March Audio or Audiophonics?

[archerious]

I've been looking at March's P122 (NC122MP) and Audiophonics NC122MP amps.

The price difference is insane, $652.80+$80 shipping total of $732.80, vs $416 USD (307.50 euros + 41 euros for shipping).

I have to ask, will the Audiophonics version measure that much worse?

P122 beat out the NC500 and several other amps in Amir's tests at: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?pages/Audio_DAC_Performance_Index/

Just a tough call as the price difference isn't minor at all.

 

[Matias]

I would spend the difference in a higher powered module like the NC252MP or even NC502MP from Audiophonics then.

 

[archerious]

I would spend the difference in a higher powered module like the NC252MP or even NC502MP from Audiophonics then.

But they measure worse though? Iom cube is 252 and got way worse than P122.

It seems only NC400, purifi 400, and NC1200 scored better.

 

[Matias]

Better to check their datasheets directly than comparing different implementations imo.

 

[March Audio]

Better to check their datasheets directly than comparing different implementations imo.

Implementation counts for a lot as we have seen in other threads

As an observation the 252 should perform slightly better than the 122 in the above chart.

Also the 502 test had a measurement set up issue as discussed in the thread so does perform better than indicated.

 

[archerious]

Implementation counts for a lot as we have seen in other threads

As an observation the 252 should perform slightly better than the 122 in the above chart.

Also the 502 test had a measurement set up issue as discussed in the thread do does perform better.

Any chance if I ordered a P122 or P252 or 2xP451 it would ship August 27th?

 

[Matias]

Yes, but I mean, once chosen a manufacturer, the implementation should be the same, so checking the datasheets for differences is more relevant than comparing different modules implemented by different manufacturers.

 

[AudioJester]

Any chance if I ordered a P122 or P252 or 2xP451 it would ship August 27th?

Not sure which side of the dateline you are on, but in Aus it is the 27th now. Not giving Mr March much time!

 

[chasfs]

What are you driving with the amp? How much power do you need? What will be providing the input signal? Is it balanced xlr or single ended rca?

 

[archerious]

What are you driving with the amp? How much power do you need? What will be providing the input signal? Is it balanced xlr or single ended rca?

Balanced SDG1 DAC. I'm not sure if I'm going Maggie's or tekton.

 

[archerious]

Not sure which side of the dateline you are on, but in Aus it is the 27th now. Not giving Mr March much time!

Currently I'm using a pair of Dbr62 but my current amp died. That's why I'm in a rush. I'm in Texas.

 

[March Audio]

Yes, but I mean, once chosen a manufacturer, the implementation should be the same, so checking the datasheets for differences is more relevant than comparing different modules implemented by different manufacturers.

Yes of course, there is the module performance for which the Hypex datasheets are accurate. This performance can be degraded by the implementation.

 

[March Audio]

Any chance if I ordered a P122 or P252 or 2xP451 it would ship August 27th?

As mentioned thats today here!

Im afraid no, we have about 1 weeks lead time at the moment.

Also if you are going Maggies I think the P122 is too low power.

 

[archerious]

As mentioned thats today here!

Im afraid no, we have about 1 weeks lead time at the moment.

Also if you are going Maggies I think the P122 is too low power.

I might have to be that guy that orders a temp amp on Amazon then since my current one kicked the bucket four days ago and no music sucks. My job is so boring without my speakers lol.

 

[chasfs]

So I am driving Martin Logan Sequel electrostatics. I have an SAE 2200 which puts out 100w into 4 or 8 ohms. I upgraded to a VTV Hypex NC502MP which has a lot more power. The new amp sounds better. I notice new things on songs I’ve heard hundreds of times. It plays louder without clipping.

Warren is in Ohio and shipped it out 3 days after I ordered it. He has been very responsive via email and I don’t have any problems with the way he assembled the amplifier. I am using a longer power cord than the one he shipped.

 

[archerious]

So I am driving Martin Logan Sequel electrostatics. I have an SAE 2200 which puts out 100w into 4 or 8 ohms. I upgraded to a VTV Hypex NC502MP which has a lot more power. The new amp sounds better. I notice new things on songs I’ve heard hundreds of times. It plays louder without clipping.

Warren is in Ohio and shipped it out 3 days after I ordered it. He has been very responsive via email and I don’t have any problems with the way he assembled the amplifier. I am using a longer power cord than the one he shipped.

Can you send me his email address? 3 day turnaround?! That is my guy!

 

[ririt]

Can you send me his email address? 3 day turnaround?! That is my guy!

looking at different threads about Hypex amps it seems that VTV has by far the worst module implementation, Audiophonics and Nord are « Ok » while the best implentation is made either by Apollon or March Audio.

 

[archerious]

looking at different threads about Hypex amps it seems that VTV has by far the worst module implementation, Audiophonics and Nord are « Ok » while the best implentation is made either by Apollon or March Audio.

After researching more, must agree you're right.

 

[ririt]

After researching more, must agree you're right.

glad to give you an useful info! another important point is the way you will connect your hypex amp to a Dac/pre or pre amp. If using balanced XLR connection you are OK with most of the cables providers. However if you need a RCA output to a XLR input connection I strongly recommend to buy your cables either from Benchmark or March Audio to avoid issues with noise. again there is several threads on it on ASR.

 

[boXem]

glad to give you an useful info! another important point is the way you will connect your hypex amp to a Dac/pre or pre amp. If using balanced XLR connection you are OK with most of the cables providers. However if you need a RCA output to a XLR input connection I strongly recommend to buy your cables either from Benchmark or March Audio to avoid issues with noise. again there is several threads on it on ASR.

Or an RCA to XLR cable from whatever pro brand, which will be much cheaper.