Hypex Nilai 500 DIY Stereo Amp Kit Review

[onununo]

The chosen presentation of the 19+20k is unfortunate - we can assume that also a difference tone is created, i.e. 1k, but the scale used totally obfuscates that range of the output - as the last x-axis scale says 5k and what the leftmost part of the scart really represent isn't readable, it's really "unlucky".

I see perhaps -105 dB 1k there to the absolute left and that aint 18.3bits - more like 17,5. Not that it matters much but in "science" we need to be correct.

//

No, you're looking at the DC component, not the 1 Khz one. The 1 kHz is clearly at -112 dB, so the -18.3 dB ia correct.

 

[onununo]

Yes, better (actually no "better", just different) only at popping. Some care about that, some don't at all, I'm on the latter group personally for example. So for me, no popping is no better than popping. That's why it's subjective, as Julf said.

Edit: But on second thought, for me it's better if it pops, because then I know the amp is definitely turned off.

I am too in the "don't care if it pops" league, provided it's not too evident. I would much, MUCH rather consider how the amp performs whith various output loads, the static and dynamic output power reserve it's got, and the distorsion over the full audio band. Also, to classify the quality of an amp by SINAD is something I really fail to understand. Noise is important of course, but only down to a cartain extent. After that, the dynamic range of the amp and how it drives the load gets WAY more interesting, and this is really the parameter that differentiates cheap amps from expensive ones, though this does not seem to be something considered and delved enough into in these reviews. It's really a pity IMHO.

 

[Julf]

After that, the dynamic range of the amp and how it drives the load gets WAY more interesting, and this is really the parameter that differentiates cheap amps from expensive ones, though this does not seem to be something considered and delved enough into in these reviews. It's really a pity IMHO.

What is your definition of "dynamic range"?

 

[Ropeburn]

What is your definition of "dynamic range"?

The dynamic range of the ideal amplifier is zero to rail voltage

 

[Sokel]

Other than arguing about which "pop" is audible or not, I would suggest to measure the chain for DC or other problems prior the amp.
(and at the speaker's binding posts of course, that goes without saying)

A very audible pop can be a sign of something VERY broken at the chain.

A nice DMM is our best friend in audio and even a trueRMS fairly good one costs nothing compared to the rest of our gear.

 

[Julf]

The dynamic range of the ideal amplifier is zero to rail voltage

Sure. For the ideal amplifier, that doesn't exist.

 

[onununo]

I have this amp which I converted to dual mono recently. My only concern is that the case is poorly vented, with only a pinhole grid in the top cover. I'm considering modifications to improve airflow.

For what reason did you make such conversion?

 

[onununo]

What is your definition of "dynamic range"?

Yeah, sorry guys, I meant to say the dynamic headroom...

 

[onununo]

For what reason did you make such conversion?

@Julf @Ropeburn see what I mean? There's not enough evidence as to how "muscular" the amplifier should sound, in the measurements. People ends up in trying doubling up the power supply stage and this leads me to the conclusion that something is missing from the measurements...... I don't know, perhaps burst power vs. continuous power at various loads, reactive ones included.

 

[Julf]

People ends up in trying doubling up the power supply stage and this leads me to the conclusion that something is missing from the measurements......

It is also possible that people do it just because they have seen some misguided advice on some audiophile site or forum...

 

[terryforsythe]

@Julf @Ropeburn see what I mean? There's not enough evidence as to how "muscular" the amplifier should sound, in the measurements. People ends up in trying doubling up the power supply stage and this leads me to the conclusion that something is missing from the measurements...... I don't know, perhaps burst power vs. continuous power at various loads, reactive ones included.

The reason to add the second power supply is to double the current capacity, which roughly doubles the output power at 2 and 4 ohm loads. For an 8 ohm load the amplifier is voltage limited, so adding the second power supply does not accomplish much except waste money.

My speakers are 4 ohm, and I added the extra power supply. I heard no difference. But, it may come in useful down the road if I ever really need 525W/ch.

 

[daniboun]

, I decided to order Apollon Audio amps. While I am not sure if the Apollon would be superior to the Nilai in a blind test -

Which one exactly ??

 

[DavidM1]

Sure. The question is how much it actually matters.

It doesn’t matter how much it matters. lol.
Better is better.

Of course, some folks might claim they subjectively prefer popping, all else being equal. It couldn’t be too hard to make a popping accessory to cater to that market.

 

[YSDR]

It doesn’t matter how much it matters. lol.
Better is better.

It does, because objectively speaking there is popping or no popping, that's all. The qualifying part which says to you it's better if not pops is in your head only and that's why it's your subjective opinion. But others may think differently and even possible that there are more people who thinks no popping is no better than popping.

 

[BeeKay]

I get, there is technically nothing wrong with some popping. However, it sucks.

I like this:

 

[Sokel]

I get, there is technically nothing wrong with some popping. However, it sucks.

I like this:

Any amp with external PSU should be similar as the "ON" of these amps are only for the amp stages, PSU is always on.
It would be absurd otherwise.

 

[BeeKay]

Any amp with external PSU should be similar as the "ON" of these amps are only for the amp stages, PSU is always on.
It would be absurd otherwise.

Ok. OTH I had a NC252MP based amp before the B200. Did not pop either, or some minimal that I would not hear it.

 

[Sokel]

Ok. OTH I had a NC252MP based amp before the B200. Did not pop either, or some minimal that I would not hear it.

The four mono's that I use (icepower, 1200as2 and 300a2) are dead silent as well but that's with my rather inefficient speakers.
But I wouldn't be confident to suggest them to someone with 105dB sens horns for example (the most sens I have tested them is about 100db and no pop) .

I like measuring and watching the chart as I power on gear, the only one I have seen jumping with a large spike was one that I had its PSU floating by mistake
The horror!

 

[Mort]

Paying more to avoid a pop is like chasing sinad, a personal preference.

 

[Sokel]

Paying more to avoid a pop is like chasing sinad, a personal preference.

Agreed, for some is just a sign of the amp being ON or OFF.

We have to differentiate though.
It's one thing for the amp to always slightly pop from the beginning (after checking the chain and finding it healthy) and it's another to start popping out of nowhere or on occasion while power cycling it.

The later would need immediate attention.