BUCKEYEAMPS Hypex NCx500 Amplifier 2channel Review

[Toni Mas]

No I’m not. All the brains of the system is in the amp modules. The supply is stupid. It relies on the protection in the amp to save it from blowing up. Along with a manufacturer who understands how to properly choose the right supply for the application.

In this case the "manufacturer" seems to have merely assembled ready to use modules designed by Hypex and dimensioned by the designer for a probably relative bullet proof home hifi use. The "manufacturer" has also kind of tweaked the specs so as to make the product more attractive to the prospects, reaching the limits of over promissing. Then the OP seems to have taken these inflated numbers for granted ( cos' it's written...) and has started the testing in the most innocent way (let's see what happen...) and without any curiousity about what's inside the box.
What else?

 

[Positivevibrations]

Datasheet:





Introduction
The SMPS1200 is a high efficiency Safety Class 2 switch mode power supply specifically designed for use
with our range of UcD/NCore amplifier modules. Key features are high efficiency over the entire load range,
extremely small form factor, low weight and very low radiated and conducted EMI. The SMPS1200 also
features an advanced over current protection which in case of temporary overload limits the output current.
Only when the overload condition remains for a longer time the supply will enter hiccup mode until the
overload condition disappears. This feature combined with large primary electrolytic buffer capacitors leads
to the capability of delivering high dynamic headroom power to the connected amplifier. The SMPS1200 also
includes a symmetrical auxiliary output and a control circuit directly interfacing with our range of
UcD/NCore amplifier modules. The supply is triggered for normal operation or latched off in case of critical
fault via built-in actuators. The SMPS1200 is optimized from the first phase of design to final
implementation to realize the lowest possible EMI signature required of the most demanding audio

Ya but if the amp limiter kicked in before that condition occurs, it will never happen. Also as stated it‘s a slow acting system. And it was likely given a quick power jolt. The amp protection is lightning fast. And would have prevented it.

 

[Positivevibrations]

In this case the "manufacturer" seems to have merely assembled ready to use modules designed by Hypex and dimensioned by the designer for a probably relative bullet proof home hifi use. The "manufacturer" has also kind of tweaked the specs so as to make the product more attractive to the prospects, reaching the limits of over promissing. Then the OP seems to have taken these inflated numbers for granted ( cos' it's written...) and has started the testing in the most innocent way (let's see what happen...) and without any curiousity about what's inside the box.
What else?

These modules are only sold to the OEM market. The engineers who designed them did so with the intention that professionals would be implementing them into builds.

 

[Toni Mas]

These modules are only sold to the OEM market. The engineers who designed them did so with the intention that professionals would be implementing them into builds.

OEM and ready to use as for a diy market. A limited access to DIY products for pros only.

 

[Sokel]

These modules are only sold to the OEM market. The engineers who designed them did so with the intention that professionals would be implementing them into builds.

So,what differentiate this PSU from the diy Nilai's one for example?

 

[Toni Mas]

So,what differentiate this PSU from the diy Nilai's one for example?

The marketing stategy at Hypex. Each product for its target market. No OEM would buy a module that diyers can also buy.

 

[Positivevibrations]

OEM and ready to use as for a diy market. A limited access to DIY products for pros only.

Not these modules. They’re not sold to the DIY market.

 

[Sokel]

The marketing stategy at Hypex. Each product for its target market. No OEM would buy a module that diyers can also buy.

My question is how they differ technically.
Ok,the PS500diy is newer,has PFC,etc.
At 800 watt peak and 600 watt "normal" (as they say) operation is good for one Nilai module.
But are there any additional protections implemented on this?

 

[Toni Mas]

Not these modules. They’re not sold to the DIY market.

I know that: It is a DIY product for the OEM market!

 

[Positivevibrations]

So,what differentiate this PSU from the diy Nilai's one for example?

That’s a completely new design. And obviously Hypex designed them to be used with a pair of modules that exceed the output of the supply. And it’s obviously smart enough for the protection system to recognize when it’s being run in this manner. As Hypex sells kits implemented this way.

The SMPS1200A700 was designed 14 years ago long before this.

 

[DS23MAN]

The marketing stategy at Hypex. Each product for its target market. No OEM would buy a module that diyers can also buy.

NO! An OEM is not allowed to use a DIY module in his product!

 

[restorer-john]

Hypex is the OEM. Buckeye is a value added reseller.

 

[Toni Mas]

My question is how they differ technically.
Ok,the PS500diy is newer,has PFC,etc.
At 800 watt peak and 600 watt "normal" (as they say) operation is good for one Nilai module.
But are there any additional protections implement on this?

No idea, but It seems common in classD smps combo to allow a pretty high ratio of continuous to peak power. For me It is ok, though many stick to peak have to be only twice the rms, as if the amp were designed for sine waves as musical program... Overkill for me.

 

[Toni Mas]

NO! An OEM is not allowed to use a DIY module in his product!

Why? Hypex simply limits the number of units you can buy or does not offer qty pricing, so no manufacturer is interested.

 

[Toni Mas]

Hypex is the OEM. Buckeye is a value added reseller.

Correct

 

[Positivevibrations]

Why? Hypex simply limits the number of units you can buy or does not offer qty pricing, so no manufacturer is interested.

Hypex just confirms if you have an actual business. Then you can become a OEM client. They should go much further in my opinion.

 

[DS23MAN]

Why? Hypex simply limits the number of units you can buy or does not offer qty pricing, so no manufacturer is interested.

You will get a mail from Hypex Sales if you put any DIY components in your product.

 

[Toni Mas]

Hypex just confirms if you have an actual business. Then you can become a OEM client. They should go much further in my opinion.

They must also sell. Their products are also bullet proof enough so that a diyer can become a manufacturer.
But this manufacturer will also have to apply for conformance to legal regulations (CE, Rohs, or whatever depending on countries).

 

[DS23MAN]

Hypex just confirms if you have an actual business. Then you can become a OEM client. They should go much further in my opinion.

They also check your track record. Not every Labradoodle can become an OEM customer.

 

[Toni Mas]

You will get a mail from Hypex Sales if you put any DIY components in your product.

This does not Matter. The problem is that as a business It is a pure nonsense to do so.