Hypex DIY Preamplifier Kit Review

[EJ3]

At least the Makua has tons of inputs/outputs.

View attachment 276753

(for those who don't know, Mola Mola is also a sister brand from Hypex for high end, while the brand DIY Class D is self explanatory)

Thank you! I have been wondering what that is for some time.

 

[TonyJZX]

i'm wondering how people have come to the conclusion this is class d pwm preamp

such a thing does not exist

 

[gvl]

Why do I need this expensive kit?

 

[PeteL]

i'm wondering how people have come to the conclusion this is class d pwm preamp

such a thing does not exist

Who came to this conclusion?

 

[Sokel]

It would make sense to be something like Nilai,only the boards,etc.

That would be DIY,at least easy for beginners and the price should be half or something close.

This looks more like an IKEA furniture,all included which is constraining.Let alone the second hand price,it will not worth selling it after.

 

[TonyJZX]

but Ikea is cheap. This isnt. Yes and I also get than 2nd hand may be as issue because I would buy one Rick hand built but Joe Average Donkey? Hmmm...

while an established unit like an Emotiva is delivered turnkey ready and while Emotiva had a rep for being affordable their current unit preamp is $1,000 but I dont doubt it doesnt come anywhere near as well benched as this BUT it does a whole lot more.

I would be suggesting launching this now without the cards does it a disservice. The reason for this things existence is its card ecosystem.

 

[Mnyb]

It's not "expensive" compared to typical high end preamps and it beats them all , but 3 inputs is a bit lean ?

Question to @Hypexsales can you add all the option card to this preamp or are there limitations to how many you can fit ? ANd i do want to know how the EQ would work ?

With phono and tone controls ( EQ ) and built in DAC it becomes a fully functional preamp and thus interesting

 

[Sokel]

It's not "expensive" compared to typical high end preamps and it beats them all , but 3 inputs is a bit lean ?

On the other hand the same money gets you this:

Rotel RC-1572 MKII (Black)

Stereo preamplifier with built-in DAC and Bluetooth®

www.crutchfield.com

No comparison really and if the 0.004% THD (not N) is true,good enough for everything.

 

[JktHifi]

On the other hand the same money gets you this:

View attachment 276801

Rotel RC-1572 MKII (Black)

Stereo preamplifier with built-in DAC and Bluetooth®

www.crutchfield.com

No comparison really and if the 0.004% THD (not N) is true,good enough for everything.

There are holes labeled as sub-out. Stay away

 

[Sokel]

There are holes labeled as sub-out. Stay away

Just an example of connectivity,I'm not telling people to buy that instead.
(my old thing has even more but all analog,sadly no tone controls,not like Rotel who has about 4-5 digitals on top of the 5 (?) analogs )

 

[pma]

On the other hand the same money gets you this:

Rotel RC-1572 MKII (Black)

Stereo preamplifier with built-in DAC and Bluetooth®

www.crutchfield.com

No comparison really and if the 0.004% THD (not N) is true,good enough for everything.

It would be my choice as well, for some time I have had it in "interesting components" list.

 

[JktHifi]

Just an example of connectivity,I'm not telling people to buy that instead.
(my old thing has even more but all analog,sadly no tone controls,not like Rotel who has about 4-5 digitals on top of the 5 (?) analogs )

Sorry. It’s only my personal taste. Might be good for others.
Because I prefer durable equipment that can last at least 30 to 40 years. And it should be less complex system with much less components inside.

 

[Deleted member 48726]

It would make sense to be something like Nilai,only the boards,etc.

That would be DIY,at least easy for beginners and the price should be half or something close.

This looks more like an IKEA furniture,all included which is constraining.Let alone the second hand price,it will not worth selling it after.

Good point with the 2nd hand prices.

 

[JSmith]

if the 0.004% THD (not N) is true

Data for that unit here... measures fairly well, but nowhere near this Hypex DIY, strictly measurements wise.


JSmith

 

[PeteL]

Data for that unit here... measures fairly well, but nowhere near this Hypex DIY, strictly measurements wise.


JSmith

But that's an integrated amplifier. Not a preamp.

 

[JSmith]

But that's an integrated amplifier. Not a preamp.

Ah, indeed it is... RA-1572MKII not RC-1572MKII. Thanks for the correction, clearly I'm distracted.


JSmith

 

[PeteL]

Ah, indeed it is... RA-1572MKII not RC-1572MKII. Thanks for the correction, clearly I'm distracted.


JSmith

But as an integrated still these measurments don't impress.

 

[Sokel]

Data for that unit here... measures fairly well, but nowhere near this Hypex DIY, strictly measurements wise.


JSmith

Other than my measurements fun,the only distinction I follow is audible-inaubible with music.

So it only comes down to safety,durability,functionality and looks for me (with that exact order).

(I expect the one I posted not to be far from the integrated)

 

[Anthony LoFi]

I want to thank Hypex for sending the unit to Amri and DS23MAN for fronting up to answer any considered questions by interest buyers.
Its really appreciated that companies send in products for us to consider and also employees that avail themselves to all sorts of hypotheticals.
Yes it may be "free" advertising but really dont think Hypex are counting on this to sell like hotcakes. Its, I believe designed for a specific application, not for everyone.
I will always do research when looking at a product and where it fits into a proposed system I think may benefit me.
E.G. Fusion are plate amps with I believe very have good specs which makes this product a good match and a combination to provide full range speaker configurations.

I don't see what all the angst is about. Geez!
Amir has provided a review with factual outcomes and thanks to Rick for putting it together.
Enjoyable review, appreciated.

 

[TonyJZX]

RC-1590MKII

Reference audio systems deserve reference audio equipment. Rotel’s RC-1590MKII reference preamplifier renders audio with natural expression, an open sound stage and dynamic clarity. Analog, Digital, Bluetooth and Turntable sources are supported by a bespoke acoustic tuning process inviting you...

www.rotel.com

the 1590 is a good choice for a little bit more and of course everything under the sun for two channel

ironically it too has single XLR in but dual XLR out so there's something none of us here are understanding... are they thinking of bi-amping?