Need integrated amp: 100 W+ into 4 Ω, headphone amp, ≤€1 k, SINAD ≥100 dB

[Ropeburn]

Just want to push back a bit on this condescension re playing with toylike WiiM and Fosi products and instantly jettisoning them, and the elevation of brand longevity and “pedigree” as gold-standard criteria in the year 2025.

I’ve evolved from Sony ES and Musical Fidelity integrateds to a current lineup that includes WiiM, SMSL, and Fosi amps. I’ve been somewhat amazed that my sound seemingly hasn’t lost a step in performance at a dramatically lower cost — so far so good in terms of reliability and a bunch of innovation and versatile features that are thrillingly up to date. Nothing to make me feel I’ve been imprudent or rash or should be relegated to the unserious kid’s table.

Funnily enough, if brand longevity and pedigree are important for a choice, Hypex got both in abundance. So much so that Marantz almost abandoned their own poweramp designs and uses theirs instead. Lol

 

[VintageFlanker]

That's not how it works....its not about DB efficiency . or bigger speakers,..its about current delivery and maintaining it through swings from 8-4 ohms, this is why numbers on paper and amplifiers are meaningless.

there is a reason the manufacturer recommends 200wpc, this is the point when you finally reach the RMS power needed to drive them to full potential. and even better would be to have a little more on tap from 20-%-50% , but hey do you man, I'm just telling you how it actually work in real life.

Welcome, I guess...

 

[Steven Holt]

Welcome, I guess...

I know Flanker, but let's try to cut him some slack. Hopefully he will listen to our membership.

 

[ŽELJKO]

I have just found this:

Common issues with the Audiophonics MPA-S250NC's XLR connections are related to ground loops causing hum and potential volume differences between the balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs.

The hum is often a grounding issue, even if the amplifier is off, and requires troubleshooting steps like ensuring all devices are on the same circuit or checking the pre-amp's connection.

The perceived volume difference is typically due to the different voltage levels of the inputs and can be compensated for by adjusting the source/preamp's volume.

Ground loop hum

Cause: A ground loop can cause a constant humming noise, which is often a grounding issue between components.

Symptom: The hum can be present even when the amplifier is powered off, indicating the issue is not with the amplifier itself.

Should I be worried?

 

[Ropeburn]

I have just found this:

Common issues with the Audiophonics MPA-S250NC's XLR connections are related to ground loops causing hum and potential volume differences between the balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs.

The hum is often a grounding issue, even if the amplifier is off, and requires troubleshooting steps like ensuring all devices are on the same circuit or checking the pre-amp's connection.

The perceived volume difference is typically due to the different voltage levels of the inputs and can be compensated for by adjusting the source/preamp's volume.

Ground loop hum

Cause: A ground loop can cause a constant humming noise, which is often a grounding issue between components.

Symptom: The hum can be present even when the amplifier is powered off, indicating the issue is not with the amplifier itself.

Should I be worried?

What's the source of that? Please don't say AI.

There can be no volume difference between inputs because there is no version with both inputs. That's a different model. A typical bullshit mistake an AI would make.

 

[VintageFlanker]

What's the source of that? Please don't say AI.

It absolutely is (AI)

 

[ŽELJKO]

What's the source of that? Please don't say AI.

Yeah. It's Gemini.

 

[Ropeburn]

Yeah. It's Gemini.

It just proved it can't be trusted. As you shouldn't generally. AIs are really bad at understanding technical details and mix stuff up all the time.

This is the version with both inputs. Same amp module, just bigger case and both RCA and XLR inputs.

AUDIOPHONICS AP300-S250NC Power Amplifier Ncore NC252MP

The Audiophonics AP300-S250NC is a stereo amplifier based on a Hypex Ncore NC252MP amplifier module. It is ideal for providing a significant power reserve (2x250W @ 4Ω) without sacrificing sound reproduction quality.

www.audiophonics.fr

Note the different model name.

Hum problems? Common? How does the AI know if it can't get anything right?

 

[voodooless]

Always ask it for the source of it’s claims!

 

[Ropeburn]

Always ask it for the source of it’s claims!

Or better yet, ask people. Preferably those who are familiar with these models and even own them.

 

[voodooless]

Or better yet, ask people. Preferably those who are familiar with these models and even own them.

Well, if the AI is right, it will have gotten that information from people and show you where it found it, so you can read the source, and decide if it’s useful information or not.

 

[ŽELJKO]

I

Always ask it for the source of it’s claims!

It named ASR forum as a source of his claims:

The claims made in the previous response are based on user discussions, technical reviews, and troubleshooting threads found on hi-fi and audio forums, particularly the Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum, which frequently discusses the Audiophonics MPA-S250NC (and its core Hypex Ncore NC252MP module).


Here are the specific sources and where the information came from:

• Intermittent/No Audio: This issue, including the symptom of sound cutting out and returning after a few minutes, was reported in a thread titled "Help me find the faulty component" on Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum (Source 1.2 in the search results).
• Thermal Cut-Out/Protection: The suggestion that the 2-3 minute silence is consistent with a safety circuit (thermal cut-out) was a common hypothesis offered by other forum members in that same discussion thread (Source 1.2).
• DC Offset: The technical detail that the Hypex Ncore module is DC-coupled and lacks input decoupling capacitors, and the warning to ensure the source has no DC component, comes directly from the product specifications and technical discussions, as seen in the product information on the Audiophonics website (Sources 3.1, 4.4, and others).
• XLR Wiring/Ground Loops: Discussions about proper XLR pinouts (Pin 1 Ground, Pin 2 Hot, Pin 3 Cold) and the potential for ground loops with unsuited cabling were found in ASR threads relating to the S250NC (Source 2.2, 4.2).
• Channel Reversal: The issue where the Left and Right channels appeared reversed was specifically reported and discussed in a dedicated thread on the Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum titled "AUDIOPHONICS MPA-S250NC left and right channel reversed" (Source 2.1).

 

[Ropeburn]

Well, if the AI is right, it will have gotten that information from people and show you where it found it, so you can read the source, and decide if it’s useful information or not.

Which you can only know if you know the answer in advance. Vicious cycle!

 

[Ropeburn]

I

It named ASR forum as a source of his claims:

The claims made in the previous response are based on user discussions, technical reviews, and troubleshooting threads found on hi-fi and audio forums, particularly the Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum, which frequently discusses the Audiophonics MPA-S250NC (and its core Hypex Ncore NC252MP module).


Here are the specific sources and where the information came from:

• Intermittent/No Audio: This issue, including the symptom of sound cutting out and returning after a few minutes, was reported in a thread titled "Help me find the faulty component" on Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum (Source 1.2 in the search results).
• Thermal Cut-Out/Protection: The suggestion that the 2-3 minute silence is consistent with a safety circuit (thermal cut-out) was a common hypothesis offered by other forum members in that same discussion thread (Source 1.2).
• DC Offset: The technical detail that the Hypex Ncore module is DC-coupled and lacks input decoupling capacitors, and the warning to ensure the source has no DC component, comes directly from the product specifications and technical discussions, as seen in the product information on the Audiophonics website (Sources 3.1, 4.4, and others).
• XLR Wiring/Ground Loops: Discussions about proper XLR pinouts (Pin 1 Ground, Pin 2 Hot, Pin 3 Cold) and the potential for ground loops with unsuited cabling were found in ASR threads relating to the S250NC (Source 2.2, 4.2).
• Channel Reversal: The issue where the Left and Right channels appeared reversed was specifically reported and discussed in a dedicated thread on the Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum titled "AUDIOPHONICS MPA-S250NC left and right channel reversed" (Source 2.1).

I've seen most of these. Single issues with single amps, and the AI calls it "common issues". Lol!

I repeat, you can't trust AI.

 

[voodooless]

It named ASR forum as a source of his claims:

Not good enough. ASR is a big forum. It should site the exact posts that cite the information.

Which you can only know if you know the answer in advance. Vicious cycle!

Not really. You’ll just need to judge the credibility of the information.

 

[ŽELJKO]

AUDIOPHONICS MPA-S250NC left and right channel reversed

So I just got this and to make left and right separation I actually have to put the left hand speakers into the right hand output of the amp. I am guessing this is not normal behavior and that my amp must be faulty right? Already tried another preamp to see if the fault was there but same result.

www.audiosciencereview.com

Impressions and internal photos of the Audiophonics MPA-S250NC

I received my MPA-S250NC (with the RCA config, deal with it :cool:) and I took some photos of the interior. The case is 4 pieces, two identical upper and lower halves made of 4-5mm extruded aluminum with vents machined, with a nice bevel, an 8mm machined aluminum front plate and a thin steel...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Aivan]

If I was starting from your position right now, I would definitely get something with that Hypex (maybe even the integrated version). Even with potential issues, I think it's worth the risk.

Then I would upgrade the speakers.

Finally, I would just add something like Topping DX5II or whatever has all the features/measurements you need.

Cheers

 

[ŽELJKO]

I’ve decided to buy it, and I will. I trust your experience. Over the past three to four months, my encounters with AI have been nothing but confusing and a waste of precious time.

 

[xanalog]

Welcome aboard,

Should I go with the A-S701, or is there a better-integrated amp ( class AB or class D) in this price range that pairs well with the Wiim Ultra and my speakers?

Two comments, if/when your needs grow or change:
1. The Yamaha (integrated) may become like "throwing the baby out with the bathwater".
2. A separate amp -most definitely- will allow easier mix and match, if the need arises.

 

[Ropeburn]

I’ve decided to buy it, and I will. I trust your experience. Over the past three to four months, my encounters with AI have been nothing but confusing and a waste of precious time.

There have been occasional issues with this particular model indeed. One (!) member had channels reversed. Lol. Another presented pictures and another member pointed out a "Pin1 issue" - a common (minor) problem in general, not just this amp - but it turned out a mistake. All was fine. Yet another one (!) had issues with customer support.

None of this is anywhere near common, infact you'll hear about every single problem more likely online, than from all the others with no problems. That's normal and counts for all devices.