NCORE MP Build using Ghentaudio Kit.

[decoRyder]

Just thought I'd post this in case anyone is wondering how hard or easy it is to build an NCORE amp using a pre-made kit. I used the Ghentaudio NCORE 122/252 MP kit, and using the kit it was really easy to put together the amp. I discarded the XLR inputs, and used the grounded RCA setup recommended by Bruno Putzeys for those of us who prefer RCA.

The kit from Ghentaudio was very, very well made and a real pleasure to work with, I can't recommend it highly enough.

 

[Matias]

Nice. But why not use XLRs?

 

[decoRyder]

Nice. But why not use XLRs?

I have really good RCA cables, and I really don't want to have to obsess about 'what's the best RCA->XLR' cable - that's just another 'adventure' I don't need in my life right now : )
The grounded RCA setup recommended by Bruno Putzeys will work exactly the same as XLR - in my specific setup - but without actually having to use XLR.

Given the fact that the main benefit of balanced cables is their ability to transfer sound signals over much longer runs/distances without signal loss or interference, and given the fact that all my high-quality RCA interconnects are shielded AND < 1m in length, I remain unconvinced that XLR is necessary for my setup.

YMMV : )

 

[restorer-john]

So what was the cost, all up, of everything?

 

[decoRyder]

So what was the cost, all up, of everything?

$ 215.00 - NCORE 122MP Module
$ 130.00 - GHENTAUDIO DIY Stereo Case-kit for Hypex NC122MP/NC252MP
$ 6.99 - Parts Express Chassis Mount RCA Jack Pair
-----------
$ 351.99

 

[maty]

I like your implementation. I guess you have scratched the paint a little so that there is a good mass contact. I comment for others readers (novice in DIY) to consider.

 

[decoRyder]

I like your implementation. I guess you have scratched the paint a little so that there is a good mass contact. I comment for others readers (novice in DIY) to consider.

Right I filed off the anodized coating on the inside of the amp - where it makes contact with the shield/audio ground - to have proper mass contact. For the RCA jacks I used recessed mounting flanges, which fit exactly into the pre-drilled XLR cutouts - they simply screw in, perfect fit.
I also applied thermal paste to the metal base of the amp module, which really helps keeping the module cool under load.

 

[maty]

I also applied thermal paste to the metal base of the amp module, which really helps keeping the module cool under load.

Good idea. I have the same thought if I finally buy the future? PURIFI 1ET400A kit.

 

[decoRyder]

Good idea. I have the same thought if I finally buy the future? PURIFI 1ET400A kit.

Yes, I would buy a PURIFI 1ET400A - or PURIFI anything for that matter - in a heartbeat : )
So far I haven't seen them released for sale to the general public though, only OEM.

 

[Julf]

I have really good RCA cables, and I really don't want to have to obsess about 'what's the best RCA->XLR' cable

Are you sure you are in the right forum? So much for the "Science" part...

The grounded RCA setup recommended by Bruno Putzeys will work exactly the same as XLR, but without having to use XLR.

No, it won't work exactly the same. It will work, and Bruno labels it "acceptable", but it is not as good as a fully balanced connection.

 

[Buddelpudding]

$ 215.00 - NCORE 122MP Module

Where did you buy the module, I thought they were OEM only?

 

[Matias]

$ 215.00 - NCORE 122MP Module
$ 130.00 - GHENTAUDIO DIY Stereo Case-kit for Hypex NC122MP/NC252MP
$ 6.99 - Parts Express Chassis Mount RCA Jack Pair
-----------
$ 351.99

It is quite similar to an assembled Audiophonics PA-S125NC.
369,00 € tax incl.
307,50 € tax excl.

https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/powe...ower-amplifier-ncore-2x75w-8-ohm-p-12756.html

 

[pos]

It is quite similar to an assembled Audiophonics PA-S125NC.
369,00 € tax incl.
307,50 € tax excl.

https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/powe...ower-amplifier-ncore-2x75w-8-ohm-p-12756.html

Or to a FA122 fusion plateamp: https://www.diyclassd.com/product/fusionamp-fa122/92
275€ tax excluded

 

[Buddelpudding]

It is quite similar to an assembled Audiophonics PA-S125NC.

Or to a FA122 fusion plateamp: https://www.diyclassd.com/product/fusionamp-fa122/92

Do these contain exactly the same module? Did OP source his from one of these?

 

[Matias]

Do these contain exactly the same module? Did OP source his from one of these?

Yes, both the Audiophonics PA-S125NC and the Hypex Fusion FA122 use the exact same module, Hypex Ncore NC122MP, as the OP build.

 

[Buddelpudding]

So, if I wanted to replicate the build presented in this thread, I would have to extract the module(s) from one of these sources, or is there a way to buy them individually somewhere else? Because to me it would then seem weird for Ghent to offer these kits, if the key parts are only barely available...

 

[dkinric]

Where did you buy the module, I thought they were OEM only?

Available on ebay.

This is great, it's a good looking case, I may do the same. Thanks for sharing!

 

[Buddelpudding]

Available on ebay.

Sorry, but I meant not the cases, but the Hypes modules themselves. I don't think they're available on ebay, right?

 

[Matias]

They appear sometimes on eBay, but they are not regularly there as far as I know.
Another good reason to go for the Audiophonics.

 

[Matias]

Personally I would spend a little more and get double the power with the Audiophonics MPA-S252NC.
2x150W @ 8Ω
2x250W @ 4Ω
2x180W @ 2Ω

439,00 € tax incl.
365,83 € tax excl.

https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/powe...reo-amplifier-ncore-2x150w-8-ohm-p-14185.html