Hypex DIY Preamplifier Kit Review

[Music1969]

Wouldn't connecting a DAC directly to a power amp risk frying your speakers if there's a bug in the DAC firmware that randomly resets/ changes its output volume? See horror story linked below.
Not trying to save this particular product, just asking as a newbie.

Topping D70S fried my speakers...

I don't know why but today when I switched on the Topping D70S the volume was at -0db. Of course, i never set the volume so high, and usually the dac reminds the volume of the previous time, but not today. Result: the amplifier fried the tweeter of one loudspeaker. I don't know what the Topping...

audiosciencereview.com

That thread is a good reminder is always turn on amp/s last.
And check the volume level before you turn on amp/s.

 

[Sokel]

That thread is a good reminder is always turn on amp/s last.
And check the volume level before you turn on amp/s.

Good advice.
Problem is that same thing happened during playback.
THAT was the real horror story.

 

[mdsimon2]

Where is the volume control sweep? Seems like one of the most important measurements for this type of device.

Or at least a FFT with the volume control 60 dB below unity gain to compare to the dynamic range measurement.

Michael

 

[Music1969]

Good advice.
Problem is that same thing happened during playback.
THAT was the real horror story.

I didn't see that in his opening post.

It happened during playback later?

 

[RickS]

While not disagreeing with many of the complaints here, could overlook except for the price...

If I have to build it, expect I get some credit for my assembly effort! Due to lots of screws for the back panel, it does take some time to assemble. If there were more inputs, would be even greater effort. Overall, it is a thoughtful design (that could use more balanced inputs). In my opinion, the case design could have been a bit taller and would have the space for more inputs and more area to support the optional modules.

Given inexpensive electronic production has made it difficult for DIY to compete, I do applaud Hypex's efforts for trying to breathe some life into a niche market. However, if a premium price position is the response, agree every aspect needs to be premium to command the price. This preamp misses that mark unfortunately. Hopefully, they can correct and will await the next version.

 

[Sokel]

I didn't see that in his opening post.

It happened during playback later?

Not the same folk,someone else,must be in the same thread and in a different one too.

 

[Deleted member 48726]

Christ I find this expensive. -And you have to assemble it yourself as well?

Looks like the Hypex brand hype is being milked to the brim.

 

[renaudrenaud]

Ha a kit yes. DIY, yes. But is the software open source ?

 

[rvsixer]

Output one to Hypex/Purifi monoblocks and output 2 to active subwoofer.. that Is something i was searching for years

In addition to the previously mentioned and unobtania Okto solution, miniDSP has had preamps with this capability for years (SHD and Flex series). And with proper sets of inputs to boot.

 

[BR52]

It is digitally controlled so no mismatch.

Hmm, hopefully this will not trigger the analog-preamp purists again regarding digital volume control.

 

[sarumbear]

A quick search revealed potential future add-ons such as DAC, phono stage, etc. (that panel on the back might explain it). Could the dual outputs be to support active crossover configurations like the miniDsp units? With streaming, maybe people don't need that many inputs anymore in a stereo setup, especially if a DAC add-on has USB, Toslink, etc. as inputs.

There are insert connectors that can well be used for filters to form a crossover and another connector for something called Fusion.

 

[enricoclaudio]

Thanks @amirm for another great review. I’m one of those who welcome having dual XLR outs but still, having only one XLR in makes not much sense, at least not to me. Add a second XLR in, a single mono XLR out and then this unit could become a real competitor to the Benchmark HPA4 but at its current state, the HPA4 even at 2.5x the price, is a much better solution.

 

[Martin]

Weird choice on only one balanced input and multiple balanced outputs. Seems designed for a very specific use case. I’ll keep my HPA-4.

Martin

 

[TonyJZX]

i would echo this is a very expensive ask given that you will need to pony up for expansion cards that will also be very expensive (of course).

The price though represents the fact that this will never sell in any significant numbers

also i find it kind of funny that as is.. its not that useful... $1,300 usd for what is basically 2 rca and 1 xlr in??? I mean... you're going to have to buy one of those Douk Nobsound passive XLR switch boxes if you truly have a more than one source? and 2 rca is also limiting

I mean I would really wait until they have their expansion cards out to see if the unit really works for you... as it stands it has promise but we've seen cases where they make TWO cards and that's it and its like phono and digital and like... is that it?

Hypex DIY Balanced Pre-Amplifier Kit | KJF Audio | Official UK Hypex Distributor

**Not held in stock, please allow 10 days** Build yourself a high gain, low noise, state-of-the-art pre-amplifier with this DIY kit at a fraction of the cost in just 30-60 minutes. Combined with Hypex's Nilai power amplifier kits, you can create a complete set of superbly sounding equipment.

kjfaudio.com

the remote is one of those joke type round pill ones too like the base Emotiva preamp units

check the user guide

i feel like they're promising a lot on the cards and those would potentionally make the unit actually worth the money but right now? its running on 'hope and velcro" as the saying goes.

i'm not even commenting on the performance, just the practicalities

HOWEVER right now, the market seems to be very bare as far as decent stereo preamps in this price go... there's emotiva and that's it?? and one would admit the emotiva isnt the same quaility

 

[enricoclaudio]

Weird choice on only one balanced input and multiple balanced outputs. Seems designed for a very specific use case. I’ll keep my HPA-4.

Martin

Same thing for me. Regarding audio, the HPA4 is one of the best purchases I have ever made.

 

[Ra1zel]

To be fair I would rather splurge a little more for Benchmark LA4 or Holo Serene and get a bit more usefull I/O, technically even better measured performance, more volume steps and higher quality. Buy once cry once.

 

[TonyJZX]

the flip side is that this is less than half the price and its not really comparable given this isnt built like a Benchmark etc.

and again, you're hoping those expansion cards are really that good

those higher end units are analog only i gather

 

[Gorgonzola]

A quick search revealed potential future add-ons such as DAC, phono stage, etc. (that panel on the back might explain it). Could the dual outputs be to support active crossover configurations like the miniDsp units? With streaming, maybe people don't need that many inputs anymore in a stereo setup, especially if a DAC add-on has USB, Toslink, etc. as inputs.

I particularly like the idea of active crossover support.

I agree with Amir the a much large display of source and, particularly, volume setting would be a good thing.

 

[jhaider]

It measures fine, but I’m struggling to see a use case here.

 

[pseudoid]

Thank you for this review, @amirm,
There have been a few complaints about single XLR IN but dual XLR OUTs.
I kinda dig this idea; for those who may wish to route the 2nd XLR OUT to Zone#2.
This would be my use case, yet the price seems to be too high for a DIY.
Wouldn't a multi-IN passive XLR box do the switching for multiple XLR INs????
Maybe even the Topping ext90 can be used for such a selectable XLR IN box.