Schiit Vidar vs NC502MP

This is not about which class is better or worse, just saying that even class D can be serviced or repaired. Usually it is the switchmode PSU units that goes before the amp modules. Class-D amps are actually less service friendly compared to A/A-B/G/H amps. That is why they swop the modules instead of repairing them.

 

If a Hypex power supply module blows out or an Purify amplification module blows there are new OEM replacements on Prurify and Hypex sites for both those modules online. Authorized vendors also carry those parts.

If your NAD, Marantz, blows a transistor or whatever out, where do you get OEM replacement parts? You can go to Digikey and get something similar…maybe… but not OEM.

 

That's simply not true. You cannot just drop in replacements modules from hypex into other manufacturers products.

 

But you can make Class-AB modules as small as the said class-D ones.



Or



For commercial products, I don't see modularity as a clear-cut advantage. From an assembly viewpoint a single PCB design is more feasible. Like Schiit does it for example. Hypex/ICEpower prolly don't want to give mfg rights to Marantz/NAD/... so that's why they dick around with modules.

 

I remember that the one reason Hypex had modular was because the amp modules could be paired with linear powersuppies back in the day. This was how manufacturers could differentiate themselves. My UCD amps have a very fancy linear PSU.

 

Hypex/Purifi OEM amp cards need an input stage as well, so that's where you can plonk down your tube/class-A/no-feedback/... input stage and call the amp yours. Tbh, I've never felt too much sonic impact from going fancy with class-D PSU's. And for those power levels, there's very little you can do but stack copper and capacitance if going linear.

*pours one out*

 

Ouch.
True. I think the only benefit I have from the linear PSU is a nice transformer hum...