New Class D Audio Complete Amplifiers

[BoJonJovi]

I already got the CDA 254 it just arrived, I didn't get the complet kit so I am waiting for parts from PE.

Anyway, thanks. Your helping my understanding greatly.

I still may do the the Sure board or one from Parts Extress. It appears the sure board has a little less distortion which is why I kinda came back to it. However, you start playing the numbers like the Sure board + power supply + .transformer and the Class-D audio looks pretty good as package.

I started kinda thinking the same thing on the china tube amp. By the time I get the components to make it run I would be into the cost of a Maverick, so why bother.

At any rate, thanks for your patients. I guess everybody has to start with minimum knowledge and build. I am laying down bricks.

[blackraven]

You won't be sorry that you got the CDA-254. It has crystal clear sound and is very dynamic. I tried it with my $2000 preamp and Magnepan QR1.6's and the sound was excellent. It was not quite as good as my $2200Parasound A21 but it had less grain than the A21. The GF DAC-11 is a good fit with it. I would recommend some Audio Quest Coral IC's from here- http://hcmaudio.com/comp.asp?compID=1208 These Cables have a warmer sound and really pair well. I have a pair of these and it is a good match.

[BoJonJovi]

On this rather quick to road to learning it appears that Class D Audio really is the way to go. I could be sucked in by a cheap board but it is the components that make it run that are expensive.

I do have another question on the sue board and it is more just to help me understand.
The MW 48V DC 7.3A 350.4W Meanwell Switching Power Supply NES-350-48

MW 48V DC 7.3A 350.4W Meanwell Switching Power Supply NES-350-48

Could give me 65v if I used two together in series but I need a 600w unit so the cheaper 350.4 w would not work even though in series it would give me 65v. Is that kinda correct? At this point I am just trying to learn and increase my understanding.

DIY Audio Projects

[Feanor]

...
I do have another question on the sue board and it is more just to help me understand.
The MW 48V DC 7.3A 350.4W Meanwell Switching Power Supply NES-350-48

MW 48V DC 7.3A 350.4W Meanwell Switching Power Supply NES-350-48


Could give me 65v if I used two together in series but I need a 600w unit so the cheaper 350.4 w would not work even though in series it would give me 65v. Is that kinda correct? At this point I am just trying to learn and increase my understanding.

DIY Audio Projects

Sorry, Bo. Now you're getting beyond my depth.

Unless you can find Mean Well's own documentation, or somebody at DIYaudio who's done it, I would not assume that two MW 48V's can be used in series.

[Feanor]

On this rather quick to road to learning it appears that Class D Audio really is the way to go. I could be sucked in by a cheap board but it is the components that make it run that are expensive.
...

That's right. Personally if for some reason I didn't want to go for a Class D Audio kit, I look to Connexelectronics.

Check out their IRS2092 Stereo Amplifier; judging by the large on-board capacitors, my guess would be that this unit needs only a transformer. Annoyingly, there is no link to documentation, but you could contact them -- as I recall, the main guy there has a presence at
diyAudio.com though I don't recall his moniker.

Or if you'd like to try a Tripath-based amp, their TA3020 Audio Amplifier v3c module definitely includes an on-board PS and needs only a transformer according to the linked documentations.

[blackraven]

I would not think twice about the decision to go with the Class D Audio Kit. There are enough people who own them and almost 200 pages on the Audiocircle forum documenting how good these units sound. Plus there are 3 people here including myself who have them and like them.

[BoJonJovi]

I would not think twice about decision to go with Class D Audio Kit. re are enough people who own m and almost 200 pages on Audiocircle forum documenting good se units sound. Plus re are 3 people here including myself who have m and like m.

I got my parts from parts express so I will start slowly putting it together.
I am also taking a few classes so finals are coming so it may actually take me a while. I also have to build the case so I will have to monkey around with that a bit. That might actually be the most time consuming. I have some marble tile so I was thinking of using it for the top and bottom and making some wood sides and insetting a metal back into the wood so I can easily drill holes and mount hardware.

[BoJonJovi]

That's right. Personally if for some reason I didn't want to go for a Class D Audio kit, I look to Connexelectronics.

Check out ir IRS2092 Stereo Amplifier; judging by large on-board capacitors, my guess would be that this unit needs only a transformer. Annoyingly, re is no link to documentation, but you could contact m -- as I recall, main guy re has a presence at
diyAudio.com though I don't recall his moniker.

Or if you'd like to try a Tripath-based amp, ir TA3020 Audio Amplifier v3c module definitely includes an on-board PS and needs only a transformer according to linked documentations.

Regarding IRS2092 connex it does need an auxilary power supply. Here is re reply to my email.

" IRS2092 Stereo amplifier Connexelectronic can be configured with few diferent output power levels strarting 2x150W on 4R to 600W on 4R. output power on 8R will be a little more than half.
for a system which will deliver 2x250W i recommend Connexelectronic 2x250W version if speakers impedance is 8R or 400W, better 600W if impedance is 8R. power supply should be rated at at least total power of amplifier, and can be SMPS500R or SMPS500QR, better SMPS800R or SMPS800RE.
since is a class D amplifier, switching amplifier, a SMPS is more suitable than a mains transformer plus rectifier bridge, capacitors because of lack of regulation for this type of power supply compared with regulated SMPS."

I am guessing this would work with IRS2092 board Sure as well. I may be getting eir connex power supply or ClassD audio power supply as I got trigger happy and bid on Sure. Of course I got it. So I can eir eat 58 bucks or go ahead and build it out. Building it would probably be better way to go.
I think I could use Class D power supply for $60. Class D uses Antek 4435 which costs $45 and I got $58 in Sure IRS 2092. So If I am correct with se parts it would cost about $155 plus hardware to get it going. Really not bad in whole scheme of things. I think I will get my Class-D Audio 254 up and running first.

[Feanor]

Regarding IRS2092 connex it does need an auxilary power supply. Here is re reply to my email.

" IRS2092 Stereo amplifier Connexelectronic can be configured with few diferent output power levels strarting 2x150W on 4R to 600W on 4R. output power on 8R will be a little more than half.
for a system which will deliver 2x250W i recommend Connexelectronic 2x250W version if speakers impedance is 8R or 400W, better 600W if impedance is 8R. power supply should be rated at at least total power of amplifier, and can be SMPS500R or SMPS500QR, better SMPS800R or SMPS800RE.
since is a class D amplifier, switching amplifier, a SMPS is more suitable than a mains transformer plus rectifier bridge, capacitors because of lack of regulation for this type of power supply compared with regulated SMPS."

I am guessing this would work with IRS2092 board Sure as well. I may be getting eir connex power supply or ClassD audio power supply as I got trigger happy and bid on Sure. Of course I got it. So I can eir eat 58 bucks or go ahead and build it out. Building it would probably be better way to go.
I think I could use Class D power supply for $60. Class D uses Antek 4435 which costs $45 and I got $58 in Sure IRS 2092. So If I am correct with se parts it would cost about $155 plus hardware to get it going. Really not bad in whole scheme of things. I think I will get my Class-D Audio 254 up and running first.

Well I guess you've got to take Connex word for it re. the PS. It is a good point that their SMPS are regulated whereas the linear, transformer+bridge+capacitor supplies are not -- although the Class D Audio amps work fine with a linear supply.

I would be inclined to go with Connexelectronics SMPS supply over the 48V Mean Well, e.g. the SMPS500R, with the 60V option.

[BoJonJovi]

Well I guess you've got to take Connex word for it re. the PS. It is a good point that their SMPS are regulated whereas the linear, transformer+bridge+capacitor supplies are not -- although the Class D Audio amps work fine with a linear supply.

I would be inclined to go with Connexelectronics SMPS supply over the 48V Mean Well, e.g. the SMPS500R, with the 60V option.

Once again Feanor I think your right on the mark. It seems everyone who sells the IRS2092 recommends a SMPS. The one from connex also allows me to buy 1 component instead of two SMPS in series or a Power Supply and Transformer. I also get out cheaper and will probably have a very nice amp.
I was thinking of the Class-D Audio Power Supply to hedge my investment thinking that If I did not like the IRS I could buy the Class-D Audio amp and would have their trio.
You have helped me rethink that idea and I think put me back on track. Actually, the Connex SMPS and the IRS probably will turn out to be a pretty good deal.
I studied my beginner electronics book a bit more yesterday. I am understanding more.
I also took a good look at the Class-D Audio literature and amp and think I understand where all the connections go. So I think I am in good shape there. I should have more time to build it out the latter part of next week.

[Feanor]

Once again Feanor I think your right on the mark. It seems everyone who sells the IRS2092 recommends a SMPS. The one from connex also allows me to buy 1 component instead of two SMPS in series or a Power Supply and Transformer. I also get out cheaper and will probably have a very nice amp.
I was thinking of the Class-D Audio Power Supply to hedge my investment thinking that If I did not like the IRS I could buy the Class-D Audio amp and would have their trio.
You have helped me rethink that idea and I think put me back on track. Actually, the Connex SMPS and the IRS probably will turn out to be a pretty good deal.
I studied my beginner electronics book a bit more yesterday. I am understanding more.
I also took a good look at the Class-D Audio literature and amp and think I understand where all the connections go. So I think I am in good shape there. I should have more time to build it out the latter part of next week.

A great source for beginner audio electronics info is the Elliott Sound Products site, HERE. Check out the 'Articles' section, (here); this is remarkably comprehensive set of articles on the subject. Rod Elliott assumes only a fairly minimal electronics knowledge -- you generally don't have to work through the formulas he provides.

You might start with the "Beginners' Luck - The beginners' Guide to ..." section in Articles. You could start with his "Amplifier Basics - How Amps Work" article, here. There are plenty of other great articles. Another very informative article is "Power Supply Design", here.

[BoJonJovi]

A great source for beginner audio electronics info is the Elliott Sound Products site, HERE. Check out the 'Articles' section, (here); this is remarkably comprehensive set of articles on the subject. Rod Elliott assumes only a fairly minimal electronics knowledge -- you generally don't have to work through the formulas he provides.

You might start with the "Beginners' Luck - The beginners' Guide to ..." section in Articles. You could start with his "Amplifier Basics - How Amps Work" article, here. There are plenty of other great articles. Another very informative article is "Power Supply Design", here.

That was a really cool thing to do.
Thank You.

[Feanor]

That was a really cool thing to do.
Thank You.

Your welcome! (You might give me a green chicklet )

[harley .guy07]

well my update to my experience with the class d 440 amp is that it has gotten even better after break in and some time on the amp. I have never heard my Dynaudio's sound this good! they are dynamic, smooth and balanced in a way that I have never experienced them and this amp has proven to be way more than the price of the unit could ever normally give a system. I would put it up there with way more expensive gear. To say the least I am very happy with what it has done in my system. Oh and the lack of SS grain is a huge bonus in my book.

[Feanor]

well my update to my experience with the class d 440 amp is that it has gotten even better after break in and some time on the amp. I have never heard my Dynaudio's sound this good! they are dynamic, smooth and balanced in a way that I have never experienced them and this amp has proven to be way more than the price of the unit could ever normally give a system. I would put it up there with way more expensive gear. To say the least I am very happy with what it has done in my system. Oh and the lack of SS grain is a huge bonus in my book.

Thanks for your update, Harley. The results from you SDS-440 are consistent with those from my SDS-258.

Our results belie the assertion that only SET gives clear, transparent sound.

[blackraven]

I am probably going to buy an SDS amp some time in the future unless I decide to buy the new AVA SS amp that sounds like a tube amp. But at $600 vs $2K the SDS is very appealing. I am going to do a review on the new AVA amp soon.

[harley .guy07]

I am not sure what the CDA series sound like compared to the SDS series but I am very pleased with my purchase of the SDS series and I would put it up there with about anything.

[blackraven]

I am not sure what the CDA series sound like compared to the SDS series but I am very pleased with my purchase of the SDS series and I would put it up there with about anything.

My Parasound sounds better than the CDA except that the Parasound has a little hint of grain and the CDA does not. Treble and bass also sound better on the Parasound. How ever the difference is not night and day. The Parasound plays louder too.

[BoJonJovi]

Your welcome! (You might give me a green chicklet )

[BoJonJovi]

Your welcome! (You might give me a green chicklet )

[Feanor]

Oh, never mind. Bo. But for future reference, I was referring to the ability to tag approval of a post -- check out the little icons at the lower left of the posting.

[BoJonJovi]

LOL I am sorry I made a chicklet, faux pas.
I guess it is the small things in life, but that made my day.
Yes, I will give you a chicklet.
A few years ago when I was working in a more social setting, I would ask people if they wanted a piece of gum. I would then, straight faced, give them one chicklet; I loved the faces I would get.

Hey, I will probably start putting things together this weekend. Do you guys have suggestions for PC sound cards or getting a good clean 2.1 or 2.0 signal to my speakers from my PC.
I have been looking at the
M-Audio US41750 Audiophile 192 Hi-def Aud Card and the
ASUS Xonar Essence ST
The Xonar reviews look great but if the M-Audio would give me what I need I would prefer to spend 80 as opposed to 200. On the other hand it will probably be used for years so I could take a big gulp, pony up and get the Xonar.
This is also kinda new to me. Ya I have built computers and serviced them, but "quality" sound from a computer is totally new to me. I guess there are some good USB sound cards.

[Feanor]

LOL I am sorry I made a chicklet, faux pas.
I guess it is the small things in life, but that made my day.
Yes, I will give you a chicklet.
A few years ago when I was working in a more social setting, I would ask people if they wanted a piece of gum. I would then, straight faced, give them one chicklet; I loved the faces I would get.

Hey, I will probably start putting things together this weekend. Do you guys have suggestions for PC sound cards or getting a good clean 2.1 or 2.0 signal to my speakers from my PC.
I have been looking at the
M-Audio US41750 Audiophile 192 Hi-def Aud Card and the
ASUS Xonar Essence ST
The Xonar reviews look great but if the M-Audio would give me what I need I would prefer to spend 80 as opposed to 200. On the other hand it will probably be used for years so I could take a big gulp, pony up and get the Xonar.
This is also kinda new to me. Ya I have built computers and serviced them, but "quality" sound from a computer is totally new to me. I guess there are some good USB sound cards.

Thank you! BoJonJovi!

Just so we're clear, do you intend to use the analog outputs from the soundcard, or S/PDIF to an external DAC?

I haven't heard either, but the Asus Xonar Essence enjoys the the big reputation at the moment. If I were intending to use the analog outputs, I'd just go for the Essence; (ST for PCI or STX for PCI Express). The Essence ST/STX claim to have excellent noise rejection and also have socketed opamps so you can swap.



If I were going to use only the S/PDIF digital output, I might be tempted to go for the cheaper M-Audio Audiophile 192. Right now I use an older model M-Audio, the Revolution 7.1, using just the S/PDIF coax output; it works very well feeding my external DAC.

[BoJonJovi]

Oh, never mind. Bo. But for future reference, I was referring to the ability to tag approval of a post -- check out the little icons at the lower left of the posting.

That has put a smile on my face all day. Yes, I am a bojohn. I prove it everyday. As my son says "you crack yourself up".

[BoJonJovi]

Thank you! BoJonJovi!

Just so we're clear, do you intend to use the analog outputs from the soundcard, or S/PDIF to an external DAC?

I haven't heard either, but the Asus Xonar Essence enjoys the the big reputation at the moment. If I were intending to use the analog outputs, I'd just go for the Essence; (ST for PCI or STX for PCI Express). The Essence ST/STX claim to have excellent noise rejection and also have socketed opamps so you can swap.



If I were going to use only the S/PDIF digital output, I might be tempted to go for the cheaper M-Audio Audiophile 192. Right now I use an older model M-Audio, the Revolution 7.1, using just the S/PDIF coax output; it works very well feeding my external DAC.

It will be going into the Grant Audio DAC. I can go either way RCA or S/PDIF or digital. It will be traveling the Grant Audio/Class-D 254/Magnepan route. The Grant Audio has S/pdif, Digital Toslink, RCA, and USB. I just want sound connection/card that will maximize the sound without being a weak link.