Nord MP NC252 SE Amplifier Review

[Savi]

More like $400... in a hobby filled with equipment costing tens of thousands of dollars, I am not sure why you would get a good amplifier when you can get a great amplifier for the cost of a nice dinner or two.

Nc252mp vs ncx252mp measurement: thanks to diyaudio member.
Personally I am fine with my "old" nc252mp and a pretty nice dinner (400€ !) and I am sure I could not hear any difference between both and know I don't extra watt of ncx500mp.

 

[Ropeburn]

Nc252mp vs ncx252mp measurement: thanks to diyaudio member.
Personally I am fine with my "old" nc252mp and a pretty nice dinner (400€ !) and I am sure I could not hear any difference between both and know I don't extra watt of ncx500mp.

Isn't it terrific that today's "budget" options are at world class level?

 

[daniboun]

Nc252mp vs ncx252mp measurement: thanks to diyaudio member.
Personally I am fine with my "old" nc252mp and a pretty nice dinner (400€ !) and I am sure I could not hear any difference between both and know I don't extra watt of ncx500mp.

Someone shared an interesting comparison: NCX252mp vs NC252mp vs Topping Pa5 II vs Purifi

See attached file

 

[Ropeburn]

Someone shared an interesting comparison: NCX252mp vs NC252mp vs Topping Pa5 II vs Purifi

See attached file

252 doesn't hold up badly at all for a more than 15 years old design.

 

[pma]

All inaudible. Technocratic race only . To me, reliability and stability first.

 

[daniboun]

All inaudible. Technocratic race only . To me, reliability and stability first.

The eternal race for Sinad...or in other words, who has the biggest...

 

[Tone]

Which is the model you are using. Ncx252 or nc252.
Because your website product page says nc252.
And are these older versions still available.

NC252MP is still available, NCx252MP has literally just arrived, no product yet.

They have landed at a busy time and now some critics to answer before moving forward.

Hey ho.

 

[Tone]

I think there are four Nord amps reviewed on asr.

Three of those four have had issues:

1. https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...-and-measurements-of-nord-one-nc500-amp.7704/ incorrect wiring

2. https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...-se-1et400a-dual-mono-stereo-amp-review.9938/ amp shipped with incorrect fuse

3. The amp in this review.

Is this to be seen as an incredibly unfortunate series of coincidences, or a reflection on quality control?

That is why I am here and now.
An 'incredibly unfortunate series of coincidences', quite.

Seriously though, fair points.

Which way is the exit?

 

[daniboun]

SINAD 5W = 95.39dB. Both channels are almost same. And due to large effective heatsink (not only a cosmetic feature) the continuous power is high.

Archimago's DIY version (Nc252mp) also shows an excellent Sinad 5W = >95dB. You can find plenty of additional measurements here.

MEASUREMENTS: Hypex nCore NC252MP Amplifier (+ Subjective opinions around objective testing, and CES2020)

A blog for audiophiles about more objective topics. Measurements of audio gear. Reasonable, realistic, no snakeoil assessment of sound, and equipment.

archimago.blogspot.com

 

[Tone]

Once the switch had been toggled a few times the proper connection was re-established, it is a good quality switch with gold plated contacts from a reputable supplier.

I never said anything about oxidisation, that was an assumption.

We are investigating.

 

[MaxwellsEq]

Back in Jurassic times when I was working, it was a usual thing to recommend an annual unplug-replug and gently cycle switches for best connection/contact

Totally agree. It's essential to do this.

 

[Tone]

Totally agree. It's essential to do this.

A lost art?

 

[MaxwellsEq]

A lost art?

Forgotten lore, perhaps.

I used to work with big mixing consoles with hundreds of connections and as many switches, all high quality. If a socket or switch had been unused for months and then someone came to use it, it would often be noisy. Pretty much all operators knew to plug the cables in and out a few times and toggle the switches a few times etc.

 

[Tone]

I know the amplifier was sat in a very cold environment, unused, for a few months before the review, ask Amir.

It's not a defence, just a fact.

 

[Rja4000]

Amir deserves double "like" for patience and re-testing

 

[CountZodiac]

As a recent new owner of a Nord One MP NC252, I did of course initially view this review with dismay.

However, amirm's renewed review and @Tone 's positive engagement throughout this thread has alleviated most of those concerns.

I should also add that my amp has, to my ears, preformed flawlessly since I first plumbed it in.

 

[kemmler3D]

FWIW I am a former owner of a pair of Nord amps (sold them as I no longer had passives that justified their presence) and when I had an issue I found them to respond promptly and with full, helpful detail, much like in this thread. As others have mentioned in another thread about Topping, reliability is not a concern (nor is it really knowable) so much as how the manufacturer responds if there's an issue. Problems occur randomly, good support does not.

 

[Tone]

FWIW I am a former owner of a pair of Nord amps (sold them as I no longer had passives that justified their presence) and when I had an issue I found them to respond promptly and with full, helpful detail, much like in this thread. As others have mentioned in another thread about Topping, reliability is not a concern (nor is it really knowable) so much as how the manufacturer responds if there's an issue. Problems occur randomly, good support does not.

Problems will always occur, no matter your intent, it's how you deal with them that matters, and learn, well said.

 

[Tone]

All inaudible. Technocratic race only . To me, reliability and stability first.

I actually really like that term, 'technocratic', can be be too technical?

I can joke too, just not that good at it.

 

[Tone]

I have to concentrate on current production, there are earlier photos of Nord implementations on this thread and others reffered.

If we are the same company doing the same thing as years ago then tell me more.

Ah, there's the exit!