Audiophonics MPA-S250 NC

[campaz]

I'm thinking of purchasing an Audiophonics MPA-S250 NC amplifier to pair with my Wiim Ultra (the system also includes Indiana Line Diva 262 speakers). Has anyone tried this combination yet? Does anyone know how the triggering between the two works? Thanks

 

[huw]

NC252MP is pretty old now and as @F1 Fan says there have been some reliability issues. Probably better to look for an amp using the newly released NCx252MP (NCOREx version of the same module). I believe it's a drop-in replacement for the NC252MP so many assemblers should start shipping these soon.

AUDIOPHONICS AP300-S250NCX Power Amplifier NcoreX NCx252MP

The Audiophonics AP300-S250NCX is a stereo amplifier based on a Hypex NcoreX NCx252MP amplifier module. It is ideal for providing a significant power reserve (2x250W @ 4Ω) without sacrificing sound reproduction quality.

www.audiophonics.fr

 

[slartibartfast]

NC252MP is pretty old now and as @F1 Fan says there have been some reliability issues. Probably better to look for an amp using the newly released NCx252MP (NCOREx version of the same module). I believe it's a drop-in replacement for the NC252MP so many assemblers should start shipping these soon.

AUDIOPHONICS AP300-S250NCX Power Amplifier NcoreX NCx252MP

The Audiophonics AP300-S250NCX is a stereo amplifier based on a Hypex NcoreX NCx252MP amplifier module. It is ideal for providing a significant power reserve (2x250W @ 4Ω) without sacrificing sound reproduction quality.

www.audiophonics.fr

I wonder why the power output into 4 ohms isn't double the power into 8 ohms. They quote
250W / 4
150W / 8

 

[Deleted member 28380]

I wonder why the power output into 4 ohms isn't double the power into 8 ohms. They quote
250W / 4
150W / 8

A PSU limitation?

 

[slartibartfast]

A PSU limitation?

It has a regulated SMPS though.

 

[Deleted member 28380]

It has a regulated SMPS though.

Hmm, what‘s even more baffling is the power rating into 2 ohms. Only 180 watts! (A typo?)

I‘m lacking the technical background to evaluate this.
I have to revert to common sense. This tells me that the PSU, even though it may be of high quality, only has limited capacity and that the 2 ohms power is really 280 watts instead of the stated 180.

 

[slartibartfast]

Hmm, what‘s even more baffling is the power rating into 2 ohms. Only 180 watts! (A typo?)

I‘m lacking the technical background to evaluate this.
I have to revert to common sense. This tells me that the PSU, even though it may be of high quality, only has limited capacity and that the 2 ohms power is really 280 watts instead of the stated 180.

The power supply could be current limited but why do that for a state of the art amp. Maybe the current limit folds back

 

[Deleted member 28380]

The power supply could be current limited but why do that for a state of the art amp. Maybe the current limit folds back

Or maybe a.limitation of heat on the NCore modules? Those thingys are really high-bread beasts pushed to the limits. This basically applies to all of the current ‚state of the art‘ D-class modules. So it‘s up to the designers to implement them with a bit of common sense.

 

[slartibartfast]

Or maybe a.limitation of heat on the NCore modules? Those thingys are really high-bread beasts pushed to the limits. This basically applies to all of the current ‚state of the art‘ D-class modules. So it‘s up to the designers to implement them with a bit of common sense.

I reckon that's it.

 

[huw]

The datasheet is available - see the notes for power into 2Ω and 8Ω. These are designed to be a compact all-in-one solution for active speakers and suchlike. The NCOREx 500 modules with external power supplies are the state-of-the art modules for those requiring much more power.

 

[slartibartfast]

The datasheet is available - see the notes for power into 2Ω and 8Ω. These are designed to be a compact all-in-one solution for active speakers and suchlike. The NCOREx 500 modules with external power supplies are the state-of-the art modules for those requiring much more power.

The continuous power is 50W at 25C ambient. Presumably that is for a 4 ohm load since it says typically 1/5th of the peak power so only 30W at 8 ohms. I don't suppose the WiiM Amps can sustain the rated power continuously either.

 

[huw]

This might be going off topic (or is it on topic for here ) but yes looks like nowadays TPA3255 based amps like the WiiM products are tough competition to the NCxXXXMP based amps. Need to go to Purifi or NCOREx (or Nilai - are these DIY only?) for state-of-the-art (better measuring but no audible difference) or masses of power for hard to drive loudspeakers at deafness inducing volumes...

 

[Deleted member 29222]

A simple quantum entanglement between the source and my brain receptors would cut out all this clunky hardware?

 

[obertransae]

I've had the Wiim Ultra for a while now, and I've since added the Fosi Audio BT20A Max to my setup.
I’m thinking about upgrading this one with an Audiophonics MPA-S250NCX RCA—does anyone have experience with Audiophonics, and would this make sense in terms of sound quality for the Buchardt Audio P300? Unfortunately, the Audiophonics housing is downright ugly and actually way too big. I’m also open to other suggestions. Thanks for your input.

 

[pieterv1]

I've recently built my own Hypex NCx252MP based amp, to pair with the WiiM Ultra and Wharfedale Linton Heritage speakes. Those Buchardts are on the top of my list!

The NCx252MP sounds great! I'd say the Audiophonics case is still one of the nicer looking enclosures, but maybe have a look at this one as well? They've confirmed to me through email that they switched to the newer NCx boards. When going with the Audiophonics version, best to stick with the XLR input and use RCA -> XLR interlinks. This is recommended in the Hypex technical documentation as well, because you'll still benefit from shielding.

NEUTRINO Colorcube Hypex NC252MP 2x250W 4Ohm(2x150W 8Ohm) Stereo Amplifier

Case is available in different colors: Black, Red, White, Gray Amplifier housing(top, side and front) is made from 10mm aluminum.

neutrinoaudio.eu

I would've bought this as well if it was just a few cm's more compact. I got the Ghent Audio enclosure, which nicely matches the WiiM Ultra in width and I was able to get my hands on the Hypex board at the original price for OEM's.

Here's mine:

P

Post in thread 'What's your setup/configuration look like?'

Apr 1, 2026

New companion for the Ultra

DIY amplifier based on the new Hypex NCx252MP module + Ghent Audio case. I implemented an additional 12v trigger input using an optocoupler circuit. Had to drill two extra holes for the input jack & trigger on/off switch. Very pleased with the sound so far! All I ever wanted the Vibelink to be

* I'm super impressed with the quality of the enclosure and the RCA - XLR interlinks I ordered from Ghent Audio. Highly recommended for reasonably priced, quality cabling!

• pieterv1

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