AUDIOPHONICS LPA-S600NC Power Amplifier NCore NC500

The Audiophonics LPA-S600NC is a Class D stereo power amplifier based on two Hypex NCore NC500 modules, to meet the demands for power and precision. Housed in a compact aluminum case that's deeper than it is wide, it's easy to use in environments where space is at a premium. What's more, its architecture and design limit the length of internal connections to minimize the audio signal path.

This model is aimed at audiophiles and music lovers who want to enjoy a high-performance amplification solution, with a large power reserve and the ability to reproduce music with incredible precision and richness. NCore modules are among the most rigorous Class D amplification solutions on the market, with exceptional measured performance.

What's more, these amplifier cards are combined with an excellent Hypex SMPS1200A700 high-efficiency power supply module, capable of developing significant power and delivering an extremely clean electrical signal to the amplifier modules. This allows the amplifiers to reach their full potential, without restriction.

The ensemble offers exceptional sound reproduction and can easily accompany demanding loudspeakers, for large listening rooms or studio applications requiring considerable headroom, without compromising on the precision of the audio message.

What's more, like most amplifiers based on NCore technology, frequency response is independent of load, and electromagnetic interference is rigorously controlled, drastically limiting distortion.

Audiophonics LPA-S600NC: Audiophonics interface board

The 2 modules are controlled in phase opposition, to cancel the "Power-Supply Pumping" effect. This makes for greater power supply stability, distributing current calls alternately on each rail, thus increasing its capacity.

We opted for a 2-level voltage regulation, to optimize the power supply to the OPAs and the auxiliary voltage supplied to the modules. One Texas Instrument LM4562 OPA is used per channel. These are low-distortion OPAs offering the highest transparency with very low THD. They are mounted on a DIP8 socket, allowing replacement if necessary.

To suit all uses, we have opted for 5 gain settings, selectable via jumper on the underside of the unit:

• Total gain of 20dB - Maximum power reached with a 4.19V RMS signal.
• Total gain of 26dB (default) - Maximum power reached with a 2.07V RMS signal.
• Total gain of 32dB - Maximum power reached with a signal of 1.05Vrms
• Total gain of 34dB - Maximum power reached with a 0.83Vrms signal
• Bypass (buffer deactivated): In this case, the signal passes directly from the inputs to the modules, allowing the lowest possible gain of 12.5dB. This mode can be interesting when using a powerful preamplifier, capable of driving a load of 2 to 4K Ohm and reaching a voltage of 10V RMS.

Audiophonics LPA-S600NC: Connections

Designed for easy integration, the LPA-S600NC features both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) stereo inputs. Bipolar selectors make it easy to change input sources, and even allow independent control of channels. On the output side, carbon / 24k gold-isolated BP-207 terminals (Ø5.5mm) ensure excellent connection to loudspeakers.

1	Right channel speaker output
2	Left channel speaker output
3	Power button
4	Balanced XLR input right channel
5	Right channel input selector
6	Right channel single-ended RCA input
7	Left channel balanced XLR input
8	Left channel input selector
9	Left channel single-ended RCA input
10	Power connector
11	Fuse