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How to DIY yourself very nice Class D monoblocks

If you want to know what the hoopla is about Class D and want to put together a very nice sounding kit I have a starter recommendation for you.

Go to Parts Express and search for "ICEPower ASP"
Next, look online for Ghent Audio. They make many sets of cases.

You'll need a high power soldering iron, and screw skills.
Between those two, you can put together a very nice monoblock for around $500 a piece.

I highly recommend both. I have no financial interest in either. 
You may need wiring kits, so make sure to order appropriately.
erik_squires
ricevs
1,445 posts
 

I hope this post can save people some time and money.

The Icepower ASP modules being sold by Parts Express are very old technology. I sold mono blocks with the 500 watt modules for $2000 the pair in 2006. Here is a review of them.

http://10audio.com/evs_500m.htm

The latest Icepower modules (IceEdge 1200AS1 and AS2) are not sold directly to end users but to OEMs only. They are way, way better sounding than any other Icepower module......and even better than Ncore NC400 and NC500 modules. You can buy a complete stereo amp from Europe delivered for a hair over $1000.

https://www.rougeaudiodesign.com/studio-n-10 Click on the British flag on the top right for English version.

Here is a comparison between stock IceEdge and NC500 Nord amps.....both were mono amps:

https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=154910.msg1660700#msg1660700

Look for reply #97.....debit.g

Here is a comparison of a stock stereo IceEdge to modified mono NC400s.

https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=154910.500

Look for reply #509.....mikeeastman

You might have to log into Audiocircle to read these last two posts as they are in the Intergalactic wastebin files.

Post removed 
evelyn1
51 posts
 
Hi All,
   After some minor problems with the purchase process of Hypex N400 kits, I was pleased to have it arrive yesterday at about 5:00 PM. After eating dinner I decided to assemble the kits and see how much I could get done. By 9:00 PM the kits were fully assembled and ready for action. At this hour I'm usually done for the day and already sleeping but I had to try them out. The big test for me was whether these amps would sound better than the Krell FPB300 in my system. I originally was  going to give the amps a week of break-in time and then report my experiences. They sounded so good that I didn't want to go to bed. They clearly had more detail than the Krell. It was very difficult to switch from one type of music to another because it all sounded so good. The Krell is no slouch but these little mono blocks are better. They really pair nicely with PBN 741 speaker kit. The total cost came to $1612.16 USD. Rudy van Til of Hypex DIY customer service was very helpful. Once payment was confirmed the package went from The Netherlands to NJ in six days. I had to use Paypal to make the transaction work. The fun part of this hobby for me besides the listening is putting together a system in a frugal sort of way. The Hypex N400 kit is a very pleasant surprise after years of seeing the incredibly high prices of top rated amps ( and other equipment ). My stereo system is now complete after two years of upgrading. I was expecting to spend $5000 or more for a high quality used amp. I now have extra money for vacation. Netherlands perhaps?
      Cheers, Frank

     
 
michaelgreenaudio's avatar
michaelgreenaudio
1,019 posts
 

Hi Frank

I'm glad you posted. The more people post about their conversions from old to new the faster the hobby will get out of that overbuilt over priced mentality. It's very interesting to watch. If there has ever been an obvious overnight revelation in HEA this is it. This will help the hobby redefine itself moving toward a much lower mass approach to system designing.

I think the HEA shows are in for some major changes in the next couple of years.

enjoy

Michael 

evelyn1
51 posts
 
Hi Michael,
  I've been following these threads concerning class D amplification for some time now. I've seen your posts on a regular basis along with some others and it has been quite interesting. I guess that if an amplifier does nothing more than accurately increasing a signal that it receives then there's not much more to discuss about amplifiers. If this amplifier exists and you don't like what you're hearing then the real problem lies elsewhere. No more discussion about how an amplifier sounds. Either it's doing something to the input signal ( besides increasing it) or it's not. I'm talking about what's in the parameters of human hearing and not some frequency way beyond. I took the plunge and tried class D for myself and came out a happy customer. Others can say what you want but I actually tried it for myself and don't regret it. It's way better than what I had. Also, I removed the 130 lb. Krell amp from my system without hurting my back so things are going well. There was an occasion when in the process of sending the Krell amp back to CT that I threw my back out. It was about a month before I was back to normal. I've had that amp for nineteen years so it's definitely time to move on. It was the mainstay in my setup for many years and I really did appreciate it. Our cars no longer use carburetors and soon stereos will no longer be using some of types of systems that are dominate today. It's just going to happen whether we like it or not. Thanks for your reply and enjoy the music and changes. Sincerely, 

             Frank
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