Hypex Ncore NC252MP: Audiophonics vs Buckeye

[wiredrob]

I’ve been looking at these two amps to choose for purchase. They are very much alike using the same Hypex Module. I have noticed a difference in what I think is the input buffer board. Look at these two pictures and the area circled. Can anyone shed light on the different designs?

Looks like the Buckeye has the board closer to the input. If the board provides gain (?) it would help reduce noise as the signal will be higher as it goes next to the noise source of the power supply.

Appreciate thoughts on this topic and the two amp’s general designs.

 

[Count Dacula]

I have the Nord. No ragrets.

Nord Value-Line MP NC252 Stereo Power Amplifier - Nord Acoustics Ltd

SPECIFICATION (Per Channel) • Standard Stereo Case (optional SE case) • Hypex NCore NC252MP twin channel Module • RCA or XLR Input • Auto sensing 100-240V mains input operation • 0.12W standby operation • 650W Main PSU • 47K Ohms Input Impedance, low output impedance • THD 0.0015% • S/N Ratio...

nordacoustics.co.uk

 

[somebodyelse]

Buckeye has an 'auto' power setting. The extra circuitry on the board is presumably for that as the gain in the review matches the hypex datasheet, and the gain in the Audiophonics review. There's not a huge difference between them, and what there is may be down to XLR vs. RCA as much as differences in internal routing. I'd pick based on location for ease of warranty return just in case.

 

[wiredrob]

Confirmed by email from Dylan at Buckeye that the extra board on the Buckeye has to do with auto sensing power on and error and clipping indicators.

Thanks as always for everyone’s contribution.