WiiM ultra as transport, Rega dac R and Hypex ncore 125

Had the opportunity to compare a second hand Linn av5125 amplifier , price new 5000 bucks year 2000.
This was a very good sounding amplifier then, and still is.

The Hypex ncore 125 and the 5125 sounded exactly the same, I cant hear any differense between them.
This means a cheap class D amplifier today can sound as good as a highend amplifier did long time ago.

IMG_4865.jpeg
 
Last edited:
I have done a modification of my audiophonics ncore 125 amplifier , lowering the gain to 13 dB instead of 25,5 dB.
Two SMD resistors had to be desoldered. The sound got better from the ne5532 in the ncore working only as a buffer with no amplifying. This modification is verified by hypex , ( I emailed them ) and I did the work by myself.

The digital volume control in the WiiM dont have to be set so low for my dac anymore . My ncore amplifier are now sounding slightly better.
IMG_4695.jpeg
 
Last edited:
Interesting mod! Unfortunately I cannot duplicate because I need all the omph the single ended outputs my MiniDSP Flex Eight have to drive the outputs of my standard gain nCores to Mahler peak levels.
 
Had the opportunity to compare a second hand Linn av5125 amplifier , price new 5000 bucks year 2000.
This was a very good sounding amplifier then, and still is.

The Hypex ncore 125 and the 5125 sounded exactly the same, I cant hear any differense between them.
This means a cheap class D amplifier today can sound as good as a highend amplifier did long time ago.

Now I suggest you compare the larger Class AB amp vs the small Class D with demanding dynamic orchestral material, in a not so small room at an average SPL of say 80dB, with Magneplanar speakers (6Ohm, 86dB) or equivalent lower efficiency speakers, and please report back. And if you can, also try a significantly larger Class AB unit and further hear the benefits. I would say 'horses for courses'. :)
 
Now I suggest you compare the larger Class AB amp vs the small Class D with demanding dynamic orchestral material, in a not so small room at an average SPL of say 80dB, with Magneplanar speakers (6Ohm, 86dB) or equivalent lower efficiency speakers, and please report back. And if you can, also try a significantly larger Class AB unit and further hear the benefits. I would say 'horses for courses'. :)
I have compared very expensive class A/B amplifiers and they all sounded worse than my hypex ncore .
 
I’ve been busy last week building a power amp.
This DIY tpa3255 amplifier sounds better than both Linn 5125 and my Hypex ncore .
Building thread here :

The cost is about 130 dollars including modifications and case / power supply

IMG_0023.jpeg
IMG_0019.jpeg
 
I have done a modification of my audiophonics ncore 125 amplifier , lowering the gain to 13 dB instead of 25,5 dB.
Two SMD resistors had to be desoldered. The sound got better from the ne5532 in the ncore working only as a buffer with no amplifying. This modification is verified by hypex , ( I emailed them ) and I did the work by myself.

The digital volume control in the WiiM dont have to be set so low for my dac anymore . My ncore amplifier are now sounding slightly better.
View attachment 10980
I also set the gain on my ncorex (Apollon NCx500) to minimum (12.5dB) , it's plenty enough for my speakers (Philharmonic BMR Monitors) and limits the input circuit distortion.
 
I also set the gain on my ncorex (Apollon NCx500) to minimum (12.5dB) , it's plenty enough for my speakers (Philharmonic BMR Monitors) and limits the input circuit distortion.
The Apollon NCx500 seems like a bargain. Good to be able to lower the gain without soldering .
 
Back
Top