Review and Measurements of Neurochrome Modulus-286 Amp

[dweeeeb2]

I think the tingling sensation is due to the leakage current through capacitors that are used in the EMI filter

Some of the EU countries don't use grounded outlets - or if they do they may have an ungrounded power strip plugged into a grounded outlet. In addition, they often use non-polarized plugs. If you're in this situation and find the tingling bothersome, try reversing the mains plug. That will make the tingling go away.

Thanks. Im in Aus, the model 30 doesn’t have a ground pin. Ill try reversing the plug.

Just FYI. I don’t have „tingling“ with neither the Mod268 nor the Mod686 amps I have (linear PS and grounded connections, location Europe).

Cheers, its just the first time I’d heard someone describe my situation. The store owner thought I was nuts.

 

[renkitch]

I built my own amp using a single LM3886 chip for each channel, powered by a 300 W unregulated 50 Hz supply (purely for reliability and 'on-demand' capability). I use it to drive a super-efficient Transmission Line speaker (8" driver, parallel rear-firing duct, with some 'tricks' added). The sound, and the feel, that comes out of the speakers is absolutely stunning (at 5 Watts or at 55 Watts). The bass power is significant - it's like being in an exclusive London night club, who are using a super-high-end PA (I was a friend of a friend). Naturally, the speakers have a distortion that's well above that of the LM3886, then factor in the chaos a room adds. So, I would say that the Modulus 286 is going to be a notable improvement on what I have, which is good to begin with. I have an account with Hypex, but I remembered a voice in my head that kept reminding me; "we don't stock any class D amps (of any brand) because we have had so many returns due to reliability issues". Considering the effort it took to make a nice-looking amp, I don't want to have to make another amp again for at least 5 years. That said, what do I know - I've inserted a 31-band stereo graphic equaliser in my system to tune into my hearing preference (mostly using cut and not boost)...

 

[manisandher]

I've got 12 Neurochrome modules (in two different active systems). In my main system, they drive 109dB/W@1m compression horn tweeters. Only the slightest hint of hiss with ear right next to horn's mouth.

They are brilliant amps IMHO.

Mani.

 

[brunes]

The support from Tom @neurochrome is also epic... I managed to build a Mod 86 that worked first time..

 

[tomchr]

So, I would say that the Modulus 286 is going to be a notable improvement on what I have, which is good to begin with.

Yep. The Modulus architecture takes the LM3886 to a whole new level.

Tom

 

[Gremlins]

I believe this 286 amps are way too expensive. A complete stereo 286 amp will take you at how much money?
For a similar price point and power output look at lingdorf tdai 1120 that brings you super clean amplification + room correction + plenty of state of the art parameters ajustements + streaming options + nice looking and finish product

Another option for same kind of money would be the technics su-gsx70 that brings you to a high level of finish product and super clean sound


So what argument brings in a stereo 286 modulus if we compare Price and power to spend?

 

[Wolf11Man]

You are compairing apples and pigs. Doesn't lead anywhere.

 

[Killingbeans]

So what argument brings in a stereo 286 modulus if we compare Price and power to spend?

It's a one man outfit with low production runs.

Tom does an honest attempt at reaching an approximation of the fabled "wire-with-gain", with measurements to prove it.

If you want to support that and don't mind paying a bit extra to do so, then Neurochrome is for you.

There's a million reasons to pay extra for an amp. You can easily find amps with x10 or x100 the price tag that make wild claims about "wire-with-gain" in their marketing, but have nothing to show for it other than romantic narratives. Sometimes independent third party measurements will show that the performance of those amps miss the mark by a mile. I wouldn't personally touch them with a ten foot pole, but others will gladly buy them and see them as "good value" regardless.

 

[sq225917]

Handmade, sourced and assembled in Canada, small volume production, 1st class tech support... worth every cent.

 

[Gremlins]

You are compairing apples and pigs. Doesn't lead anywhere.

Well yes and no
I am just putting in basket the price range of 2000 and power watts in the range of 60w comparison

I look at lyngdorf tdai 1120 or technics su gsx70 or neurochrome 286, the 3 of them in similar price and power output ... I dont see ANY objective argument in favor of neurochrome AT this Price point , ANY

 

[Gremlins]

Handmade, sourced and assembled in Canada, small volume production, 1st class tech support... worth every cent.

Yes agree, but on the other hand a technics or lyngdorf brings you great engineering from trusted company also, worth every cents too .. brings you a nice and luxury finish AND room correction AND streaming AND Access to amp parameters AND objective good quality output And and and and ..

 

[sq225917]

I prefer to buy direct from the designer where possible.

 

[Gremlins]

It's a one man outfit with low production runs.

Tom does an honest attempt at reaching an approximation of the fabled "wire-with-gain", with measurements to prove it.

If you want to support that and don't mind paying a bit extra to do so, then Neurochrome is for you.

There's a million reasons to pay extra for an amp. You can easily find amps with x10 or x100 the price tag that make wild claims about "wire-with-gain" in their marketing, but have nothing to show for it other than romantic narratives. Sometimes independent third party measurements will show that the performance of those amps miss the mark by a mile. I wouldn't personally touch them with a ten foot pole, but others will gladly buy them and see them as "good value" regardless.

Agree
But the technics and lyngdorf will bring you also the wire with gain, in the audible range

I dont see ANY of these 3 amps being coulored in sound, they are neutral with similar power output.
But 2 of them brings you very much functionlities more and a nice finish product look

 

[Gremlins]

I prefer to buy direct from the designer where possible.

Ok, why not, but that is subjective

What would be objective answers?

 

[Wolf11Man]

No one is forced to buy from TC, made in Canada. You don't have to put sirup on your pancakes, too.

I can think of many cases I want to use one, two or even more perfect amp modules and can not use your favorite Lingdoof thingy with all the fancy functions.
I would never buy such an overpriced Lingding kitchen radio made in China looking like a telephone design done wrong.
So far for me. You may love to shell out 2000$ and not even get a remote.

That is objective.

 

[Jimbob54]

Probably time to move that discussion on and dial back some of the aggro please.

 

[Gremlins]

Thanks moderator for correcting the useless hatter

I own a neurochrome 86 sincèrement couple of years now and i know how good they are, i think the 286 IS same quality output, though more expensive to build. Tom selle complète build at 2400 dollars.. and you get only one input and an amp in a casing from modushop

Though, i just brings some thinking here as these diy amps ( modulus 286) do not come cheap to build in a nice case from modushop.

When you think about it, for similar price you get a lyngdorf tdai 1120 way way way above a modulus 286 , or either a technics su gsx70 way way way above too when you look a functionlities, inputs, case etc etc

So ok building is nice to do, solder capacitors etc etc ... But i now think about what i get for the money i spend and would definitely advice to triple think before going route of diy considering what you Can get for same amount of money

Btw : a lyngdorf tdai 1120 completly destroy a modulus 86 when using room perfect, streaming directly though it

 

[Jimbob54]

Thanks moderator for correcting the useless hatter

I own a neurochrome 86 sincèrement couple of years now and i know how good they are, i think the 286 IS same quality output, though more expensive to build. Tom selle complète build at 2400 dollars.. and you get only one input and an amp in a casing from modushop

Though, i just brings some thinking here as these diy amps ( modulus 286) do not come cheap to build in a nice case from modushop.

When you think about it, for similar price you get a lyngdorf tdai 1120 way way way above a modulus 286 , or either a technics su gsx70 way way way above too when you look a functionlities, inputs, case etc etc

So ok building is nice to do, solder capacitors etc etc ... But i now think about what i get for the money i spend and would definitely advice to triple think before going route of diy considering what you Can get for same amount of money

Btw : a lyngdorf tdai 1120 completly destroy a modulus 86 when using room perfect, streaming directly though it

Like I say, probably time to move the discussion on, not retread the same path. Please

 

[Ground Noise Industries]

I have seen many comments about this amplifier and others based on the LM3886. Mostly about price. There is the Rane MA3 over at B and H Photo for $159 right now. It's a three channel pro amp based on the LM3886. It is an eighth the cost of The Modulus with a real analog transformer and linear power supply; I don't know if this version has through the hole or surface mount board. There are many options at different price points. Each will take a different path to the features needed. Electronics is such a great hobby and can be a good career. If you want innovation and top quality, be ready to pay for it. Man's time isn't free and isn't infinite.

 

[tomchr]

Does the Rane MA3 have error correction? That's the central point of the Modulus amps. The error correction drives the distortion into the abyss. That's why the Modulus-86, -286, and -686 sound much better than other LM3886-based amps.

Tom