Nord MP NC252 SE Amplifier Review

[Scrivs]

I’m not sure why Hypex designed these boards to use ribbon cable interfaces for signal wiring period.
I’m also not sure why they continue to undersize the thickness of their PCBs.
I’m also unsure of why they can’t spec components the way Icepower does, who, incidentally use properly gauged PCBs, and the correct interfaces for their signal wiring.

I recently bought two Hypex FA503 plate amps, and was surprised and disappointed at the step down in materials/BOM as compared to Icepower. My Icepower 50ASX2BTL boards are the same thickness as the NC502MP ones. Parts quality on the Ice boards are so much more reassuring to. Might explain the bevy of Hypex failures versus zero Ice failures I’ve experienced over the years.

 

[Tone]

Still here!

I take on board the use of ribbon cable for analogue signals and I mentioned this to Amir in pm during investigation:

"I've never been completely comfortable with using unshielded ribbon type signal cable, as invited by the module design having this type of socket fitted"

The fact that this was exacerbated by the coupling effect from the other control cable is our oversight at these levels of technical measurement even if the audio performance is unaffected by any usual listening.

Any existing customers will be looked after, that goes without saying.


Hypex themselves, and Purifi for that matter, still use or suggest the use of, ribbon cables for audio signals on certain products.

But in any case my job is to take the criticisms, filter out the sensationalism, and offer sensible solutions without excuses.

We are investigating a way to copper shield the ribbon cable, I have ordered some bits for an idea.

Fundamentally we do not have issue with the use of ribbon cable for internal analogue interconnect except for noise pick up.

Whilst this does not affect the audio quality of our products, as testified by a bevvy of very happy customers, the measurements must be observed.

Tony

 

[Tone]

The fix.

All the valid on topic issues raised here are to do with the sensitivity for routing of unshielded analogue cables internal to the amplifier.

Whether they must be fully shielded to avoid interference in the first instance or that they must be routed far away from potential sources of interference.

Or both.

 

[Cbdb2]

Why such a big box and heat sinks that arnt used?

 

[Scrivs]

Why such a big box and heat sinks that arnt used?

Just for looks dude.

 

[Tone]

Why such a big box and heat sinks that arnt used?

Yup, case base to heatsink thermal coupling is not ideal but you will also know that a lot of the heat dissipation required is to do with the output coils, which are not thermally coupled to the base plate anyway.

Many pieces to a jigsaw.

Make it look cool whatever you do.

 

[CountZodiac]

Why such a big box and heat sinks that arnt used?

It's just a box, and I'm guessing it's a box used throughout the range. Pretty sure a custom, made to measure box, would add expense to what is an excellent value amplifier.

 

[Tone]

It's just a box, and I'm guessing it's a box used throughout the range. Pretty sure a custom, made to measure box, would add expense to what is an excellent value amplifier.

Consistency of hardware for offering different configurations more easily.

And a very nice box.

 

[Tone]

Consistency of hardware for offering different configurations more easily.

And a very nice box.

By the way you can buy one channel of 1ET9040MB in same casework.

Across more of range the better.

 

[Cbdb2]

It's just a box, and I'm guessing it's a box used throughout the range. Pretty sure a custom, made to measure box, would add expense to what is an excellent value amplifier.

If this amp dosnt use the heat sinks why would any amp in there range use them? Large heat sinks are expensive so all this box does is add expense to an amp that could be an even better value with out them.

 

[Pritaudio]

Are their any advantages/disadvantages in using mains surge protection or even automatic voltage regulators with these type hypex modules.
Or is it just wiring based within the case.

 

[Julf]

Are their any advantages/disadvantages in using mains surge protection or even automatic voltage regulators with these type hypex modules.
Or is it just wiring based within the case.

Surge protection is OK as long as they don't limit current. Voltage regulators are not needed and do more harm than good.

 

[Pritaudio]

Surge protection is OK as long as they don't limit current. Voltage regulators are not needed and do more harm than good.

I suppose there maybe a variety of performance between brands.
All my stuff is Apc.
Ups and avr.
I also use their surge power strips.
Just because of their reputation of reliability.

If this doesn’t help, I don’t think other brands will too.

 

[Julf]

I suppose there maybe a variety of performance between brands.
All my stuff is Apc.
Ups and avr.
I also use their surge power strips.

Why do you feel you need them?

 

[Pritaudio]

Avr so there is less load on the switching power supplies.
Surge for obvious reasons.
Ups does surge, battery for backup and avr too.

 

[Julf]

Avr so there is less load on the switching power supplies.
Surge for obvious reasons.
Ups does surge, battery for backup and avr too.

UPSs and Avr's restrict peak current, so the switching power supply can't work as well as it should. Why would there be "less load"? As to "obvious reasons" for surge protection, is that an issue with your power grid?

 

[kyuu]

Avr so there is less load on the switching power supplies.
Surge for obvious reasons.
Ups does surge, battery for backup and avr too.

What is "avr" in this context? Typically that stands for "audio video receiver", which does not seem to be what you are referring to.

UPSes are to provide battery backup for if the power fails. They are not intended as primary surge suppression. They do not provide any advantage for audio components unless you just want them to stay on during a brief power outage.

UPSs and Avr's restrict peak current, so the switching power supply can't work as well as it should. Why would there be "less load"? As to "obvious reasons" for surge protection, is that an issue with your power grid?

I'm not sure what you mean that UPSes restrict peak current. Unless you're doing something with a large in-rush current like a motor (vacuum cleaner) that actually trips the internal breaker, what mechanism would restrict the current? I suppose if you mean using a UPS with a rating less than what the electrical circuit is rated for (e.g. a 410W/750VA UPS on a standard 1.8kW circuit).

 

[Julf]

What is "avr" in this context? Typically that stands for "audio video receiver", which does not seem to be what you are referring to.

I was assuming he meant voltage regulator.

I'm not sure what you mean that UPSes restrict peak current. Unless you're doing something with a large in-rush current like a motor (vacuum cleaner) that actually trips the internal breaker, what mechanism would restrict the current? I suppose if you mean using a UPS with a rating less than what the electrical circuit is rated for (e.g. a 410W/750VA UPS on a standard 1.8kW circuit).

Indeed. Most domestic UPSs aren't rated the full capability of the circuit (here in Europe 16 A / 3.7 kW).

 

[Pritaudio]

Yes uninterrupted power supply, and automatic voltage regulator.

Vacuum maybe, but kettle trips it frequently.

Ups needed to prevent lost data, even though I know it’s much less than I need for a desktop pc.
Maybe it will only last a few minutes on battery, hopefully long enough to save my data and safely power down.

I was thinking an avr would be good with my monitors and lamps.
Maybe reduce flickering (if that’s a thing).

 

[CT007]

Thanks again @amirm and @Tone

I would say this was a successful, insightful, and productive test, with Detective Amir finding some microscopic flaws in the design, and Intermediary Tone being very helpful and responsive to engineer & offer a solution to current & future Nord customers to remedy the issue(however inaudible it may or may not be).

This was an awesome, positive, 3-way collaboration between Customer, 3rd party tester, and Seller that is very rare to see in the audio industry.

Cheers to all!