Hi folks,
I have two pairs of speakers that I'd like to listen to and my current amp is a very early Sonos model that's becoming increasingly difficult to use thanks to the software support essentially ending. I have a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 121s (8 Ohm, 86 dB sensitivity) that have been my main speakers for about five years, they do a nice job for the mix of music and movies I use them for in a fairly small office room.
I also have a good friend who is loaning me a pair of custom speakers which are a bit more interesting and require separate amps for the low and high frequency bands since they need a digital crossover. He says the low frequency needs about 120 Watts and the higher bands about 60 watts, both 8 ohm equivalents.
Looking around I'm getting the feeling that the Hypex Ncore and IcePower amps are well regarded and not an unreasonable price for their performance. Looking at buying modules and cases from somewhat reputable sources it still looks a little expensive though.
Audiophonics MPA-S125NC : $430
IcePower ICE125ASX2 Ghent self-build: $100 + ($155 to $200) + shipping & taxes [Lets say $340]
Audiophonics MPA-S250NC : $550
NC252MP Ghent self-build : $300 + $130 + shipping & taxes [Lets say $510]
So, my question is what's the next cheapest option for each of these power levels? I'm capable and confident in soldering and testing electronics, including high power devices, but audio is a new territory for me. I'm definitely looking for products or kits, not full DIY. I am in the United Kingdom, but used US prices since many folks seem to be based there.
Thanks!
I have two pairs of speakers that I'd like to listen to and my current amp is a very early Sonos model that's becoming increasingly difficult to use thanks to the software support essentially ending. I have a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 121s (8 Ohm, 86 dB sensitivity) that have been my main speakers for about five years, they do a nice job for the mix of music and movies I use them for in a fairly small office room.
I also have a good friend who is loaning me a pair of custom speakers which are a bit more interesting and require separate amps for the low and high frequency bands since they need a digital crossover. He says the low frequency needs about 120 Watts and the higher bands about 60 watts, both 8 ohm equivalents.
Looking around I'm getting the feeling that the Hypex Ncore and IcePower amps are well regarded and not an unreasonable price for their performance. Looking at buying modules and cases from somewhat reputable sources it still looks a little expensive though.
Audiophonics MPA-S125NC : $430
IcePower ICE125ASX2 Ghent self-build: $100 + ($155 to $200) + shipping & taxes [Lets say $340]
Audiophonics MPA-S250NC : $550
NC252MP Ghent self-build : $300 + $130 + shipping & taxes [Lets say $510]
So, my question is what's the next cheapest option for each of these power levels? I'm capable and confident in soldering and testing electronics, including high power devices, but audio is a new territory for me. I'm definitely looking for products or kits, not full DIY. I am in the United Kingdom, but used US prices since many folks seem to be based there.
Thanks!