Power amp for nearfield monitors?

[Oldson]

currently at my computer desk setup i am using Dynaudio M10's as nearfield monitors power by a Rega Elex-r integrated amp.

i am looking to move the Elex-r on and i no longer need an integrated amp as i use my ADI-2 dac as pre.
have read a little on here regarding class D amps and have an interest in the Nord acoustics hypex amps, mainly as they are UK based so support should be good.
another cheaper option is the Fosi audio v3 mini monoblocks and while i have seen evidence of some failing, the reports of quick replacement is encouraging.

any advice on which of the above or other suggestions would be appreciated.
does not have to be class D, btw.
are there extra reqirements for a nearfield scenario? for example.

i have a budget of up to £600 as i have been offered this for the Rega.

 

[staticV3]

First, I would figure out the required output power by adjusting the Rega's volume to preference, then measuring its output voltage while playing a 60Hz test tone. All you need for this is a basic $10 multimeter.

With this power requirement in mind, I would look for an Amp with the lowest output noise to minimize speaker hiss.

Listening in the nearfield, you'll likely find that you're using way less power than you think, making a £600 Hypex Amp highly overkill.

Remember: as long as it's not clipping, even a 15W "toy" Amp will sound identical to a 600W beast, and will likely come with the advantage of reduced hiss.

 

[Oldson]

at what voltage should the output of my ADI-2 be at? for this test

currently its at1.97v with 60hz tone

 

[staticV3]

at what voltage should the output of my ADI-2 be at? for this test

currently its at1.97v with 60hz tone

The ADI-2's output voltage doesn't matter here, as long a it's within the range the the Rega can handle.

Set it to an arbitrary value, then adjust the Rega to preference and measure at the Rega Speaker outputs.

The important part is that you disable replay gain and anything else that could change the playback levels between your track and the 60Hz tone without your knowledge, and that you know the dBFS Peak levels of both the track and the 60Hz tone.

E.g. if you measure 8.6Vrms after adjusting with your track and the track is mastered to -1.5dBFS Peak but the 60Hz tone you used to measure is at -10dBFS, then the actual voltage while playing would've peaked at 8.6*10^((10-1.5)/20))=22.9Vrms

To completely eliminate per-track replay gain shenanigans from the equation, you could open your track of choice in Audacity etc and directly insert the 60Hz tone into it.

Then export, play it back, adjust the volume, wait for the track to end then measure the 60Hz section that you added at the end.

There's no need to keep the 60Hz tone at 0dBFS, you can reduce its level to spare your speakers and ears.

As long as you know the difference between the 60Hz amplitude and track peak amplitude, you can figure out the track peak voltage like I did above.

Edit:
Also, use the highest dynamic range/crest factor tracks that you have to adjust the volume. Basically those that require you to turn up the volume the most, compared to your usual compressed Spotify/YouTube/whatever content.

 

[Matias]

Here is my suggestion from Nord in England: NC252MP in a simple chassis, just make sure to add XLR input connectors for a total of £359.00.

Nord Value-Line MP NC252 Stereo Power Amplifier - Nord Acoustics Ltd

SPECIFICATION (Per Channel) • Standard Stereo Case (optional SE case) • Hypex NCore NC252MP twin channel Module • RCA or XLR Input • Auto sensing 100-240V mains input operation • 0.12W standby operation • 650W Main PSU • 47K Ohms Input Impedance, low output impedance • THD 0.0015% • S/N Ratio...

nordacoustics.co.uk

 

[Oldson]

so i have a bit of a shortlist now after reading up on each option.

Nord vl nc252
Fosi V3s
Wiim Vibelink. all similar in price

i think i am correct that performance in my nearfield/desk set-up will bevery much the same.
Nord and Fosi have more power , which i am unlikely to make use of.
Nord and Fosi also have simpler set-up as no volume control.
Wiim has advantage of providing a "back up" dac in the unlikely event of my RME failing.

all are nice and compact aside from the Fosi psu/s, but they would be under desk anyway.
currently i am using a Rega Elex-r which is conveniently sat on my old vinyl deck wall bracket next to my desk.
the above options would all fit easily on the desk instead and allow me to tidy up my whole set-up.

if anyone has any further advice on the 3 items in my shortlist, i would be grateful for it?

 

[BeeKay]

Here is my suggestion from Nord in England: NC252MP in a simple chassis, just make sure to add XLR input connectors for a total of £359.00.

Nord Value-Line MP NC252 Stereo Power Amplifier - Nord Acoustics Ltd

SPECIFICATION (Per Channel) • Standard Stereo Case (optional SE case) • Hypex NCore NC252MP twin channel Module • RCA or XLR Input • Auto sensing 100-240V mains input operation • 0.12W standby operation • 650W Main PSU • 47K Ohms Input Impedance, low output impedance • THD 0.0015% • S/N Ratio...

nordacoustics.co.uk

The Hypex module just is getting a NCx successor. Either wait for prices to drop or maybe wait for the better measuring implementation if that’s a thing.

 

[Oldson]

The Hypex module just is getting a NCx successor. Either wait for prices to drop or maybe wait for the better measuring implementation if that’s a thing.

do you know when this is scheduled? and will it be implemented on the 252 or just the higher level modules?

 

[Oldson]

do you know when this is scheduled? and will it be implemented on the 252 or just the higher level modules?

its ok i have found it now.
cheers