Hypex DIY Preamplifier Kit Review

[tmtomh]

DIY projects are also great hands-on experience; almost akin to what used to be called OJT but without the pay.

Good point. And don't get me wrong - I recently went to a soldering workshop in my area to brush up on my too-long-dormant soldering skills, and it was a ton of fun and I felt a great sense of accomplishment in that I remembered how to do it, and my work was a bit cleaner than the last time I'd done it. But I'm still a rank amateur solderer, so I'm just not so into the idea of doing it with $1000+ kits that are destined to become part of my main stereo setup.

 

[pseudoid]

Good point. And don't get me wrong - I recently went to a soldering workshop in my area to brush up on my too-long-dormant soldering skills, and it was a ton of fun and I felt a great sense of accomplishment in that I remembered how to do it, and my work was a bit cleaner than the last time I'd done it. But I'm still a rank amateur solderer, so I'm just not so into the idea of doing it with $1000+ kits that are destined to become part of my main stereo setup.

I got you wrong! Sorry.
TLDR >> Practice (and often w/DIYs) makes perfect... not workshop.

 

[kazsud]

I wish this had a remote.

 

[barrows]

I wish this had a remote.

It does come with a remote.

 

[Obiwan007]

I hope they bring some board for HT pass through.
I need 2.1 input with sub pass through.
The sub could be then connected to the XLR - maybe add another cinch for it.
Unfortunately there are not many pre amps available that offer some kind of HT input section (with direct out and sub support). I could only find the Emotiva PT2 supporting this but I am not so convinced on how it measures (last emotiva were not so good in the reviews here).
I like to drive my 5.1 setup with my Denon but like to have something more clean for 2.1...
The new hypex 500W stereo amp is around 1500€ (DIY).

 

[TonyJZX]

strangely after all these months the add on cards are still... TBD

this is a lesson to a lot of these companies... the science of making those add on cards is probably not the same as their core competancies

 

[barrows]

strangely after all these months the add on cards are still... TBD

this is a lesson to a lot of these companies... the science of making those add on cards is probably not the same as their core competancies

Hypex told me they expect the DAC board to be ready in Q4 of 2023. The Phono Stage to follow in 2024. So, I would hope we'll see the DAC board fairly soon.

 

[restorer-john]

strangely after all these months the add on cards are still... TBD

this is a lesson to a lot of these companies... the science of making those add on cards is probably not the same as their core competancies

If the add-on cards are not available at the time you buy something, they likely never will be. You have been warned.

How many "expansion slot/port" covers have you seen on equipment that never saw the light of day? It's been going on for decades.

Even Sony's very first CD player in 1982, the CDP-101 had one, supposedly for some kind of graphics adaptor that never saw the light of day.

 

[thewas]

Even Sony's very first CD player in 1982, the CDP-101 had one, supposedly for some kind of graphics adaptor that never saw the light of day.

View attachment 313960

Yes, unfortunately it never left the status of a prototype

although one lucky person seem to have found one http://sakusero.jugem.jp/?eid=699

 

[Matias]

In the meantime the usual Chinese manufacturers will have released like 5 different DACs each...

 

[restorer-john]

Yes, unfortunately it never left the status of a prototype

although one lucky person seem to have found one http://sakusero.jugem.jp/?eid=699

That unit was made for later players, not the CDP-101 (totally different inteface) AFAIK and special Sony CD Karaoke players. CDGraphics.

Philips had CDI (interactive) players. Then 2 years later DVD came along...

 

[Obiwan007]

For this kind of money they should add some more options to choose from.
DAC is a nice to have but not very important as you can get a good DAC rather cheap. If the input configuration is good enough (with more inputs) this would help.
I really like the emotiva approach where they use relays to switch pass-through for HT usage - even embedding a little high/low pass option for sub.
Looks like my usage is rather niche as barely any manufacturer wants to do this kind of stuff. Direct pass-though you might find - but sub handling is not happening...
Maybe NAD has it on their stereo amp with dirac? Not sure if they support pass through though. I could not find this on the product page - but then we speak about a 5k+ amp again...
At some point I might just replace my Denon with something better - but if I see the tests from Amir - they are not at the same ballpark as a good stereo amp - even in the very high price category. And I do not want to spend 20k for a Trinov (which is probably not as good for stereo either)...

Looks like Anthem has a very nice HT pass-through - but the STR costs >5k again... Looks like the Hypex is a bargain

 

[Mnyb]

DAC board should really be full DSP board otherwise there really is no point , kind of halfhearted implementation. You might as well go with the external DAC option unless it’s very cheap and of superb performance at the same time ?

 

[guyboisvert]

Bought it after seeing review here. Assembling it was really easy. Matched it with the Hyper DIY Nilai 500 Stereo kit (which was easy to assemble too), hooked using XLR. I replaced my Rega Elex-R with these 2 units and i am very satisfied. I have Ryan R610 speakers and an Ayre QB-9 DAC: I gained more control over the speakers and a more precise yet very transparent / enjoyable mid/high range. Bass has more authority and and sounds totally controlled. This is a fine preamp that does what i needed. Ayre DAC plugged in using XLR and i still have my Rega DAC-R (using RCA) for video stuff via TV Optical output and other sources.

 

[Dcktr]

I hope they bring some board for HT pass through.
I need 2.1 input with sub pass through.
The sub could be then connected to the XLR - maybe add another cinch for it.
Unfortunately there are not many pre amps available that offer some kind of HT input section (with direct out and sub support). I could only find the Emotiva PT2 supporting this but I am not so convinced on how it measures (last emotiva were not so good in the reviews here).
I like to drive my 5.1 setup with my Denon but like to have something more clean for 2.1...
The new hypex 500W stereo amp is around 1500€ (DIY).

Any input can be set to unity gain (direct) to act as HT pass thru, it works fine for me
Functionally fits my needs. RCA for HT and Phono, XLR from my DAC
XLR out to active speakers and my Sub

 

[TonyJZX]

its going to funny to see how long down the track these alleged cards appear

its probably pretty apparent that they didnt sell enough of these to warrant making any cards

ship has sailed

 

[FERCSA]

Introducing the DIY PreDIGin add-on:​ ​

We're proud to announce the latest addition to our DIY PreAmplifier: the DIY PreDIGin add-on. Designed to complete your DIY PreAmplifier, the DIY PreDIGin is the digital companion for audio enthusiasts seeking the ultimate listening experience. At the heart of the DIY PreDIGin lies cutting-edge technology, including high-quality components such as the AK5574 ADC IC, dual CS43198 DAC ICs operating in Mono mode, SRC4392 for superior sample rate conversion, and the ADSP21489 DSP for advanced signal processing capabilities. One of the standout features of the DIY PreDIGin is its exceptional DAC audio specifications. With an output level of 14dBu, distortion rated at an impressive -117.5dB, a signal-to-noise ratio of 128.5dB, and a dynamic range of 127dB, the DIY PreDIGin ensures pristine audio reproduction, capturing every nuance of your favorite music. Versatility is another key strength of the DIY PreDIGin, offering support for a wide range of audio formats and connectivity options. Whether you prefer traditional sources like S/PDIF, Optical, and AES/EBU up to 192kHz/24bits, or cutting-edge digital interfaces like USB type B and Network* up to 384kHz/32bits, the DIY PreDIGin has you covered. Additionally, Bluetooth connectivity at 48kHz/16bits provides convenient wireless streaming options. For those looking to take their audio setup to the next level, the DIY PreDIGin includes a FusionConnect board. This optional feature transforms your DIY PreAmplifier into the master device in a FusionAmp setup, offering seamless integration and enhanced control over your entire FusionAmp based audio system. With its exceptional performance, versatility, and innovative features, the DIY PreDIGin sets a new standard for DIY audio enthusiasts. Elevate your listening experience and unleash the full potential of the DIY PreAmplifier with the DIY PreDIGin add-on. * An additional internally installed streaming board is connected to an internal USB port of the digital input board. Supported formats depend on the chosen streaming board and software.​

 

[marshalldhance]

Dang. I was looking forward to a value engineered tambaqui, not a chip dac. Purely for the engineering prowess. I already shelved my DIY pre, allowing a wiim pro plus handle everything before my ncore amps. The DIY has a fine remote, but the wiim Bluetooth remote is such a joy, anything else will be a tough sell.

 

[Craigyp]

Am I right in thinking that this is the highest performing dedicated preamp as distinct from a dedicated headphone amp? The ones above it, under excellent, appear to be lower gain headphone amps - where this appears to be a high gain preamp.

 

[Matias]

€770 for the add-on board is a tough sell in today's market, where one can buy for example a WiiM Ultra twice and still have money left.