NCore Amp

[bhobba]

Not to be a pain but wouldn't a sub 2K DIY amp cost 6K  if it were a commercial design? We all know the business model in audio....right?

Good point.

Thanks
Bill

[shadowlight]

Not to be a pain but wouldn't a sub 2K DIY amp cost 6K  if it were a commercial design?

We all know the business model in audio....right?

The DIY model NCore NC400 and the OEM NC1200 models are two different version.  Just pointing out.

[topround]

Now I am being a pain, but why do such simple designs as chip amps cost so much?

[Barry (NJ)]

Now I am being a pain, but why do such simple designs as chip amps cost so much?

I don't think any amp design is more simple than a class A triode, and look at the price of some of those

[Triode Pete]

Now I am being a pain, but why do such simple designs as chip amps cost so much?

I don't think any amp design is more simple than a class A triode, and look at the price of some of those

Simple, yes! Cheap, no way...
You need to look at the cost of the iron with the heavy power supply transformers, output transformers, choke transformers, caps, all point to point wiring involved, cost of good tubes... no cheap chips or circuit boards utilized... definitely "old school", but real good...

Cheers,
Pete

[topround]

Yeah! ......what he said

[AcidJazz]

My comment was only meant to address the validity of DAC amps comparison to a comparable commercial product, not some variable DIY end-product built with varying techniques and accessories.
Don't really see the value in comparing his (DAC) amp with a DIY amp.

[topround]

Martin you made a valid point, don't apologize

Yes different implementation will yield different results and it seems Merrill has done a very good implementation for that design. Kudos to him.

Or maybe the NC 1200 is better than the NC 400
perhaps Paul should try the NC1200, or is the nc 1200 not available as a kit?

[ampdesigner333]

The original Cherry stereo amp and N-Core monoblocks were at at a meet at my house last June. There is some discussion in the NC group section. There was not a direct back and forth comparison on same set of speakers with same music track.

The Cherry sounds like it has exaggerated bass response. That compliments my speakers. It also compliments the horn speakers of the Cherry amp's owner.

The N-Core sounded "too hot" when used to amplify tweeters in an active biamp system with line array speaker. But it sounded excellent when used in same speaker as woofer amp later in the day, with 6C33 tubes on the tweeters.

On my speakers, 95dB 3 way rear horn loaded N-Core sounded better than NAD M2, which had poor synergy with my speakers. Although I heard the NAD on its owners Peak Consult speakers and the combination was sublime - best classD amplified system I have heard to date. The Cherry was the best match of those 3 classDs to my speakers due to the fat bottom and very smooth treble. But the NCores sounded good too, just not as robust in the bass as the Cherry, and my speakers appreciate the extra bottom.

Is the Cherry deliberately tilted up in the bass?

The Cherry is ruler flat down to 1Hz, so no, it's not tilted up in the bass.....

[richidoo]

Thanks Tommy. It definitely has bass authority! I was sad to see that amp go home after a couple nights here.

[rollo]

Now I am being a pain, but why do such simple designs as chip amps cost so much?

   Same reason Hot Dogs and Ham cost so much.   



charles

[topround]

Distributer markup? 

[topround]

I guess price does not  matter,

Just take a listen to  the $50K  Mark Levinson chip amps

[rollo]

Distributor markup? 

   No. A manufacture sets a retail price based on, cost, advertising and overhead.
    It used to be 5 times cost for most products. However times have changed and the ratio as well.
    With specialty items like audio products it depends on the size of the manf. Small companies cannot buy at volume so parts and the like are more expensive for them. Limited sales also play a role. Then there are custom designs.
     If a distributor is involved he gets 10 to 20% dealer gets 40%. Yes it is marked up like any other business.
     Direct sales eliminate the distributor and dealer. So less expensive products. It appears lately the direct sales has caught up to brick and mortar prices. 
    The premise for our business model is to discount everything we sell and provide a free home demo at our cost. Everyone is a winner. Business is business however maybe we can offer another alternative. Bring it to ya and save ya money.



charles

[rollo]

I guess price does not  matter,

Just take a listen to  the $50K  Mark Levinson chip amps

   Mike price does mater. The consumer will decide what is right for him or her.
   A $53K amp may or may not be worth the price but not to everyone. For me personally if the amp bettered what I had and could afford such it would be mine.
   We have learned by now that price does not offer better sound.Throwing money at a system usually ends up going laterally with little or no gain. The N-Cores have value as DIY projects. A neutral design that will benefit many systems and tastes.
    For the price it has an advantage. Even if one spends under $2000 for the build money wise is ahead of the Cherry, Arion, Merrill and Levinson.
    Sonic attributes in direct comparison in ones system is the only way to determine the differences. Then bang for the buck enters the picture. Bang for buck has got to go to the N-Cores. Sonics another story.


charles