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

Yes good news, I was on the fence with this one so I will wait and see. Don't want to take a step back from my Ncore NC400.
 
Received the new pcb. I will shortly measurements.
 

Attachments

  • 3f968234e465b6c7df005a409de169aa.jpg
    3f968234e465b6c7df005a409de169aa.jpg
    183.2 KB · Views: 43
  • 53c61299ccb91fe9f422e460a08ad5b9.jpg
    53c61299ccb91fe9f422e460a08ad5b9.jpg
    177.4 KB · Views: 51
  • 78a10c6ac0c336e946f8b963eb830c4e.jpg
    78a10c6ac0c336e946f8b963eb830c4e.jpg
    136.7 KB · Views: 46
  • 182dcb37c6d0c8803061fd9dfe55b705.jpg
    182dcb37c6d0c8803061fd9dfe55b705.jpg
    151 KB · Views: 47
  • 6b51b9e01f48f20e685e18f778a5fd85.jpg
    6b51b9e01f48f20e685e18f778a5fd85.jpg
    162.4 KB · Views: 40
The EPM2 shown at my web is the standard stereo version (2xNC500 + 1xSMPS1200 + standard buffer Hypex)
Optionally the mentioned buffer and a second power supply.
 
Thank again Jesus.

The machined casing sure look very nice+sexy - and that should be why the different in $$ between yours & Nord One by Colin.

Now waiting eagerly on the comparison between the NC400 vs the NC500 with the new SI opamp.
That will determine if I'm to shift away from my DIY NC400- or not :rolleyes:
 
tane0019 said:
Thank again Jesus.

The machined casing sure look very nice+sexy - and that should be why the different in $$ between yours & Nord One by Colin.

Now waiting eagerly on the comparison between the NC400 vs the NC500 with the new SI opamp.
That will determine if I'm to shift away from my DIY NC400- or not :rolleyes:
Click to expand...
Hi tane0019
Don't forget the NC400 & NC500 are very similar products at similar prices aimed at DIY and OEM markets. Whilst I believe the NC500 is very similar in standard form. In UP form tunable, warmer, more organic, with better 3D soundstage with the SI994 buffer fitted. Its a much smaller improvement probably from what you upgraded the NC400 for.
The upgrade decision might also be influenced by what you could get for your NC400 amp.
I was toying with the idea of having a unit that can be sent from one potential customer to another there in the states so folks can try a NC500 unit let me know what you think.

I received this email from a guy in India who recently upgraded to the Rev C and SI 994 he previously had built UcD400HG amps and was going to build a NC400 amp for his PMC MB2se.
The amp is running perfectly fine.
The midrange is absolutely stunning. Vocals really shine.
I would say the amp sounds very organic. And gives up on a little bit of the high frequency details to create that warm and focussed sound from the center with the soundstage feeling slightly less exaggerated.
Cheers,
Ronnie
 
Colin,

Thank you so much for sending the new boards and 994's. I can't wait to get them installed and running. I'll update when that happens.

I sent my current amps to a few members here on the forum who were so impressed that they ordered their own amps. I hope to see more orders coming in for you because I believe you make a superb product. It let's those of us who are either financially constrained or don't want to spend a fortune to be able to taste the higher end of audio. These play well above their price point and can't wait to hear the new iteration.
 
Pleasure, we have spent a fortune on subsidizing existing customers to upgrade to the Rev C board to enable the use of the superb SI 994's wanting our customers to have the best possible sound available. We hope it pays off in terms of glowing reports and additional sales. I partly do this for the passion of the sound and we realise we must go the extra mile as young company the fact we have low overheads helps. Enjoy your new sound. I'm enjoying the superb USA born Eilen Jewell as I type would love to see her live if she ever comes over this side of the pond. Colin
 
joeinid said:
Colin,

Thank you so much for sending the new boards and 994's. I can't wait to get them installed and running. I'll update when that happens.

I sent my current amps to a few members here on the forum who were so impressed that they ordered their own amps. I hope to see more orders coming in for you because I believe you make a superb product. It let's those of us who are either financially constrained or don't want to spend a fortune to be able to taste the higher end of audio. These play well above their price point and can't wait to hear the new iteration.
Click to expand...

Joe, could you post some impression on the Nords and how does it compare with other amps you tried. I am really interested in getting a pair myself with 994 but wish I could hear one before buying.
 
Hi Devg,

I hope to receive the new boards and 994 op amps by Wed. next week. I hope to install them that night and get them cooking. Right now I have the original boards with the Sparkos op amps which are Class A and add warmth to the sound. They really are wonderful but please keep in mind that Class D amps in general take several hundred hours to break in. You can NOT judge them straight out of the box. I still think my amps are improving. AND you need to leave them on all the time in my book. I will post more opinion soon because I want to put these back on my speakers before the new parts come next week.


Devg said:
Joe, could you post some impression on the Nords and how does it compare with other amps you tried. I am really interested in getting a pair myself with 994 but wish I could hear one before buying.
Click to expand...
 
Devg,

A few quick notes about the Nords with the Sparkos op amps...

The amps are dead quiet. The sound is smooth with a tremendous bottom end. There's a warmth to the sound with a reach out and touch you presentation. The music flows easily into the room and vocals are right there, front and center.

The majority of my listening is late at night. The music can be clearly heard even at whisper levels and I don't get the feeling something is missing.

I have to admit that as the hours roll up, I actually am getting more 3D to the sound. Depth of sound stage is increasing and is better than typical solid state but not like good tube amps. Let's face it, tubes can do some unique things, but these Nords do a lot of things tubes can't, touché.

As I write this, I have no tubes in my system (meaning preamp or DAC). One forum friend who borrowed my amps highly recommended a tube preamp, at least to lend some of that tube magic to the system. I plan on changing that at some point and will let you and everyone know what that does to the sound.

You, the collective you, are crazy not to consider these. If not for an affordable main system, then at least another system somewhere in the home.

Adding a decent tube preamp or especially a Lampizator will be killer, I guarantee.
 
Last edited:
Joe,

Thanks very much for the details response. Appreciate it. I use a Cary SLP-05 and prefer a solid state amp. Currently using a Pass X250.5 and hope that the Nords will be a step up ?
 
Hmmmm, I did have a Pass X250 many moons ago. I don't remember its sonic signature so much anymore but do remember enjoying the amp. I'd most likely take Pass Class A above most amps but then heat and weight come into play in the equation, let alone price.

The new boards and op amps could change the outcome. I don't know. Plus personal preference would trump all else.


Devg said:
Joe,

Thanks very much for the details response. Appreciate it. I use a Cary SLP-05 and prefer a solid state amp. Currently using a Pass X250.5 and hope that the Nords will be a step up ?
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
I can can concure with Joe, these amps are meant to stay powered up 24/7. I say a minimum of two full weeks of burn in for best results. I received confirmation the rev c boards are on there way from Colin. I am anxious to get the Nords back in the system for redemption.


joeinid said:
Hi Devg,

I hope to receive the new boards and 994 op amps by Wed. next week. I hope to install them that night and get them cooking. Right now I have the original boards with the Sparkos op amps which are Class A and add warmth to the sound. They really are wonderful but please keep in mind that Class D amps in general take several hundred hours to break in. You can NOT judge them straight out of the box. I still think my amps are improving. AND you need to leave them on all the time in my book. I will post more opinion soon because I want to put these back on my speakers before the new parts come next week.
Click to expand...
 
How do the Mola Mola amps differ from the NCore NC500 (other than price and appearance)? Do they have some secret sauce?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top