Class D power amp with VU meters or level display?

[Paxilexifaxi]

I am looking for a stereo power amplifier or a pair of mono blocks with VU meters or a level display.

Technically, I am looking for something roughly in the Hypex NC502MP, Hypex NCx500 or comparable Purifi class. Basically modern Class D with clean power reserve.

What I have found so far are brands like Apollon, Buckeye, Audiophonics, Nord, SoundImpress and similar. Technically very interesting, but usually without VU meters or any kind of level display.

On the other hand, there are smaller Class D amplifiers with VU meters or displays, such as the Ampapa D1, Douk G7, Fosi/3E units and similar products. These simply do not seem to be quite in the power and build class I am looking for.

I really like the look of classic Yamaha amplifiers such as the A-S1100, A-S1200 or A-S2200, but I do not really want to add another large traditional integrated amplifier to my system.

Does something like this exist in a more serious and compact version? In other words: Hypex/Purifi-like power class, solid internal power supply, good build quality, and VU meters or at least a useful level display?

 

[Clmrt]

Yamaha PX series - signal LEDs and configurable display for input or output level.

 

[NTK]

IOM sells a NCx500 based mono amplifier with a big VU meter, but they charge a hefty premium for it.

Metric 500 - high-end amplifier with analog power indicator

Metric 500 mono amplifiers combine Hypex NCx500 performance with a dynamic analog power meter, delivering reference-grade sound and visible musical energy.

internetofmusic.nl

[Edit] For not that much more than two IOM monos, you can get a stereo one from McIntosh (which has the older NC500 modules).

McIntosh MI502 2-Channel Digital Amplifier

A welcome addition to a custom installed home audio or home theater system.

www.mcintoshlabs.com

 

[Petrushka]

Wiim Amp Ultra has a dB display option.

 

[tom_tom]

Maybe it makes sense to just buy good power amp and add VU meters separate. Fosi Audio LC30 or similar

 

[Redacted]

Consider a Cambridge Audio Evo 300 when it's available - it's a Hypex-based, just-add-speakers unit, which is OK if you don't have other separate units already, but it does have VUs. 60 day return program if you don't like it.

I'm not sure that VU is that useful (except for recording perhaps, where various level meters can be used).

 

[YSDR]

TEAC have Hypex NC-MP based amps with VU meters, the largest one is the AP-701 with two NC250MP, they looks good but are not cheap.

https://teac.jp/int/product/ap-701/spec

 

[JRowland]

X2 Power Amplifier

The X2 Power Amplifier What is it?The X2 Power Amplifier is our latest high-performance design, built on the acclaimed Hypex NCore X platform. Engineered to pair seamlessly with the Carina pre|DAC, the X2 delivers effortless power, complete sonic transparency, and absolute control—capable of...

www.peachtreeaudio.com

Carina Stack

The Carina Stack is both the Carina pre|DAC and the X2 power amplifier.

www.peachtreeaudio.com

 

[Ultrasonic]

Maybe it makes sense to just buy good power amp and add VU meters separate. Fosi Audio LC30 or similar

Interesting product. Not seen that before.

Possibly of note to the OP that it states a max. power of 250 W @ 4 Ohms.

 

[Redacted]

I'd video some VU meters in action, and run it as a loop on my TV, as it will save money.

 

[Ultrasonic]

Not strictly a power amp but this could be another option:

Ampapa D1 Stereo Amplifier Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Ampapa/Douk Audio D1 stereo class D amplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $199.99. The D1 implements one of the best graphic emulation of VU meters I have seen! The OLED display looks nicer in person than the above picture...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Owisun]

Same as you! Only Teac Ap-701 or 507 seem to include vu metre, beautiful and quality design ,nice front imput selection

 

[Bleib]

Currently on pre-order deal, minus 20 USD

AIYIMA A20 MONO

www.aiyima.com

No idea about performance

 

[AaronJ]

View attachment 545661
Currently on pre-order deal, minus 20 USD

AIYIMA A20 MONO

www.aiyima.com

No idea about performance

That should scratch a ton of audiophile itches. Nice job Aiyima.

 

[mhardy6647]

View attachment 545661
Currently on pre-order deal, minus 20 USD

AIYIMA A20 MONO

www.aiyima.com

No idea about performance

Just the thing for a full-blown Dolby Atmos setup! A wall full of those...

 

[Jarrett]

I love the suggestions here, And ya, a nice chassis is holding back all the mentioned OEM companies, maybe Apollon looks ok and they don't charge extra for colours.

I wonder why we don't see similar "nice" models / treatment for the TPA3251 / TPA3255? Why can't I spend $500 on a nicer looking one? Why hasn't it been adored by mass market companies?

 

[Bleib]

Well, Wiim Amp Ultra is pretty nice

 

[Sam_138]

I think it's going on sale this year.

 

[DavidEdwinAston]

Yamaha PX series - signal LEDs and configurable display for input or output level.

This series looks sensational, and cheap! There must be some glaring reasons why they aren't the go to choice, for hi-fi applications?

 

[Redacted]

My old Hypex-based unit has these in various styles:
I have no idea what use they can possibly be.