Nord's new Value-Line Hypex NCore MP series

[Matias]

Nord has released a new range of Hypex NCore MP series amps with great prices using more affordable cases.

"Our new Value-Line range of lower priced amplifiers. Built to compete with the budget box shifters offering a no frill amplifier with the same sonic performance of our standard range using the same modules. Incorporating lower priced cases and front switch with lasered front panel lower priced binding posts and RCA connectors. No aluminum feet and front badge."

NORD ONE HYPEX MPXXX Archives

nordacoustics.co.uk

NC252MP - 350 GPB = 428 USD
NC502MP - 520 GPB = 635 USD

Very nice, @boggit10!

 

[CDMC]

They have stripped them down to such the essentials and sharpened their pencils so much, they didn't even the funds left to take and post a photo of what they look like.

Nice to see manufactures offering no frills budget boxes. If we are honest with ourselves, there is no audible difference between these NC252MP basic amps and a Purifi or Benchmark, just chasing numbers. Unless you have a speaker that is particularly hard to drive, or very insensitive, these modules are really the best value going. By way of example, I had to send my NAD M22v2 in for service (auto turn on not working) and used my NC252MP in its place in my main system, with my Revels. Sounded the same to me and plenty of power.

 

[Matias]

I think it is the same Modushop Galaxy Maggiorato GX288 but with 3 mm front panel instead of the 10 mm front panel, along with "lower priced binding posts and RCA connectors. No aluminum feet and front badge".

 

[Matias]

Those prices are competitive even in the USA since they have this policy.

USA & Canadian Customs Package and Support, Make It Easy USA

We pay all import fees taxes etc, just like buying from the USA (We will refund any fees over £75 in Canada) Applies to Nord Amplifiers only Painless and Simple just like buying in the USA & Canada. 2 Day Express UPS delivery from point of shipping. USA Repair Centre. We pay courier costs if …...

nordacoustics.co.uk

"We pay all import fees taxes etc, just like buying from the USA

(We will refund any fees over £75 in Canada)

Applies to Nord Amplifiers only

Painless and Simple just like buying in the USA & Canada.

2 Day Express UPS delivery from point of shipping.

USA Repair Centre.

We pay courier costs if amp has to be returned to the UK for any reason with 2 day turn around for the first year.

USA Mains leads and voltage.

We answer support mails 7 days a week, till late UK time 95% of the time."

 

[Zoomer]

In EU the MP NC252 is still at least 20% more expensive than Audiophonics... As far as I can see that doesn't even include VAT and customs charges.

 

[Matias]

In EU the MP NC252 is still at least 20% more expensive than Audiophonics... As far as I can see that doesn't even include VAT and customs charges.

The cheapest NC252MP in Audiophonics lineup is 415 euros = 448 USD without VAT, so more expensive than the Nord (428 USD).

AUDIOPHONICS MPA-S250NC XLR Class D Stereo Amplifier Ncore 2x250W 4 Ohm - Audiophonics

The Audiophonics MPA-S252NC XLR is a stereo amplifier based on an amplification module Hypex Ncore NC252MP. This solution is ideal for anyone who wants to have a large power reserve (2x150W) without sacrificing sound reproduction quality.

www.audiophonics.fr

And the cheapest NC502MP in Audiophonics lineup is 650 euros = 700 USD without VAT, so more expensive than the Nord (635 USD).

AUDIOPHONICS LPA-S500NC Amplificateur Stéréo Class D Ncore 2x500W 4 Ohm - Audiophonics

Stereo amplifier based on amplification module Hypex Ncore NC502MP with RCA and XLR inputs.

www.audiophonics.fr

Also I don't think that the blue and brown AC wires crossing in the middle of the board is a good practice considering noise interference (60Hz hum), as seen on Audiophonics.

White the Nord has a better layout with the IEC inlet on the other side, and uses a shorter cable running outside the board.

 

[pma]

NC252MP OEM cost is currently 172.61 EUR, VAT excluded. Prices of completed products are fair.

 

[Matias]

Also the former NC500OEM is in this line.

NORD VALUE-LINE Archives

nordacoustics.co.uk

 

[boggit10]

Matias's top picture is correct case. Cheers.
As to not having pictures we only decided today to make them today. We are good here and can move quickly. Unfortunately that does not stretch to photography of a product I don't have yet. Photos will follow in a week. Though I did a test front panel on our existing 10mm fronts.

Incidentally we will continue to support product and customers who are out of warranty. It's not all about price.

 

[Dimifoot]

So no XLR’s?

 

[boggit10]

I'll add the option to have one or the other.
Done MP's

 

[boggit10]

Oh we also have EU buying option to fix, reduce import and VAT below 20%

 

[antcollinet]

Matias's top picture is correct case. Cheers.
As to not having pictures we only decided today to make them today. We are good here and can move quickly. Unfortunately that does not stretch to photography of a product I don't have yet. Photos will follow in a week. Though I did a test front panel on our existing 10mm fronts. View attachment 273654Incidentally we will continue to support product and customers who are out of warranty. It's not all about price.

You need to remove "value line" from the front panel.

No-one wants to buy kit that advertises "I am cheap" to guests.

Replace it with "VL" if you like, then we can tell people it stands for "Very Loud"

 

[boggit10]

Yes I realise this. However more important to me is to let people know and to protect the brand that this is a basic version to of what we produce, and we can offer nicer looking kit.

 

[CDMC]

You need to remove "value line" from the front panel.

No-one wants to buy kit that advertises "I am cheap" to guests.

Replace it with "VL" if you like, then we can tell people it stands for "Very Loud"

Funny, I have the opposite view. I have no problem with something saying value lime, or saying I saved money to get the same performance.

 

[Sokel]

You need to remove "value line" from the front panel.

No-one wants to buy kit that advertises "I am cheap" to guests.

Replace it with "VL" if you like, then we can tell people it stands for "Very Loud"

Problem is not when its saying "cheap" on label,problem is if it looks cheap and badly assembled.

 

[Matias]

Problem is not when its saying "cheap" on label,problem is if it looks cheap and badly assembled.

Which is not the "case" here, pun intended.

 

[Sokel]

Which is not the "case" here, pun intended.

Yep,it looks that "fits" the purpose perfectly.

 

[somebodyelse]

It would be nice to have a Speakon option, but I guess I'm in the minority on that one.

 

[fpitas]

It would be nice to have a Speakon option, but I guess I'm in the minority on that one.

I would either want Speakons, or binding posts whose cap can be wrenched, and can accept a ring terminal by unscrewing the cap entirely. I think regular binding posts are silly at this performance level.