Hypex Nilai500DIY Amplifier Review

[antho625]

Hell yah! The loosening of the feet did the trick. Thanks to all for chiming in with advice. I got some auditioning to do!

 

[Rob Fens]

Hell yah! The loosening of the feet did the trick. Thanks to all for chiming in with advice. I got some auditioning to do!

Hi Antho625,

I am happy the problem is solved and i hope you will enjoy using this amplifier.
Also i appreciate your feedback about the problem. Many times people drop their problem, get some help, but never show anything anymore.
So, for the people who tried to help, it stays uncertain if it worked out. Jou did a better job.

Good luck, Rob.

 

[Vhond]

Audiophonics is now selling a stereo Nilai unit with dual mono power supplies. It appears they have discontinued the single power supply stereo unit - too bad, I really like the Audiophonics case for the original stereo model.

AUDIOPHONICS HPA-DM500NIL Power Amplifier

Hand-assembled in our workshop in France, the Audiophonics HPA-DM500NIL power amplifier is a high-performance Class D dual-mono model, based on the new Hypex Nilai500DIY amplification solution.

www.audiophonics.fr

That's nice, so there isn't any difference between this device and the mono versions (except that they have a separate housing)??

Mono version says:
500W @ 2Ω, 1% THD
525W @ 4Ω, 1% THD
260W @ 8Ω, 1% THD

The new version says:
2x500W @ 4Ω
2x250W @ 8Ω

Why not 260W @ 8 Ohm? and no THD?

And only one gain mention:
21,75 db

instead of three (mono version):

Low gain: 12Vrms
Mid gain: 3.8Vrms
High gain: 1.9Vrms

 

[deercreekaudio]

Fyi, Deer Creek just announced custom faceplates for the Nilai kits. This being a follow-up to an earlier series of posts regarding the scientific measurement of faceplate aesthetics...

Here is a link to the shear / non-logo Nilai 500 faceplates, these are authentic Hypex OEM: https://deercreekaudio.com/products/ols/products/hypex-faceplate

 

[Craigyp]

I looked at a video on you tube where someone had trouble placing the top lid on. It turns out that loosening the feet might be the fix. This person slid it on afterwards. I will try this when I get home later today. Thanks again for your advice!

How did it go? Did you get the top back on? I found it awkward, but not impossible. I loosened the front and back just a little, carefully aligned the top and it slid in. If you ever need to change the gain jumper you only need to loosen the grub and slide the top a few inches towards you. I found the hardest part was the power socket at the back. How are they sounding? I have mine on medium gain.

 

[antho625]

They sound really good. I’m missing out because I’m XLR to RCA. Not the most ideal set up. Thinking about getting a benchmark DAC 3 as my preamp. I loosen the feet and took me all about 10 seconds to get the lids back on. Currently on high again. The DAC I want to use can put out 12 V so if I go to low gain I will get that much more performance.

 

[Julf]

They sound really good. I’m missing out because I’m XLR to RCA. Not the most ideal set up. Thinking about getting a benchmark DAC 3 as my preamp. I loosen the feet and took me all about 10 seconds to get the lids back on. Currently on high again. The DAC I want to use can put out 12 V so if I go to low gain I will get that much more performance.

XLR ro RCA (balanced to unbalanced) or the other way around?

 

[antho625]

XLR ro RCA (balanced to unbalanced) or the other way around?

I want to go XLR to XLR so fully balanced.

 

[Julf]

I want to go XLR to XLR so fully balanced.

Sure, but unbalanced to balanced (RCA to XLR) is not much worse. Other way around is a different story. Of course it doesn't matter if you don't have audible noise or ground loops.

 

[SebDFW]

I received my Nilai Mono's today. How the f$$k do you slide the tops back on . Changed gain to high. This is a nightmare. Ready to take a hammer to them. Anyone help. Lining it up is a bitch!

Thanks

I really wish Nila had an external gain adjustment akin to Purifi. Pulling the case apart is a total PITA. Regardless, I’m still intrigued by the Nilai vs Purifi reviews. With the Purifi being more clinical and precise, BUT the Nilai sounding more musical and seamless (which I think would be my preference). I was originally thinking Purifi 7040 monoblocks, but after seeing the “AlphaAudio” review I might be sold on the Nilai 500 mono (except for that ridiculous gain adjust placement). I’ll check with Deer Creek Audio here in the US to see if that’s an option.

 

[Julf]

I really wish Nila had an external gain adjustment akin to Purifi. Pulling the case apart is a total PITA. Regardless, I’m still intrigued by the Nilai vs Purifi reviews. With the Purifi being more clinical and precise, BUT the Nilai sounding more musical and seamless (which I think would be my preference). I was originally thinking Purifi 7040 monoblocks, but after seeing the “AlphaAudio” review I might be sold on the Nilai 500 mono (except for that ridiculous gain adjust placement). I’ll check with Deer Creek Audio here in the US to see if that’s an option.

I suggest you ignore subjective reviews. They are pretty pointless, especially if they use meaningless descriptions like "musical" (what is your definition of "music" anyway?) and "seamless"...

 

[Rob Fens]

I really wish Nila had an external gain adjustment akin to Purifi. Pulling the case apart is a total PITA. Regardless, I’m still intrigued by the Nilai vs Purifi reviews. With the Purifi being more clinical anIlphaAudio” review I might be sold on the Nilai 500 mono (except for that ridiculous gain adjust placement). I’ll check with Deer Creek Audio here in the US to see if that’s an option.

Hi SebDFW,
I can understand if somebody feels the gain adjustment is not very convenient, but "ridiculous gain adjust placement" is a far cry.
How many times would you like to do adjustments? For me it is a one-time job and it takes a few minutes only.
Remember, it takes to loosen only two small screws, move the front panel and slide the top cover so you can reach the 2 jumpers.
There is no need to take out the top cover, only move it about 100mm.

Happy listening, Rob.

 

[SebDFW]

I suggest you ignore subjective reviews. They are pretty pointless, especially if they use meaningless descriptions like "musical" (what is your definition of "music" anyway?) and "seamless"...

Not having the ability to test either one in my system, prior to purchasing, makes detailed reviews a valuable source.

I understand the value of objective testing and figures that come along with it, such as Amir’s reviews. However, in practical implementation (enjoying and listening to music), they don’t always paint the whole picture. This entire hobby is very subjective and much of that intricate data isn’t even audible. Last thing I want to do is become obsessed with numbers.

Even via crappy YouTube audio, I preferred the sound of the Nilai over Purifi, as per the review. I listened to the segments several times and to my ears, the Nilai had more body and soul (whatever that means, coloration, a bit of distortion etc…). Now, would that be the case in my system? I truly don’t know. I don’t have the same Pre-amp, DAC/Streamer, speakers as they do, but I have certainly heard many times that the Purifi amps are very revealing and unforgiving. Do I want that in my system? The answer is yes/no, and I’m willing to compromise a bit on the pure testing data if they sound better to my old ears.

Thanks for your input.

 

[terryforsythe]

I really wish Nila had an external gain adjustment

I was thinking about adding a DPDT on-off-on switch to my Nilai 500DIY Stereo. That would cover the three gain settings for both channels. For a Nilai Mono you could use a SPDT on-off-on switch in each unit.

 

[SIY]

I understand the value of objective testing and figures that come along with it, such as Amir’s reviews. However, in practical implementation (enjoying and listening to music), they don’t always paint the whole picture.

For the sound aspect of electronics, yes they do. And both the Purifi and Nilai are perfectly transparent amps within their power limits, thus sounding identical, YouTube notwithstanding.

 

[antho625]

Not having the ability to test either one in my system, prior to purchasing, makes detailed reviews a valuable source.

I understand the value of objective testing and figures that come along with it, such as Amir’s reviews. However, in practical implementation (enjoying and listening to music), they don’t always paint the whole picture. This entire hobby is very subjective and much of that intricate data isn’t even audible. Last thing I want to do is become obsessed with numbers.

Even via crappy YouTube audio, I preferred the sound of the Nilai over Purifi, as per the review. I listened to the segments several times and to my ears, the Nilai had more body and soul (whatever that means, coloration, a bit of distortion etc…). Now, would that be the case in my system? I truly don’t know. I don’t have the same Pre-amp, DAC/Streamer, speakers as they do, but I have certainly heard many times that the Purifi amps are very revealing and unforgiving. Do I want that in my system? The answer is yes/no, and I’m willing to compromise a bit on the pure testing data if they sound better to my old ears.

Thanks for your input.

Yes, I totally agree. I do look at specs, but just as a little guide. I’m very happy with my Nilai Mono’s. Definitely more spacious and crisp. Now I just have to find the right set up. Looking at either buying a DAC that has a really good preamp or just might get a preamp. I wish this hobby was cheaper.

 

[SIY]

Definitely more spacious and crisp.

Unless you try it ears-only. Then that mysterious difference goes away.

 

[terryforsythe]

I really wish Nila had an external gain adjustment

I just ordered DPDT On-Off-On switches for external gain adjustment. I only need one, but the one I wanted on Amazon only comes in a pack of 10 for $8.66, with free shipping.

On the switch, the "Off" position will be low gain, one "On" position will be medium gain, and the other "On" position will be high gain.

 

[Golftee99]

Yes, I totally agree. I do look at specs, but just as a little guide. I’m very happy with my Nilai Mono’s. Definitely more spacious and crisp. Now I just have to find the right set up. Looking at either buying a DAC that has a really good preamp or just might get a preamp. I wish this hobby was cheaper.

Moving from a Benchmark DAC1 HDR to a RME ADI DAC2 FS, I am extremely pleased (I was seriously considering the Benchmark DAC3B + LA4 as next upgrade but not anymore). The PEQ and adjustable Loudness options are killer apps but most importantly, the simple yet effective hybrid volume control.

 

[antho625]

Moving from a Benchmark DAC1 HDR to a RME ADI DAC2 FS, I am extremely pleased (I was seriously considering the Benchmark DAC3B + LA4 as next upgrade but not anymore). The PEQ and adjustable Loudness options are killer apps but most importantly, the simple yet effective hybrid volume control.