Nord One Up Ncore NC500 amps, Class D ready for prime time .....

**jalejos** · April 17, 2016, 06:49 AM

Thanks for the tip. Both are covered in version 2. When I got in touch with Richard to give me budget of the operational amplifiers 994, I said, very kindly, to make some changes in my design to reduce noise. These modifications are contemplated in this V2.

**Mivera Audio** · April 17, 2016, 12:54 PM

Originally Posted by jalejos

Thanks for the tip. Both are covered in version 2. When I got in touch with Richard to give me budget of the operational amplifiers 994, I said, very kindly, to make some changes in my design to reduce noise. These modifications are contemplated in this V2.

That's good. Just make sure those caps aren't in the way. The SIL 994 is a big opamp. And you want to keep the leads as short as possible or they can pickup noise

**a.wayne** · April 17, 2016, 01:14 PM

Originally Posted by Mivera Audio

That's good. Just make sure those caps aren't in the way. The SIL 994 is a big opamp. And you want to keep the leads as short as possible or they can pickup noise

Have you tried the NC500 on any low Z loads , like large ESL's and or ribbons ? Is there an inductor output mod for Low-Z loads ..?

Regards

**Mivera Audio** · April 17, 2016, 01:21 PM

Originally Posted by a.wayne

Have you tried the NC500 on any low Z loads , like large ESL's and or ribbons ? Is there an inductor output mod for Low-Z loads ..?

Regards

I tried them on a pair of Martin Logan ascent 2's that dip down to 1.2 ohms. We had them cranked up to levels far beyond what I thought those speakers could put out for over 30 minutes. The sound was ultra clean with no sign of strain. And the amp modules were barely warm to the touch. These amps can handle 1 ohm loads. They will just be current limited to around 500w at 1 ohm.

**Dizzie** · April 17, 2016, 01:44 PM

Originally Posted by Mivera Audio

I tried them on a pair of Martin Logan ascent 2's that dip down to 1.2 ohms. We had them cranked up to levels far beyond what I thought those speakers could put out for over 30 minutes. The sound was ultra clean with no sign of strain. And the amp modules were barely warm to the touch. These amps can handle 1 ohm loads. They will just be current limited to around 500w at 1 ohm.

Mike, Which amplifier and configuration was that specifically? Quad spoken here.

**a.wayne** · April 17, 2016, 01:45 PM

Thanks for the response , drive was never the issue when i have tried class-D it's there tonal balance that took a dive , Timbre , especially on classical and piano sounded odd ..

Interested in trying a pr of these NC500 to see if much improved there ....

Regards

**Mivera Audio** · April 17, 2016, 02:47 PM

Originally Posted by Dizzie

Mike, Which amplifier and configuration was that specifically? Quad spoken here.

That was some NC 500 based amps I built. But all are the same power wise as long as they use the SMPS1200A700 power supply. I wouldn't be afraid to recommend these for any speaker.

**Mivera Audio** · April 17, 2016, 02:50 PM

Originally Posted by a.wayne

Thanks for the response , drive was never the issue when i have tried class-D it's there tonal balance that took a dive , Timbre , especially on classical and piano sounded odd ..

Interested in trying a pr of these NC500 to see if much improved there ....

Regards

I've found the same to be true with every class D amp I've heard besides the NC500's with a premium input stage. If you need more low impedance grunt I recommend the Bel Canto blacks.

**nc42acc** · April 19, 2016, 05:48 PM

My Nords are on their way!

**MikeCh** · April 19, 2016, 08:26 PM

Originally Posted by nc42acc

My Nords are on their way!

Sweet Marty! What setup are you planning to insert them into?

**Dizzie** · April 19, 2016, 08:28 PM

Marty,

What did you order? I thought Colin was out of NCore modules.

**nc42acc** · April 19, 2016, 08:40 PM

He was able to secure a limited number of the SMPS. I ordered mine with the sonic imagery op amp modules.

Originally Posted by Dizzie

Marty,

What did you order? I thought Colin was out of NCore modules.

**MikeCh** · April 20, 2016, 12:01 AM

Originally Posted by nc42acc

My Nords are on their way!

Sweet Marty! What setup are you planning to insert them into?

**Randy Myers** · April 20, 2016, 02:56 AM

Seriously considering the Nord amp.... what do you guys think compared to the Goldmund Job?

**Mivera Audio** · April 22, 2016, 01:36 PM

I think Colin has finally created the ultimate input buffer for the NC 500's!

**KLH007** · April 22, 2016, 02:51 PM

SI 994 FTW! Did you hear it?

**Mivera Audio** · April 22, 2016, 02:57 PM

Originally Posted by KLH007

SI 994 FTW! Did you hear it?

I haven't heard Colin's board, but I've heard something similar of my own. Competitors will have a hard time beating this

**a.wayne** · April 22, 2016, 03:23 PM

Is it available as a kit, i have my own chassis ...

**joeinid** · April 22, 2016, 03:30 PM

Originally Posted by Mivera Audio

I think Colin has finally created the ultimate input buffer for the NC 500's!

Nice!

Originally Posted by KLH007

SI 994 FTW! Did you hear it?

When Colin has enough new input boards to go around, I'll order mine with the new 994 op amps. Can't wait. This will give me another flavor.

**Mivera Audio** · April 22, 2016, 03:31 PM

Originally Posted by a.wayne

Is it available as a kit, i have my own chassis ...

No. Anything NC500 based can only be sold as finished commercial products.

**Randy Myers** · April 22, 2016, 03:32 PM

You need a Job to compare it against also

Originally Posted by joeinid

Nice!

When Colin has enough new input boards to go around, I'll order mine with the new 994 op amps. Can't wait. This will give me another flavor.

**Mivera Audio** · April 22, 2016, 03:36 PM

Originally Posted by joeinid

Nice!

When Colin has enough new input boards to go around, I'll order mine with the new 994 op amps. Can't wait. This will give me another flavor.

I find the 994's have about as close to a lack of coloration as possible, yet still sound completely natural and fluid. You get your cake and eat it too with these. No trade offs. But the cost to build these latest boards are at minimum 10x the cost of the closest competitor who currently makes NC500 based amps.

**joeinid** · April 22, 2016, 03:38 PM

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

You need a Job to compare it against also

Ha!

**joeinid** · April 22, 2016, 03:39 PM

Can't wait!

Originally Posted by Mivera Audio

I find the 994's have about as close to a lack of coloration as possible, yet still sound completely natural and fluid. You get your cake and eat it too with these. No trade offs. But the cost to build these latest boards are at minimum 10x the cost of the closest competitor who currently makes NC500 based amps.

**Mivera Audio** · April 22, 2016, 03:46 PM

For example here's the LM4562 ic opamp most use:

http://m.ebay.com/itm/LM4562-Dual-Hi...-/160496917340

And here's the SIL994:

http://m.ebay.ca/itm/251471560791?_mwBanner=1

Here's the LM7815 voltage regulator most use:

http://my.mouser.com/ProductDetail/F...16wz%252bgx%2f

Here's the Sparko reg Colin uses:

http://sparkoslabs.com/product/ss78x...age-regulator/

And then there's all the premium caps and resistors as well.

Then people wonder why they don't like the "class D sound"

**Mivera Audio** · April 22, 2016, 04:51 PM

Here's the input buffer board on the $5000 Bel Canto Ref600M, NC-500 based amps:

http://www.soundstagehifi.com/index....ono-amplifiers

**nc42acc** · April 22, 2016, 05:49 PM

Nords with the SI 994 are in the house. Cold start no warm up or break in and I am hearing good things. First thing to strike me is the depth resolution is outstanding. Excellent on micro details and sense of space.

**Mivera Audio** · April 22, 2016, 05:50 PM

Originally Posted by nc42acc

Nords with the SI 994 are in the house. Cold start no warm up or break in and I am hearing good things.

Give them at least 100 hours around the clock before serious audition.

**nc42acc** · April 22, 2016, 05:53 PM

By Sunday I should be in full audio nirvana.

Originally Posted by Mivera Audio

Give them at least 100 hours around the clock before serious audition.

**a.wayne** · April 22, 2016, 06:32 PM

Originally Posted by Mivera Audio

Give them at least 100 hours around the clock before serious audition.

I may have missed the memo , NC400 vs NC500 ....?

**Mivera Audio** · April 22, 2016, 06:35 PM

Originally Posted by a.wayne

I may have missed the memo , NC400 vs NC500 ....?

Marty has both so we can let him comment on that once burnt in.

**KLH007** · April 22, 2016, 07:25 PM

Not just a Hypex shootout, Marty has AR, Rogue, and Parasound for comparisons as well. We look forward to Marty's impressions of the Nord NC 500/SI994.

**MikeCh** · April 22, 2016, 07:29 PM

I also ordered a pair of the mono OneUp amps. I'm excited to get them here!

**nc42acc** · April 22, 2016, 07:36 PM

I have an amp smorgasbord at the house.

Originally Posted by KLH007

Not just a Hypex shootout, Marty has AR, Rogue, and Parasound for comparisons as well. We look forward to Marty's impressions of the Nord NC 500/SI994.

**rklein** · April 23, 2016, 10:02 AM

A few years ago I built a pair of NCore 400 monos with all upgraded components.

I sold them for a Job 225. After living with the Job, I realized I missed what the NCores brought to the table. So did I build another pair? Nope...I bought a Modwright KWI-200 integrated. After living with the MW, I still missed the NCores. Anyway after a few other tries with amps, I just ordered the Nords from Colin with the new boards and the 994 opamps.

Should have them by the end of next week!

Randy

**joeinid** · April 23, 2016, 10:04 AM

Congrats Randy, I am happy to see the Nord love around here.

**Mivera Audio** · April 23, 2016, 11:52 AM

Originally Posted by rklein

A few years ago I built a pair of NCore 400 monos with all upgraded components.

I sold them for a Job 225. After living with the Job, I realized I missed what the NCores brought to the table. So did I build another pair? Nope...I bought a Modwright KWI-200 integrated. After living with the MW, I still missed the NCores. Anyway after a few other tries with amps, I just ordered the Nords from Colin with the new boards and the 994 opamps.

Should have them by the end of next week!

Randy

Coloration's get old after a while. The NC400's are brutally transparent and for some people it's too much and can give the impression of being dry and cold. I find the NC500's with the SIL994's at minimum match the nc400's in transparency, yet sound more natural and non fatiguing. Is this because of coloration's, or euphoric distortions? If it is you would never know it by measurements. My NC500 build with the SIL994's measured even better than the NC400's!

**a.wayne** · April 23, 2016, 01:10 PM

Link to measurements ...?

**Mivera Audio** · April 23, 2016, 01:35 PM

Originally Posted by a.wayne

Link to measurements ...?

I haven't seen Colin's measurements yet. But here's the THD+N of some prototype boards based on the 994's I built:

**Dizzie** · April 24, 2016, 01:22 PM

How much heat do these amplifiers generate at idle and while operating? I know that is a somewhat subjective question unless someone has actually measured case temperature with a thermometer or thermocouple via multi-meter.

Since the heat sinks on the amplifiers are not large I will assume case temperature is a relatively good assessment of heat produced. How warm are the cases to touch? At least that would give me an idea.

**Mivera Audio** · April 24, 2016, 01:37 PM

Originally Posted by Dizzie

How much heat do these amplifiers generate at idle and while operating? I know that is a somewhat subjective question unless someone has actually measured case temperature with a thermometer or thermocouple via multi-meter.

Since the heat sinks on the amplifiers are not large I will assume case temperature is a relatively good assessment of heat produced. How warm are the cases to touch? At least that would give me an idea.

They are the coolest running amps I've ever encountered. Cooler than even the NC400's. After hours of high SPL output my cases are barely warm to the touch. For example when I tried them on the Martin Logan Ascent 2's that drop down to 1.2 ohms, I didn't even have them in a case. The amp modules were just sitting on the floor with no heatsink. After 30 of listening at levels where I thought the electrostatic panels were going to rip to shreds at any time, I could hold the amp modules in my hand without getting burnt.

**Dizzie** · April 24, 2016, 01:54 PM

Mike,

Thank you for the information. I saw this on the Nord website and did not quite know how to interpret the subjective words (emphasized).

Regarding the case:

"All 280mm deep and are designed for optimal airflow, air is sucked from the bottom vents across the modules and out of the top vents. As cool as the modules run they still produce a fair amount of heat. The layout ensures optimum cooling and module reliability."

My usage would never be as brutal as what you just reported.

**Mrppv** · May 14, 2016, 06:08 PM

I'm seriously tempted to buy one of these amps. What are you guys using for preamps? Any models or brands that seem to work better with the Nords than others?

Also: anyone have the chance to compare the Nord to Benchmark's AHB2? They seem to be somewhat comparable... size, price, and performance-wise. AHB2 has a lot of reviews saying how neutral and low noise it is, kind of like Ncore, but using a different technology.

**nc42acc** · May 14, 2016, 06:18 PM

Save some money and buy these.

https://www.hypexshop.com/DetailServlet?detailID=7616

**Mivera Audio** · May 14, 2016, 06:38 PM

Originally Posted by nc42acc

Save some money and buy these.

https://www.hypexshop.com/DetailServlet?detailID=7616

Since you're the first one who's tried both and has said this, it really makes me wonder if you got faulty boards.

Maybe ask Colin to send you some of the Hypex input boards to compare.

**Mivera Audio** · May 14, 2016, 06:45 PM

Originally Posted by Mivera Audio

Since you're the first one who's tried both and has said this, it really makes me wonder if you got faulty boards.

Maybe ask Colin to send you some of the Hypex input boards to compare.

However if you sell them, let me know who the buyer is. I'll send him some of my boards to compare with them.

**a.wayne** · May 14, 2016, 06:49 PM

Originally Posted by Mivera Audio

Since you're the first one who's tried both and has said this, it really makes me wonder if you got faulty boards.

Maybe ask Colin to send you some of the Hypex input boards to compare.

Good Point , Maybe you heard a faulty Devialet ...

**Mivera Audio** · May 14, 2016, 06:52 PM

Originally Posted by a.wayne

Good Point , Maybe you heard a faulty Devialet ...

Maybe. But I can imagine Devialet measures their units before shipping to insure it passes QC.

**nc42acc** · May 14, 2016, 06:54 PM

I mentioned my concerns with Colin. Fell on deaf ears. I trust my ears and my system and the Hypex NC400 are the winners in this arena.

**a.wayne** · May 14, 2016, 06:55 PM

And Nord doesn't ? what about Hypex, quite a few told me the XLS2000 Crown sounds better than the NC400 ...

Originally Posted by Mivera Audio

Maybe. But I can imagine Devialet measures their units before shipping to insure it passes QC.

Thread: Nord One Up Ncore NC500 amps, Class D ready for prime time .....

Re: Nord One Up Ncore NC500 amps, Class D ready for prime time .....

Re: Nord One Up Ncore NC500 amps, Class D ready for prime time .....

Re: Nord One Up Ncore NC500 amps, Class D ready for prime time .....