I'm a bit understudied compared to a lot of folks on here but can you explain how current output affects performance (less/more dynamics?). Is a jump from 30 to 40 uV output noise of any audible importance?
I'm a bit understudied compared to a lot of folks on here but can you explain how current output affects performance (less/more dynamics?).
Is a jump from 30 to 40 uV output noise of any audible importance?
That is a 2.5dB increase in residual noise. This is still pretty low though, and chances are your source will be responsible for far more noise than that with the fixed 26dB (x20) gain.Is a jump from 30 to 40 uV output noise of any audible importance?
I test these amps with my dac1 and B&W CM5 S2 speakers which have a stated sensitivity of 88dB/W. If I place my ear flat against the tweeter I *think* I can hear the faintest of hiss with the P502. It's completely inaudible otherwise.That is a 2.5dB increase in residual noise. This is still pretty low though, and chances are your source will be responsible for far more noise than that with the fixed 26dB (x20) gain.
For example a DX7s has a 2.6uV residual noise on his XLR outputs, which is very low, but will result in 52uV when amplified by the amp.
In the end it might not be audible at all at your listening position: it all depends on the sensitivity of your loudspeakers, and of course the level of noise of your room. It is most probably not a concern, unless you are directly driving horns.
I'm not sure I follow your first point, but I can post some pictures of the Hypex modules and let you decide parts costFrom a sustainability (flexibility in use, 2nd hand sales value etc.) point of view, would the biggest amps do earth and the 2nd and 3rd hands a favour?
Can the price jumps be explained by higher parts costs only?
Do you expect differences in measurements between amp sizes if the amps operate within their output specifications?
I'm not sure I follow your first point, but I can post some pictures of the Hypex modules and let you decide parts cost
OK, putting my subjective hat on (oh the horror) FWIW the amps do sound very similar. However my view is as you go up in power each one does have better grip, control and dynamics.
Well...... Problem with that philosophy, however close we may be to do so in technology terms, is that it's not what the consumer wants. They want choice which ends up being based on price, performance, aesthetics and perceived VFM. You can skewer 4 holes in a tupperware box and put a Khadas board in it very cheaply, but that's not what most people want in a product.
But all the amps are equal in looks. It’s just the inside differing where you put inferior technology in the lower output ones. Right?
This is 2019. Consumerism is over. Dead. Why not make rock solid products so you don’t feel need to upgrade, ever?
Yes. Like cars have different engine sizes, but not inferior. Each has different performance to cater for different budgets and requirements. And yes the bigger amp does cost more to make.
Consumerism is not even vaguely close to being dead.
...So why not build your business around sustainability (too)...
...What's with all of the hippie stuff on this site all of the sudden?...
Nothing 'hippie' about repairability or recycling.
Preserve a long and useful life and dispose of it responsibly down the track. Get used to it.
Because it won't be a business by following your definition so far, ie one superior and by definition more expensive amp. People won't choose a product that doesn't fit their requirements.It’s clearer than ever we don’t have infinite resources. So why not build your business around sustainability (too)?
I'd say the amplifiers will be sustainable to be honest. The SMPS supplies can be repaired, and hopefully the amp modules themselves can be reworked due to the number of discrete SMD parts on them. Hypex will be required to have spare parts and schematics soon enough to be available to enable third party repairs and Alan will likely maintain stocks of key parts for a long time (piezo power switch, plugs/sockets etc).
At the end of life, the casework is recyclable aluminium.
Because it won't be a business by following your definition so far, ie one superior and by definition more expensive amp. People won't choose a product that doesn't fit their requirements.
I don't share your definition of sustainable. Me producing just one superior amp does not make it a sustainable product. However, I think they are. The amps should have a long life and be repairable. Metals from the case and circuit are recoverable/recyclable. Being Class d they are efficient. Also, I won't be continually changing the design, there won't be a "buy the latest greatest" like the phone manufacturers.
The rest is down to changing the attitude of consumers.