Orchard Audio Bosc (GaNFET Class D) vs. Hypex & Co. ?

[Vortex]

Hi all,

can we expect a test how these GaN-based newcomers perform against top-class classD-s like e.g. NC400 ?
BOSC

From the site:
Why Gallium Nitride (GaN)?


GaN provides the following sonic/sound quality benefits over traditional silicon transistors:

• Less harshness
• Cleaner highs
• Better transparency
• Higher detail

This is because GaN transistors have much better characteristics over their silicon counterparts:

• Increased slew rate
• Reduced ringing
• Faster switching
• Faster overload recovery

Amplifier performance is improved by the use of GaN technology:

• Decreased noise
• Less distortion
• Better transient response
• Higher bandwidth

Looks promising to me. It would be great to test and measure these too.

 

[SIY]

Hi all,

can we expect a test how these GaN-based newcomers perform against top-class classD-s like e.g. NC400 ?
BOSC

From the site:
Why Gallium Nitride (GaN)?


GaN provides the following sonic/sound quality benefits over traditional silicon transistors:

• Less harshness
• Cleaner highs
• Better transparency
• Higher detail

This is because GaN transistors have much better characteristics over their silicon counterparts:

• Increased slew rate
• Reduced ringing
• Faster switching
• Faster overload recovery

Amplifier performance is improved by the use of GaN technology:

• Decreased noise
• Less distortion
• Better transient response
• Higher bandwidth

Looks promising to me. It would be great to test and measure these too.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1B_64mCNoxf4JqQZ1kdWvtIIWl-ij_8nk/edit

 

[pozz]

@orchardaudio posts here and has access to AP gear.

 

[Vortex]

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1B_64mCNoxf4JqQZ1kdWvtIIWl-ij_8nk/edit

Uh. Killer, both. Thanks for the article.
And interestingly, NC400 is still (insignificantly) better than Purifi on the SINAD chart. However, in other aspects I assume Purifi is the better option. (If also insignificantly because NC400 alone is stellar already). What do you think ?

Just asking all of that because I'd like to source 2 of "some kind of cutting edge amp modules" to drive my active 3-way midrange sections in a decently powered setup. (And I can decide later if I want to colour it with a tube input stage or leave it as is).

 

[kn0ppers]

I would go with the Purifis and the Neurochrome Input Buffer by @tomchr .

https://neurochrome.com/products/purifi-1et400a-hypex-nc500-input-buffer

It should make for a fairly clean implementation (probably as clean as DIY gets).

Edit: But I must say I am slightly confused by what exactly you want to do? Do you want to replace the currently installed amplifier modules in active speakers? Is there any DSP stuff going on or does it have one speaker output internally and a passive crossover network?

 

[jtwrace]

@Poseidons Voice has a few of them so I'm sure he can comment

 

[Poseidons Voice]

Here’s my build and measurements of my unit:

https://www.diyaudio.com/forums/class-d/87913-class-amp-photo-gallery-161.html#post6302969

It’s a small 2U height box (280mm x 380mm), weighs about 8 lbs.

Multimode IMD attached at bottom of this post.

Note that I built it with a +48V supply and not +56V. As such max power is less. When Leo tested it, the MeanWell modules went into current protection mode at 123W/8 ohms. It’s not an issue for me as my speakers are passive and 96dB/2.83V/1m. I have comfortably listened to the amps hooked up to my system and achieved SPL levels of 85-95dB at my main listening position of ~ 4m. At these SPL levels, I have measured about a minimum of 6watts and max of 20 watts (my impedance varies from 4.8 ohms to 20 ohms from 100Hz on up). Bear in mind that I use a distributed multisub setup for frequencies below ~ 200Hz.

 

[SIY]

Nice Cyrillic shoutout to Leo!

 

[Poseidons Voice]

Indeed SY, we should respect each others heritage!
Thank you for your didactic comparisons of the Purifi and BOSC. Helped solidify the relatively small differences between the 2 designs.

Best,
Anand.

 

[Panelhead]

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1B_64mCNoxf4JqQZ1kdWvtIIWl-ij_8nk/edit

Very good review. I really want to try the BOSC. Need to pull out the card.

 

[James Romeyn]

Poseidon's amp is criminally nice!

I am happily surprised how readable is the review in the above link.

 

[pos]

I'd like to source 2 of "some kind of cutting edge amp modules" to drive my active 3-way midrange sections in a decently powered setup.

Depending on the situation you might get better end results (lower distortion from the amp+driver system) with a current drive amplifier (or a high power amplifier with a simple series resistor).

 

[orchardaudio]

Depending on the situation you might get better end results (lower distortion from the amp+driver system) with a current drive amplifier (or a high power amplifier with a simple series resistor).

That could be quite a big resistor depending on the situation.

 

[orchardaudio]

@Vortex BOSC modules will be in stock next week.
If you are interested I can give you 10% off. Send me an email at [email protected]

 

[restorer-john]

@orchardaudio So, obviously the issue with the name "Bosc" has been resolved in your favour and didn't go all pear-shaped? (pun intended) Glad to hear it. Tell us more (if you can).

 

[orchardaudio]

@orchardaudio So, obviously the issue with the name "Bosc" has been resolved in your favour? Glad to hear it. Tell us more (if you can).

The new name for the modules will be Starkrimson Mono.

I have till end of the year to redo all the naming.

This is why in some of the newer reviews you will see "BOSC/Starkrimson"

 

[Matias]

@orchardaudio Any plans on a higher power amplifier like 700W at 4 ohms?

 

[orchardaudio]

@orchardaudio Any plans on a higher power amplifier like 700W at 4 ohms?

Not right now.

 

[amirm]

I have a reference GaN design from another company I will be testing soon....

 

[Matias]

There is Merrill Audio's GaN amplifiers but they are extremely expensive and no measurements anywhere...