Hypex Nilai500DIY Amplifier Review

[Matias]

Very nice video showing how to assemble a stereo amp.

DIYClassD Nilai500DIY 250W stereo power amplifier kit

The DIYClassD Nilai500DIY 250W Stereo amplifer kit is easy to assemble and enables you to build a high-end stereo amplifier at a fraction of the costs

www.diyclassd.com

 

[mocenigo]

Very nice video showing how to assemble a stereo amp.

DIYClassD Nilai500DIY 250W stereo power amplifier kit

The DIYClassD Nilai500DIY 250W Stereo amplifer kit is easy to assemble and enables you to build a high-end stereo amplifier at a fraction of the costs

www.diyclassd.com

I like the way the front plate is fixed in place. Not as clean as having internal screws — in fact, I do not like the fact that many screws are visible on the bottom — but in normal use there are no visible screws.

 

[RickS]

Very nice video showing how to assemble a stereo amp.

DIYClassD Nilai500DIY 250W stereo power amplifier kit

The DIYClassD Nilai500DIY 250W Stereo amplifer kit is easy to assemble and enables you to build a high-end stereo amplifier at a fraction of the costs

www.diyclassd.com

it is nice animation and a major improvement; however, it does not show how tight some of the clearances really are. Namely the chassis ground and the control wiring were challenging (notably for someone with large hands). One aspect I really liked was how the wiring could be nicely routed into the sides. The best way to lay out the wiring is once it is more complete...

Anyone who suspects that they may be challenged by the clearances, suggest considering attaching the sides and feet later.

 

[w0203j]

Thanks for this review Amir. I really like the idea of having a collegiate of DIY power amp builders! Who hasn't built their own computer and nearly smashed up the bits only to find a loose connection? Think I'm going to give this a go just to see if it is as simple and good as my AHB2. If they are they will represent incredible value for money - with a 5 year warranty! (potentially, two mono units for half the price of one Benchmark unit - with near same performance) What is missing are the dimensions of the unit. Anybody know?

Did you end up with comparing nilai with AHB2?

 

[gfinlays]

Did you end up with comparing nilai with AHB2?

After buying two of these, for two of the channels in my active setup, I replaced both AHB2s in the other channels with the stereo versions. The proceeds from the AHB2s paid for all of the Hypex amps with cash to spare.

 

[David_M]

After buying two of these, for two of the channels in my active setup, I replaced both AHB2s in the other channels with the stereo versions. The proceeds from the AHB2s paid for all of the Hypex amps with cash to spare.

Why were the AHB2s' replaced? Was it a sound quality issue? If so, how do you rate both amps sonically?

 

[Svend P]

If so, how do you rate both amps sonically?

Why would you expect them to sound differently from each other?

 

[David_M]

Why would you expect them to sound differently from each other?

From OPs vantage point? No idea. That's why I asked?

 

[Coltr@ne]

Why would you expect them to sound differently from each other?

What load, what spl?

 

[gfinlays]

Why were the AHB2s' replaced? Was it a sound quality issue? If so, how do you rate both amps sonically?

The AHB2s were (unsurprisingly) sonically indistinguishable from the Hypex (this is abundantly clear from the measurements). Yes, Class D has higher harmonic distortion starting around 10 kHz, but the first harmonic of 10 kHz is 20 kHz, so it's inaudible. The AHB2 resale value enabled me to trade 4 channels of AHB2 for 6 channels of Hypex plus enough cash to buy a multi-channel interface and Acourate audio toolbox.

Now have a pair of 3-way, fully active, ZDP time-aligned speakers with linear phase FIR filters.

Don't get me wrong, the AHB2s are fantastic amplifiers and I really like Benchmark Media's science and engineering first, no BS philosophy. Faced with a need for 2 more channels, common sense prevailed and I went with the more sensibly priced option.

Money no object, I would have bought another AHB2. I've bought some very fine whiskies with the money I've saved!

 

[antcollinet]

The AHB2s were (unsurprisingly) sonically indistinguishable from the Hypex (this is abundantly clear from the measurements). Yes, Class D has higher harmonic distortion starting around 10 kHz, but the first harmonic of 10 kHz is 20 kHz, so it's inaudible. The AHB2 resale value enabled me to trade 4 channels of AHB2 for 6 channels of Hypex plus enough cash to buy a multi-channel interface and Acourate audio toolbox.

Now have a pair of 3-way, fully active, ZDP time-aligned speakers with linear phase FIR filters.

Don't get me wrong, the AHB2s are fantastic amplifiers and I really like Benchmark Media's science and engineering first, no BS philosophy. Faced with a need for 2 more channels, common sense prevailed and I went with the more sensibly priced option.

Money no object, I would have bought another AHB2. I've bought some very fine whiskies with the money I've saved!

I do like the idea of exchanging audio gear for fine whiskey.

 

[gfinlays]

I do like the idea of exchanging audio gear for fine whiskey.

I have a whole shelf of rare single grain whiskies from 30 to 48 years old, most of them from now silent distilleries, plus some nice malts.

 

[Kretinburger]

Any chance of letting me know what this amp sounds like?

 

[antcollinet]

Any chance of letting me know what this amp sounds like?

Just like any other low noise low distortion, flat frequency response amp. Like most of them - in other words - as long as they are being run within their power envelope.

The main benefit of this amp - also like those based on Purify designs - is they can maintain that low noise and distortion up to very high power levels, and at reasonable cost.

 

[Vhond]

Don't know if people of this forum familiar with this adapter?

To turn your stereo amp into a dual mono setup

 

[gfinlays]

Don't know if people of this forum familiar with this adapter?

To turn your stereo amp into a dual mono setup

It does of course, require an additional PSU:

Hypex PS500DIY Power Supply | KJF Audio | Official UK Hypex Distributor

Hypex have designed the PS500DIY power supply specifically for the Nilai500DIY amplifier module. It includes a PFC and standby power supply. As with the Nilai500DIY amplifier module, high grade components have been used for optimised performance.

kjfaudio.com

And it needs to be borne in mind that >250 W output is only achieved into speaker loads <8 ohm.

 

[AkodoGilador]

And it needs to be borne in mind that >250 W output is only achieved into speaker loads <8 ohm.

Tbf, there are quite a lot of those!

 

[LucreciaBorgia]

What would you Guys choose between an Hypex Nilai PS500 and a Purifi 9040 to drive a future Ascilab A6B ?
Thanks !

 

[voodooless]

What would you Guys choose between an Hypex Nilai PS500 and a Purifi 9040 to drive a future Ascilab A6B ?
Thanks !

Whatever you want... They are both fine amps. Get whatever has the features, looks, and budget that suit your needs.

 

[LucreciaBorgia]

So you think the more powerfull PS of the Purifi has no impact on sound/dynamic ? Not even for a 82db sensitivity speaker (Ascilab A6) ?