Nord MP NC252 SE Amplifier Review

[phoenixdogfan]

The whole thing is puzzling. That looks like extremely substandard measurements for an NC--252, and since it's just one big board you need to bolt into a box and run some wires into, it's super puzzling.

I assembled a Purifi Eigentact from its component parts (Eval1 module from Purifi, SMPS from Hypex, Ghent case) and it's really not all that complicated. But one thing I was super careful about was how I routed the wires. To me, it's unthinkable that they routed the main power over what looks like the power transformer. Seems like that's just asking for trouble. It's probably fixable by the owner. Just re-route the cable, and, if it's not long enough, order a longer one from Hypex or Ghent, but maybe it should go back to NORD, the assembler. to fix as well. Half-assed job on their part, that's for sure.

Thanks for this review, Amir.

 

[levimax]

So, for perfection - there is a bit more money to spend!

Picking up a few inaudible dB's of SINAD is all well and good but what about long term reliability? These are supposed to be "high end" modules yet seem to have some issues.

 

[Ropeburn]

Picking up a few inaudible dB's of SINAD is all well and good but what about long term reliability? These are supposed to be "high end" modules yet seem to have some issues.

Nobody except Hypex knows the actual failure rates. You know how it is, only failures get reported loudly online and then stick out. Especially with such a rather niche product that isn't mainstream and by tendency gets bought by the more technically inclined who in turn are more present in technical forums.

 

[boXem]

Picking up a few inaudible dB's of SINAD is all well and good but what about long term reliability? These are supposed to be "high end" modules yet seem to have some issues.

Reliability issues with Purifi modules? That's new to me. Do you have more info on this?
The only repetitive failures I have heard about were on NC252MP modules coming from black market. And yes, the NC252MP was not designed to be installed at the bottom of a minuscule closed box.

 

[levimax]

Reliability issues with Purifi modules? That's new to me. Do you have more info on this?
The only repetitive failures I have heard about were on NC252MP modules coming from black market. And yes, the NC252MP was not designed to be installed at the bottom of a minuscule closed box.

Look up thread in Post #31 or maybe that is what you are referencing with the small box? I guess you can blame the installer for all the issues and I agree that only Hypex knows for sure but I do see a fair amount of issues mentioned on line, much more so than for traditional high end amp brands like McIntosh or Krell or Accuphase or similar. Maybe not fair to compare commodity modules to traditional high end amps but Hypex positions itself as SOTA so comparisons are inevitable.

 

[pieterv1]

That being said, with the arrival of the NCx252, I'd say the NC252mp will quickly be forgotten....

Interesting! Do you know of any finished amps already using this module? Or in the making?
Do you think the NCx252 boards would be compatible with DIY kits for the older boards?

 

[totti1965]

Picking up a few inaudible dB's of SINAD is all well and good but what about long term reliability? These are supposed to be "high end" modules yet seem to have some issues.

Normally Hypex, nCore, Eigentakt or Eigentakt 2 modules are known for their extreme good reliability, because they are build with high Constance, run with low temperatures and have good controls before shipped worldwide to many private users or companies that uses them, so I was astouned about the issues @amirm found!

 

[levimax]

Normally Hypex, nCore, Eigentakt or Eigentakt 2 modules are known for their extreme good reliability, because they are build with high Constance, run with low temperatures and have good controls before shipped worldwide to many private users or companies that uses them, so I was astouned about the issues @amirm found!

I don't know for sure obviously, only Hypex does, but I do see reports of issues with capacitors like this thread https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/hypex-nc500mp-capacitor-failure.47005/ Since I don't for sure I am not going to make any more comments, people can do their own research and draw their own conclusions.

 

[Tone]

Interesting! Do you know of any finished amps already using this module? Or in the making?
Do you think the NCx252 boards would be compatible with DIY kits for the older boards?

I know of one company having NCx252MP in the making.
Busy time of year and now this issue that needs resolving to regain customer confidence!

New NCx252MP boards have at least arrived at Nord.

 

[Zastawny4475]

I know of one company having NCx252MP in the making.
Busy time of year and now this issue that needs resolving to regain customer confidence!

New NCx252MP boards have at least arrived at Nord.

I got my nc252mp from your 6 months ago will you be able to offer an upgrade to the ncx252mp and address possible issues with previous nc252mps as seen in todays test. Regards chris zastawny

 

[boXem]

Look up thread in Post #31 or maybe that is what you are referencing with the small box? I guess you can blame the installer for all the issues and I agree that only Hypex knows for sure but I do see a fair amount of issues mentioned on line, much more so than for traditional high end amp brands like McIntosh or Krell or Accuphase or similar. Maybe not fair to compare commodity modules to traditional high end amps but Hypex positions itself as SOTA so comparisons are inevitable.

You replied to somebody mentioning a Purifi based amp (ours btw) by having doubts on reliability. Thus my question.
That said I will leave you guys before moderators rightfully show me the exit.

 

[Tone]

I got my nc252mp from your 6 months ago will you be able to offer an upgrade to the ncx252mp and address possible issues with previous nc252mps as seen in todays test. Regards chris zastawny

Once we are sure of the cause for poor readings we can offer any necessary action, I have an idea what has happened but needs further investigation.

Initially NCx252MP will be offered for new production but if supply from Hypex is not limited we can look at retrofit options.

And yes, as far as I am aware NCx252MP is 'drop in' replacement for NC252MP.

We'll find out for sure very soon.

 

[Zastawny4475]

Once we are sure of the cause for poor readings we can offer any necessary action, I have an idea what has happened but needs further investigation.

Initially NCx252MP will be offered for new production but if supply from Hypex is not limited we can look at retrofit options.

And yes, as far as I am aware NCx252MP is 'drop in' replacement for NC252MP.

We'll find out for sure very soon.

Thank you

 

[Tone]

And beware anybody selling NCx252MP directly to consumers, it may be a least dodgy source or even counterfeit.
Hypex only supply these modules for oem.

 

[Ykar]

I have an idea what has happened but needs further investigation.

Since not confirmed yet, I would understand reticence in sharing potential misleading informations, but if that's not a big concern, I would be interested in what could be the potential source of the problem. I have Ncore modules with DIY enclosure and would be interested in knowing what mistake to avoid/things to take care of for reliable assembly.

 

[Tone]

In theory it could be the xlr-rca toggle switches being left on one position for a long time and requiring a few toggles back and forth to reclean contacts.

Without knowing for sure I can only offer my opinions/previous experience.

So, at the moment, I will say no more.

 

[Zastawny4475]

In theory it could be the xlr-rca toggle switches being left on one position for a long time and requiring a few toggles back and forth to reclean contacts.

Without knowing for sure I can only offer my opinions/previous experience.

So, at the moment, I will say no more.

Fully understandable. Thanks for reaching out to us.

 

[Tone]

No problem, being resolute, thanks to everyone for their understanding, and the challenges.

 

[xanalog]

Thank you for the review, @amirm,
Thanks for sharing, to the member,

I am fresh out of votes, especially for another botched power-amp offering.

ASR Master Audio Review Index shows 106 "Power AMP" reviews: 56, of which, are Recommended, 35 are Not (15 with N/A).

To the delight of consumers, power-amp designs (A, A/B, D, etc.) are no longer rocket-science!

 

[dan_uk]

That one was the ‘golden’ sample.

Keith

How can it be a golden sample if it didn’t come direct from Nord?