review (Stereo Streamer)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Allo Boss2 Ethernet (and wifi) streamer/player. It was sent to me by the company for testing and costs US $149 by itself. My tested configuration included the Nirvana power supply which brings the cost up to US $209. I must say, I am very...

www.audiosciencereview.com

I am familiar with that thread as I had some issues setting up the unit. I have this idea in my head that I read somewhere on ASR that the signal coming out of the Boss wasn't the same strength that comes out of a pre and that caused issues with sometimes a lack of volume. I re-scanned the above linked thread but didn't see mention of it. Perhaps it was elsewhere or I made it up lol.

Anyway I appreciate the reply and won't clog this thread up anymore with off topic streamer talk.

 

[DMill]

I am familiar with that thread as I had some issues setting up the unit. I have this idea in my head that I read somewhere on ASR that the signal coming out of the Boss wasn't the same strength that comes out of a pre and that caused issues with sometimes a lack of volume. I re-scanned the above linked thread but didn't see mention of it. Perhaps it was elsewhere or I made it up lol.

Anyway I appreciate the reply and won't clog this thread up anymore with off topic streamer talk.

No worries about off topic. ASR moderators are cool so long as it’s not completely off the rails. As far as a Hypex/purifi build with VU meters. NAD has virtual meters on their streamers. But if your looking for analog Mc. That’s about it.

 

[tmtomh]

For what it's worth, I've changed the gain on my Audiophonics HPA-S400ET amp. I wish it had a single external switch for that instead of a separate internal jumper for each channel, but that said, the entire operation is dead-easy and takes about 6 minutes: 1 minute to unscrew the case screws and remove the case top; 30 seconds to change the jumpers; 30 seconds to put the case top back again; 30 seconds to realize you didn't seat the case top exactly level and it won't fit back in; 2 minutes to re-lift the case top, curse, and maneuver it into place properly; and 1 minute to screw the case screws back in.

But it only has to be done when you first set up the system, or if you change your upstream components in a way that radically changes the gain that goes into the amp.

 

[Rufus T. Firefly]

For what it's worth, I've changed the gain on my Audiophonics HPA-S400ET amp. I wish it had a single external switch for that instead of a separate internal jumper for each channel, but that said, the entire operation is dead-easy and takes about 6 minutes: 1 minute to unscrew the case screws and remove the case top; 30 seconds to change the jumpers; 30 seconds to put the case top back again; 30 seconds to realize you didn't seat the case top exactly level and it won't fit back in; 2 minutes to re-lift the case top, curse, and maneuver it into place properly; and 1 minute to screw the case screws back in.

But it only has to be done when you first set up the system, or if you change your upstream components in a way that radically changes the gain that goes into the amp.

I think that's an important feature though not as great as the NAD C298 that has the gain knob on the back.

At half the price I'll gladly put that savings into my new speakers.

 

[Svensson]

Thanks, more specifically I was questioning the ability to go directly From the Boss 2 to the amp and bypass a pre.

Good morning Rufus. Does the Allo Boss 2 allow variable output? If so, then it would probably work well. If the output is fixed, then the HPA-S400ET would simply play at a fixed and full volume. Changing gain on the HPA-S400ET, or the NAD C298 will give 3 different gain settings, so not ideal for typical volume control as they would all be higher range.

 

[Satyadhara]

Trying to decide between this and two mono-versions of the amp (MPA-M400ET). Can anyone tell me, if any advantages of the mono blocks over the stereo version can be expected?

 

[juliangst]

Trying to decide between this and two mono-versions of the amp (MPA-M400ET). Can anyone tell me, if any advantages of the mono blocks over the stereo version can be expected?

Monoblocks look more symmetrical in a setup. Apart from that, there is no difference to be expected. The binding posts on the audiophonics mono look cheaper than on the stereo.
I’m also interested in the audiophonics amps and probably will go for the stereo version.

 

[Here2Learn]

@Satyadhara

Well, technically crosstalk will be even lower., and each channel has a physically dedicated power supply as opposed to a larger supply with dual outputs. Monoblocks can be placed closer to speakers so you can us shorter speaker cables. But as already said - not much really.

I believe the stereo version uses a single input buffer board for both channels - but probably doesn't matter. I would not worry about the binding posts on the monoblocks, they'll accept both spades or banana plugs and are robust.

The stereo version can be purchased with an input buffer board that uses Sparkos discrete opamps, if subtly flavouring the sound is more to your preference. That option does not exist for the monoblocks and, at this time, Audiophonics have no plans to have different input boards for the monoblocks to permit trying Sparkos or other ADI format opamps. So *if* you want to go down that avenue, you'll need the stereo version.

 

[TheWalkman]

Good morning Rufus. Does the Allo Boss 2 allow variable output? If so, then it would probably work well. If the output is fixed, then the HPA-S400ET would simply play at a fixed and full volume. Changing gain on the HPA-S400ET, or the NAD C298 will give 3 different gain settings, so not ideal for typical volume control as they would all be higher range.

The Allo Miniboss allows for variable output.

miniBoss i2s dac for PI Zero

Small i2s DAC for Pi Zero, 32/384Khz, HIFI sound.

allo.com

 

[juliangst]

The Allo Miniboss allows for variable output.

miniBoss i2s dac for PI Zero

Small i2s DAC for Pi Zero, 32/384Khz, HIFI sound.

allo.com

I really like the idea of just an amp and a pi with a variable DAC HAT too but I don’t trust the software enough to get a setup like this.
I need a physical volume knob that gives me the illusion that I have control over volume and don’t blast my speakers

 

[TheWalkman]

I really like the idea of just an amp and a pi with a variable DAC HAT too but I don’t trust the software enough to get a setup like this.
I need a physical volume knob that gives me the illusion that I have control over volume and don’t blast my speakers

So if you want a knob, here’s your Pi Based Plan B (and I’m using this very setup as I type this response):

Raspberry Pi Zero 2W (running Volumio) => (via USB cable to a) Topping D30 (with a knob) => Audiophonics S400 Amp.

No need for the Allo DAC.

Everone seems to want to use a Pi4 as a streamer and it’s an overkill.

If you’re worried that a Pi Zero 2 W isn’t enough computer to stream, here are the realtime stats from my streamer running Volumio with a 64gb, internal high endurance SD card loaded with approx. 300 CDs:

• CPU info
• Brand: BCM2837
• Speed: 1Ghz
• Number of cores: 4
• Physical cores: 4
• Average load: 10%
• Temperature: 43°C

• Memory info
• Memory: 470728 Ko
• Free: 50580 Ko
• Used: 420148 Ko

• Storage info
• INTERNAL storage - Size: 56585Mo
• Used: 24446Mo
• Available for storage: 29216Mo (52%)

I also have a Sangean HD receiver (HDT-20) attached to the system so I’m using the Topping as a DAC/ preamp.

Speakers: Elac UF5 floorstanders.

This set up sounds absolutely phenomenal. Like end game phenomenal. I am completely satisfied with this system.

QED

 

[juliangst]

So if you want a knob here’s your Pi Plan B (and I’m using this very setup as I type this response):

Raspberry Pi Zero 2W (running Volumio) => (via USB cable to a) Topping D30 (with a knob) => Audiophonics Amp.

No need for the Allo DAC.

Everone seems to want to use a Pi4 as a streamer and it’s an overkill.

If you’re worried that a Pi Zero 2 W isn’t enough computer to stream, here are the realtime stats from my streamer running Volumio with a 64gb, internal high endurance SD card loaded with approx. 300 CDs:

• CPU info
• Brand: BCM2837
• Speed: 1Ghz
• Number of cores: 4
• Physical cores: 4
• Average load: 10%
• Temperature: 43°C

• Memory info
• Memory: 470728 Ko
• Free: 50580 Ko
• Used: 420148 Ko

• Storage info
• INTERNAL storage - Size: 56585Mo
• Used: 24446Mo
• Available for storage: 29216Mo (52%)

I also have a Sangean HD receiver (HDT-20) attached to the system so I’m using the Topping as a DAC/ preamp.)

Speakers: Elac UF5 floorstanders.

This set up sounds absolutely phenomenal. Like end game phenomenal. I am completely satisfied with this system.

QED

My current setup is:
LS50
Denon integrated
Smsl Sanskrit (soon DO100)
and a Raspberry Pi with a Hifiberry digi 2 Pro.

it works fine as a desk setup but when I’m moving towards a bigger setup I want to control everything including volume with the streaming app I’m using.
The only options would be controlling it digitally or getting some streamer that can control volume in the analog domain.

 

[TheWalkman]

My current setup is:
LS50
Denon integrated
Smsl Sanskrit (soon DO100)
and a Raspberry Pi with a Hifiberry digi 2 Pro.

it works fine as a desk setup but when I’m moving towards a bigger setup I want to control everything including volume with the streaming app I’m using.
The only options would be controlling it digitally or getting some streamer that can control volume in the analog domain.

The setup I just laid out for you allows you to control the volume three * ways:
1) via Volumio - software slider;
2) via the knob on the Topping D30;
3) via the Topping remote control.

*4) you can always pull the power cord out, I suppose. Not recommended.

Nor sure what else I can offer…

 

[Caliban]

Does anyone know if this seemingly perfect partner to my HPA4 can be configuered to power up by itself when the mains comes on ?
I am not sure how the power button works, is it a mechanically bistable (then no problem and this ends here..) or does it work another way ?
There is a common power on/off mains-switch to all my audio gear and the Benchmark stuff I have is configured to power up automatically when the mains is applied.
And - yes - I know about the trigger input, but does the amplifier powers up if the trigger signal goes high a few seconds after the mains comes on ?
I intend to connect the trigger out from the HPA4 to the Audiophonics. HPA4 would be configured as master.
The trigger from HPA4 goes high about 2-3 seconds after power is applied (that is during boot). Would this delay be enough or do I need to do some magic to extend that ?
Well, any of you guys that have this amplifier that can enlighten me ?
Maybe this has been clarified earlier in this thread, sorry if so, it is 33 pages long..