analogguy
Member
I’ve got NC400 based amp with SMPS 1200A400 PSU which I've assembled 8 years ago. I have no complaints about SQ but the built quality of SMPS is questionable. Mine started failing a year ago. I think they use cheap caps because the failure mode is longer delay which is typically associated with failing caps. A friend of mine built his NC400 in 2019 and his SMPS1200A400 died in 2023 and he ended up building linear PSU. I was also reading about this issue on DIY audio so it looks like it’s a common problem. I can’t find info about caps values in SMPS and don’t really have time at the moment to fiddle with them.
I’m thinking about either buying NC502MP based amp or ICE1200AS2 module. I’m planning to use them to run my stereo until I fix SMPS and then will repurpose them to run my DIY Ripols which are based on 2X 8 ohm 12” Dayton woofers and miniDSP. Ideally, I prefer an universal amp so when I need it I could use it as the main amp. I’ve never heard 1200AS2 but from what I was reading the module sounds a bit dull and muddy on the top and it require good buffers to sing but I think this view my came from the camp that also believes in different sound of cables, caps and so on so maybe it is just an audiofool talks.
Both SQ and reliability ( I expect electronics to last at least 25 years) are equally important to me and therefore I’ve got 2 questions: 1.Does anybody have compared NC400 Vs NC500MP ( I know about the spec but I don’t really care as I don’t possess super human hearing capabilities anyway) and ICE1200AS vs NC400. 2. Does anybody have any info about reliability of 1200AS and NC500MP. I would love to see the accelerated aging test results.
I’m thinking about either buying NC502MP based amp or ICE1200AS2 module. I’m planning to use them to run my stereo until I fix SMPS and then will repurpose them to run my DIY Ripols which are based on 2X 8 ohm 12” Dayton woofers and miniDSP. Ideally, I prefer an universal amp so when I need it I could use it as the main amp. I’ve never heard 1200AS2 but from what I was reading the module sounds a bit dull and muddy on the top and it require good buffers to sing but I think this view my came from the camp that also believes in different sound of cables, caps and so on so maybe it is just an audiofool talks.
Both SQ and reliability ( I expect electronics to last at least 25 years) are equally important to me and therefore I’ve got 2 questions: 1.Does anybody have compared NC400 Vs NC500MP ( I know about the spec but I don’t really care as I don’t possess super human hearing capabilities anyway) and ICE1200AS vs NC400. 2. Does anybody have any info about reliability of 1200AS and NC500MP. I would love to see the accelerated aging test results.