Hypex Ncore NC252 vs Fosi V3? (vs Topping pa5 II, pa7+?)

[CauliflowerEars]

Wiim Mini -> Topping e50 DAC -> Fosi V3 (48v PSU) -> Elac DBR62
Would it be worth upgrading the amp to one with Hypex Ncore NC252?
Some commenters on ASR said they didn't hear a difference vs Fosi V3 / Aiyima a07.
How about one of the Toppings?

I'm in the EU and seems the only option to try the Hypex is ordering from Audiophonics, but then shipping it back might be expensive.
So, looking for some ways to determine, if the purchase might actually be a good upgrade.

I was just ... chatting with ChatGPT and it says:
1. The Fosi is a bottleneck in my system.
2. The Hypex is basically almost 'end game' (after PuriFi, but much cheaper).
3. The Hypex would be more 'future proof'.
4. Apparently KEF R3 Meta would take me about 90% 'end game'. And Hypex seems good for such speakers.
(it will probably take quite sometime until I buy such speakers)

Would be grateful to hear your experience and figure out, if it's worth pulling the trigger.

 

[somebodyelse]

The speakers are the most likely part of the chain to make an audible difference. I'd save for a speaker upgrade instead of replacing the Fosi. In the meantime look at using the Wiim's EQ for speaker and room correction if you haven't done it already.

 

[DWPress]

What somebodyelse said especially with the relatively powerful EQ WiiM gives you. You won't hear any difference with the amp swap so if you really want to improve what you hear pony up for better speakers.

 

[Mort]

Hypex are fun but your amps are fine now. And when you get the KEF, you'll want the 502s.

 

[jcarys]

I really hope you're joking about using ChatGPT for audio advice, but I'll jump in anyway. The Fosi puts out more power into 6 ohms- 155 watts, than Elac considers as its max - 120, so there's no need for more power. I also wouldn't bother with another amp for now, there is no bottleneck.

When you eventually upgrade to KEFs or any other speaker, that would be the time to decide if you need different amplification. Better amps are getting cheaper all the time. Why spend money now when you can probably get more for your dollar in the future when you actually need it.

 

[somebodyelse]

I really hope you're joking about using ChatGPT for audio advice, but I'll jump in anyway.

I considered saying something similar. LLM training data so far isn't marked up for accuracy so is more likely to parrot common mistakes than infrequent truths. Given the amount of bullshit in the audio hobby the chances of getting good advice from any of the LLMs like ChatGPT are very low.

 

[Palladium]

Stereo electronics are factually a solved problem for cheap by 2024. Don't listen to the ridiculous marketing that tells you otherwise.

 

[Waxx]

I trust the build quality of Hypex a lot more than the Fosi. Both are class D made in Asia (Hypex build in Malaysia), but Hypex is designed and tested in Europe to a high standard, while we don't know what quality control and durability the Fosi has. The Hypex also measures a bit better. It's not that the Fosi is bad, but for me it's not in the "it's good enough so it does not matter anymore" range like (even the old 1st gen) Hypex NCore is.

Toppings got a bad rep on durability with their amps, and they are not necesairly cheaper than some hypex builds (like the Audiophonics) here, so I went for those Audiophonics Hypex builds. I ordered from Audiophonics from Belgium and the shipping was cheap (about 8€ i thought). You can also buy from Apollon Audio (Slovenia), but they are more expensive (and look fancier). Quality wise both brands are in the same league.

But if you have the Fosi already, and don't hear faults, it's probally more worth upgrading your speakers or add dsp and a few subs, than replacing the amp. But when the amp brakes down, and you got the budget, get a Ncore (any generation) or a Purifi based amp from a reputed builder if you want to be SOTA on amp level.

 

[delta76]

Whatever you buy, buy with actual warranty. The kind of warranty that gets your amp repaired or replaced within the warrant period and that costs nothing to you (not a hefty shipping fee). People sometimes forget warranty is basically insurance. You might have to pay a bit more but when sh*t happens you will kick yourself for not paying that

 

[CauliflowerEars]

Thanks for the great responses!
So ... is there some consensus that the Kef R3 Meta could actually take me sort of 90% 'end game'?
Trying to figure out how much money I need to reach this level of experience.
GPT actually listed KEF LS50 Meta, Focal Aria 906, ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UFR52 - so all about 1,500-2,000 USD.

The speakers are the most likely part of the chain to make an audible difference.

When you eventually upgrade to KEFs

Hypex are fun but your amps are fine now. And when you get the KEF, you'll want the 502s.

502 - do you mean still Ncore, but more power, Hypex NC502MP?

I really hope you're joking about using ChatGPT for audio advice

^ Well, was just trying to find my way in this complex audio world. Quite a lot of stuff to get my amateur head around.
It helped me figure out that in terms of value per money spent: PuriFi top tier and Hypex Ncore next.
Also gave ideas for some speakers, just curious if those actually could be 90% 'end game', as GPT suggested ...

But if you have the Fosi already, and don't hear faults, it's probally more worth upgrading your speakers or add dsp and a few subs, than replacing the amp

I was thinking about moving Fosi to my 2nd system (to replace an old, huge Pioneer).
Then figured it'd be better to buy a future proof amp for my main system now. Rather than a small upgrade first.
So trying to find one worth spending my money on.

 

[Mort]

502 - do you mean still Ncore, but more power, Hypex NC502MP?

I do mean that but more as an example of the desire to upgrade beyond our real 'needs'. If you want the 252 now and you are like me, you'll want the 502 or something better with the kefs.

 

[jcarys]

GPT is just scraping websites and brings up speakers that fit your search parameters. They are perfectly fine options since you are just making budget plans. But when it comes time to actually purchase speakers, you want to use your ears. Speaker choice is far more of a personal choice than electronics. Modern electronics now operate beyond the hearing ability of us humans, but speakers do not. You might not care or even notice something that might bother or excite me about a particular model. You can use specs to create a short list, but you want to audition them for final decisions.

Other topic - if you're planning on moving the Fosi to another system, then sure look at the various Hypex and Purifi options. It's hard to go wrong with any of them.

 

[Jungstar]

Get a cheap used sub with high and low pass. Work on speakers placement and sub placement and I think it will be the best 500 usd you can spend.

I guess the real quetion is - what are you looking for?