I need a high power cheap amp

[shortyg83]

I currently have an Emotiva XPA-2 Gen-2. I have had nothing with problems with it since I have gotten it. It went back to them already they replaced a board and it still just randomly pops and goes into protect. I am just done with it.
I have Focal Aria 936 Speakers, and I feel like when they are hooked up to my small NAD amp or my Yamaha Aventage Receiver they just lose a lot of the dynamics and audibly don't sound as good as the emotiva. So I am looking to replace it for something around the same price. Was thinking two of the new Outlaw 2220 amps but I would be losing some power going to those. Is there anything under 1k for 2 monoblocks or one stereo amp in the 300wpc area? right now I am between either two schiit Vidars or 2 outlaw 2220.

 

[Chrispy]

Maybe a Crown XLS1502 or above. Difference between 200wpc and 300wpc is all of 1.8dB....the 2220 is a good consideration, tho.

 

[JSmith]

under 1k for 2 monoblocks or one stereo amp in the 300wpc

About $520USD each...

Apollon NCMP270 M Monoblock Amplifier | Apollon Audio Hypex Purifi Premium Amplifiers

www.apollonaudio.com

• Distortion: THD+N – – 0.0020 % 20Hz
• Frequency Response: 10 – 50k Hz +0/-3dB
• Low Distortion: THD+N – – 0.0020 % 20Hz
• High Input Impedance 47K
• 26 dB Gain
• Ultra High Damping Factor
• Power rating
400W @ 2ohm
500W @ 4ohm
270W @ 8ohm

JSmith

 

[shortyg83]

Would the class D be a step down from the ab i have? Besides the fact that mine isn’t working great.

 

[JSmith]

Would the class D be a step down from the ab i have?

TBH a step up... these are Hypex NCore based amps.

Emotiva XPA-DR2 Review (Stereo Power Amplifier)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Emotiva XPA-DR2 "differential" power amplifier. It is on kind loan from a member and costs US $1699 from the company direct. This thing a beast both in size and weight: This, despite usage of switchmode power supply to keep the "weight...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Higher power model... but indicative;

Apollon Hypex NC2K Monoblock Amplifier Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Hypex NC2K based amplifier from Apollon. The unit was kindly purchased new by a member and drop shipped to me for testing. The NC2K has different options and starts at 1.990,00€ or US $2,342 as of this writing. The version I have has the...

www.audiosciencereview.com

You can get stereo, but I just posted the mono-blocks since you mentioned same... however IMO mono-blocks are generally unnecessary.


JSmith

 

[UCrazyKid]

If you want a lot of power on the cheap, look at the Crown XL amplifiers.

 

[JSmith]

Also;

Buckeye Amps: New US based Hypex multichannel amplifier builder, line-up announcement!

Hypex NC502MP specs: - 450w @ 2ohm (per channel, peak) - 500w @ 4ohm (per channel, peak) - 350w @ 8ohm (per channel, peak) Hypex NC252MP specs: - 180w @ 2ohm (per channel, peak) - 250w @ 4ohm (per channel, peak) - 150w @ 8ohm (per channel, peak) PRICING: XL 8ch Aluminum Case (17"x13"x6")...

www.audiosciencereview.com

JSmith

 

[amper42]

I'm using the Buckey NC502MP. It's an amazing stereo amp for $699 shipped.
2 channel NC502MP, XLR inputs (Neutrik), Mogami wiring, 12v trigger, Power LED (Blue) = $699 shipped
- 2x450w @ 2ohm
- 2x500w @ 4ohm
- 2x350w @ 8ohm
This is the best value I have seen for a high quality, high power amp. I'm using it with the RME ADI-2 DAC FS and it's a powerful BEAST that weighs only 5.5 pounds and with only 24W drives my BMR monitors to 81dB. The NC502MP would seriously drive those Focal Aria 936 Speakers.

Buckeye Amps: New US based Hypex multichannel amplifier builder, line-up announcement!

Hypex NC502MP specs: - 450w @ 2ohm (per channel, peak) - 500w @ 4ohm (per channel, peak) - 350w @ 8ohm (per channel, peak) Hypex NC252MP specs: - 180w @ 2ohm (per channel, peak) - 250w @ 4ohm (per channel, peak) - 150w @ 8ohm (per channel, peak) PRICING: XL 8ch Aluminum Case (17"x13"x6")...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[DWPress]

I'll chime in with going for the Buckeye as well, great amp modules.

 

[dlaloum]

If you are looking for value in a great sounding amp with heaps of power - go for the XLS2500 (1st generation) - you should be able to pick them up used for US$300... 440W 8ohm 775W 4ohm 1200W 2ohm - and bridgeable if needed - also has onboard DSP so if you get several of them you can use the oboard DSP crossovers for BiAmping.

Does have a fan - but I have never heard it turn on... (I don't use 1/10th of its power... the rest is headroom)

 

[JSmith]

Those suggesting a Crown amp to replace an Emotiva XPA-2 to drive some lovely Focal Aria 936's, doesn't make much sense to me as any kind of upgrade from the Emotiva;

Crown XLS2502 Stereo Amplifier Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Crown XLS2502 DriveCore (switching) 2-channel amplifier. It is on kind loan from a member. The XLS 2502 cost US $645 including free shipping from Amazon. It has DSP functionality which I did not test. And is specified to drive 2 ohm load...

www.audiosciencereview.com

... just sayin'.


JSmith

 

[Walter]

Yes, a stereo NC502MP sounds perfect. Buckeye best value in USA. Probably Audiophonics or Nord in Europe--not sure about that.

 

[freemansteve]

Hypex, for the money, every day of the week....
Several (literal) box builders using nCore in the US, plus Nord in the UK and other in EU.

 

[dlaloum]

Those suggesting a Crown amp to replace an Emotiva XPA-2 to drive some lovely Focal Aria 936's, doesn't make much sense to me as any kind of upgrade from the Emotiva;

Crown XLS2502 Stereo Amplifier Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Crown XLS2502 DriveCore (switching) 2-channel amplifier. It is on kind loan from a member. The XLS 2502 cost US $645 including free shipping from Amazon. It has DSP functionality which I did not test. And is specified to drive 2 ohm load...

www.audiosciencereview.com

... just sayin'.


JSmith

Try to use the Emotiva to drive speakers that drop down to around 1.5ohm - that is where you start to find the limitations of many amp designs.

The Crowns will cruise through it.... and end up sounding superior.

But yes with an 8ohm design having the worst of its impedance dropping to 3ohm (between circa 100Hz and 500Hz), and sensitivity of 92db the Emotiva will probably do fine - these are not hard to drive speakers.

 

[JSmith]

the Emotiva will probably do fine

It already is;

I have Focal Aria 936 Speakers, and I feel like when they are hooked up to my small NAD amp or my Yamaha Aventage Receiver they just lose a lot of the dynamics and audibly don't sound as good as the emotiva.

JSmith

 

[shortyg83]

Just to add , I went with a choice a lot of people probably would not have gone with. I got 2 Schiit Vidars that I am running as mono blocks from a Schiit Freya S. And I am very happy with them.

 

[antcollinet]

Just to add , I went with a choice a lot of people probably would not have gone with. I got 2 Schiit Vidars that I am running as mono blocks from a Schiit Freya S. And I am very happy with them.

The budget always gets blown

 

[Actungz]

Just to add , I went with a choice a lot of people probably would not have gone with. I got 2 Schiit Vidars that I am running as mono blocks from a Schiit Freya S. And I am very happy with them.

What was your reasoning choosing the vidar over other options like hypex or outlaw? Just seeking feedback before it’s my time to upgrade.

 

[TheBatsEar]

I have Focal Aria 936 Speakers, and I feel like when they are hooked up to my small NAD amp or my Yamaha Aventage Receiver they just lose a lot of the dynamics and audibly don't sound as good as the emotiva.

How about 2x 250 into 4 ohms, 2 ohm safe (those Arias dip down quite a lot) starting at 500 bucks:

Hypex Ncore NC252MP market overview

I was trying to buy a NC252MP module to give Class D a try, but couldn't order it by itself anywhere. Hypex forbids the sale of the modules to DIY tinkerers such as me. So i took some time and collected the OEMs that use that specific module in their amps. Every single one of them would have...

www.audiosciencereview.com

They beat your stuff easily and don't cost much. You can bridge them if you buy a second one later.

 

[ryanosaur]

I love my Outlaw 2200s. I am waiting on Chassis from Ghent to finish 5 channels of NC400 Mono-Love.

I think either option would be good, but Hypex FTW.