Difference between Audiophonics MPA-S250NC and HPA-S250NC

[Nicolas_]

Hi all,

I'm considering pairing a WiiM Pro + with either one of these two Hypex Ncore amplifiers :

AUDIOPHONICS HPA-S250NC Power Amplifier Class D Stereo NCore NC250MP 2x250W 4 Ohm - Audiophonics

The PA-S250NC is a large single mono dual amplifier designed to meet power and precision requirements. Based on a duo of Hypex NCore NC250MP modules, this Class D amplifier is extremely efficient thanks to two switching power supply units.

www.audiophonics.fr

AUDIOPHONICS MPA-S250NC RCA Power Amplifier Class D Stereo Ncore NC252MP 2x250W 4 Ohm - Audiophonics

The Audiophonics MPA-S252NC XLR is a stereo amplifier based on an amplification module Hypex Ncore NC252MP. This solution is ideal for anyone who wants to have a large power reserve (2x150W) without sacrificing sound reproduction quality.

www.audiophonics.fr

The first is described as a "stereo/large single mono dual amplifier [...] based on a duo of Hypex NCore NC250MP modules"
The second, as a "stereo amplifier based on an (single, I presume) amplification module Hypex Ncore NC252MP"

I don't have the technical knowledge to understand the difference in practical use, can someone explain?
I've asked Audiophonics directly and they left me confused, it seems like they are saying the sound difference would be imperceptible, and that one is double the price as the other because it's more expensive to produce...

Are they made for different usages?

 

[Overseas]

I like Audiophonics, but they must understand how to present products, unless they go for a technical niche market.

As long as they probably have a waiting list, positioning and presenting products properly for lay clients will not be a priority.

 

[StigErik]

The main difference is that the dual-mono NC250MP-based amp can deliver twice as much output power. Apart from that, no difference other than price and chassis size.

I friend of mine ordered two MPA-S250NC, which were delivered in just two days. Apparently no waiting lists.

 

[staticV3]

The main difference is that the dual-mono NC250MP-based amp can deliver twice as much output power.

It cannot.
Both Audiophonics amps will output 2x 250W @4Ω.

 

[VintageFlanker]

The main difference is that the dual-mono NC250MP-based amp can deliver twice as much output power

Absolutely not. Difference between NC252MP and NC250MP is the fact that you deal with separate modules, with supposedly better separation and longevity for modules SMPS.

 

[Overseas]

Separate modules including power supply?

 

[StigErik]

Well. I'm not so sure since both the dual-channel NC252MP and the single-channel NC250MP has the same power supply.

Amir measured the NC252MP to about 190W in 4 ohm with both channels driven. I've not seen any independent measurements on the NC250MP yet.

 

[VintageFlanker]

Separate modules including power supply?

Yes. Always the case with nCore NC-MP.

 

[VintageFlanker]

Well. I'm not so sure

Pity, because I am.

Amir measured the NC252MP to about 190W in 4 ohm with both channels driven

It's clearly higher, since we're talking here about continuous power, which is <1% THD+N, not power before clipping, which Amir points in his THD+N VS Power graphs.

I've not seen any independent measurements on the NC250MP yet.

The datasheet is reliable enough.

 

[MarnixM]

Also considered: ?

AUDIOPHONICS AP300-S2503E Power Amplifier 3E AUDIO 260-2-29A PFFB

The Audiophonics AP300-S2503E is a stereo power amplifier featuring a 3e Audio PFFB amplifier module. This enables it to develop 2x250W of power under 4Ω while delivering exceptional sound quality, combining precision and dynamics.

www.audiophonics.fr

 

[StigErik]

I stand corrected. Again...
I made assumptions regarding Hypex based on my disappointing experiences with ICEpower I guess.

 

[Overseas]

From OP point of view, the stereo cheaper one would be absolutely ok for his use.

The dual mono is a 'luxury' product from technical point if view but with same utility as the stereo.

 

[Nicolas_]

Thank you, so same power output confirmed.
Basically, the dual mono does "the same job" as the single stereo one, but with better separation, would that be it?

Also considered: ?

AUDIOPHONICS AP300-S2503E Power Amplifier 3E AUDIO 260-2-29A PFFB

The Audiophonics AP300-S2503E is a stereo power amplifier featuring a 3e Audio PFFB amplifier module. This enables it to develop 2x250W of power under 4Ω while delivering exceptional sound quality, combining precision and dynamics.

www.audiophonics.fr

No, I missed that one, thanks for the suggestion, I'll have a look at it.

 

[VintageFlanker]

I stand corrected. Again...
I made assumptions regarding Hypex based on my disappointing experiences with ICEpower I guess.

I do think that both give fairly repeatable AP measurements by third-party, when comparing with their own datasheets. Mostly. Their THD+N VS Frequency on the other hand, is often optimistic.

 

[Nicolas_]

From OP point of view, the stereo cheaper one would be absolutely ok for his use.

The dual mono is a 'luxury' product from technical point if view but with same utility as the stereo.

That's what I kinda gathered from the answers here, yes.
There are a couple of second hand HPA that I found, and they're offered for less than 500€. But I guess it's better, for me, to buy a new MPA for less still, or wait for a used one for even less

 

[Overseas]

Thank you, so same power output confirmed.
Basically, the dual mono does "the same job" as the single stereo one, but with better separation, would that be it?


No, I missed that one, thanks for the suggestion, I'll have a look at it.

Hope you do not think 'separation' as a sound attribute. It is just physically constructively separation. Effect on sound?! Very debateable.

 

[Nicolas_]

Hope you do not think 'separation' as a sound attribute. It is just physically constructively separation. Effect on sound?! Very debateable.

I imagined it meant lower level of crosstalk - is that correct?

 

[Overseas]

Probably not audible.

It is a beast doing a regular job.

 

[StigErik]

I do think that both give fairly repeatable AP measurements by third-party, when comparing with their own datasheets. Mostly. Their THD+N VS Frequency on the other hand, is often optimistic.

I should have read the datasheet before I purchased a lot of ICEpower 2000AS2 modules....

The sales department says this:

While the truth is more like this:

 

[VintageFlanker]

I imagined it meant lower level of crosstalk - is that correct?

Correct. But most likely not audible.

On the other hand, I genuinely do think that the same power for two separated SMPS VS a single one could translate into higher longevity....