I was listening to a pair of my friends XTZ A2-300's running in mono, and I was quite surprised myself hearing how even across the band it sounded. They use the B&O Ice Modules which do sound really good when they were released, but I would have to say the implementation in the XTZ A2-300 Edge is done very well. Love your review great job!
Nice review. Thanks for taking the time. My biggest issue with most of the class D stuff is the cost. They are taking a fairly inexpensive module, putting them in a case, add some speaker and xlr connectors and charging $thousands of dollars. No R&D. I can understand some of the companies like you mentioned PSAudio with their M700's at least they do some R&D and fine tuning, or at least it seems like some of these companies, NAD, Audio Research etc are taking the module and fine tuning it. Maybe it's just me but $5000 for a pair of Class D monoblock is a bit much unless they hit much much higher sound wise. For me, I don't need thousands of watts, Nelson pass once said. "if the first watt sounds like crap why would I want 1000 more" Not saying that Class D sounds like crap though. I'd love to hear them on my T-Ref's though...hint hint!
GREAT and honest review man!! Super interesting, being a tube and Pass Labs kind of guy I really want to give these modern class-D amps a chance. It's a whole new world for me!! This Apollon is definitely on my list now, I also have in mind the Orchad's BOSC? Do you know it? Thanks!
Thanks for doing this review. I've considered trying Apollon but so far have held back due to the lack of reviews. I see that as a little bit of a red flag in that reviewers may review an item, but if it isn't very good they don't say that, they just don't publish the review. We'll see. It's super-interesting, and very affordable for a pair of monoblocks from them. Cheers, Tom
I've built my own NC400 dual monoblocks using Ghent audio case and harness. They sound amazing with my Focal Aria 936 and NAD C658 pre amp, especially after Dirac live calibration.
I have active Minidsp system tried class ab monoblocks and class a And after trying Hypex nCore I have removed all other amps I am totally Hypex multichannel. Running LXmini to huge OB dual 15" to 3 way towers
Very nic review and sumary on the Class-D topic! Just bought the “cheap-man” TPA3255 with its own smps and very happy with it. Drives the speakers like a charm.
Well said Man. I’m currently looking for a BI amp stereo power set up and am in the learning mode since deciding to go class D. Curious how the Thanks for the strait talk. Look forward to more content.
That my thought just getting back into the audiophile hobby. Was thinking of pairing a class d amp with a tube pre Schiit Fraya + pre and Buchardt S400s. Will probably wait and see Mads Buchardt has an intergrated class d amp using ncore 252 chips coming out in July. Enjoy your reviews!!
NC 400 modules came out more than 5 years ago. Many big brands are using them (Marantz, NAD...) in Flagship amps. B&Os IcePower modules are even older, but they are not as good as Hypex. I think in another 5 years, N Core is going to dominate the matket in high and mid priced amps.
How does it compare to the xtz edge a-300? Should be a big improvement for the almost 300 USD more. Och watt per dollar go to the edge by a big margin. I know out power isnt everything. Thanks
Hi, I loved your video and I'm really thinking of getting one of these. Do you know of something similar for the preamp stage, with multiple inputs? Sorry for the noob question and thanks for your time.
Enjoying your channel and information - thank you. Your and a few other reviews on the XTZ Edge got me intrigued on investigating the Class D option. I'd be using my exisiting amp but only as a pre amp as it has tubes and trialing the Class D as the power amp in my set up. The XTZ seems to have a nice small footprint which is appealing and with the buy and try option it also helps with should I not like it. It appears to be a great little amp and may size up to this Apollon and subjectively beats out the Crown. From your experience with the Class D amps like the Apollon, Crown and XTZ , would you say the XTZ is a good place to dip ones toes into the Class D waters and if the Class D power amp boasted the same power as the A/B amp is there likely to be any difference in the drive of the amps or will the differences be more likely due to the different types of power being delivered - ie Class D vs A/B. Cheers.
Glad you are enjoying the channel. I have not heard the XTZ yet but it looks like it would be a good way to try out class D. I like the idea of tubes in the pre-amp and class D being the power amp as well. As far as how its going to drive your speakers compared to class AB, that really depends on which AB amp we are talking about. Most things being equal,(power. price etc.) You can "generally" expect the XTZ amp to have less distortion and better control of the low end compared to a similar AB amp. I'm definitely going to have to order one of the XTZ's now. Getting a lot of questions about it LOL. Great question. Thanks for watching!!!
@@hifihometheater Thank you for the reply!! I think i'll be doing the same and giving it a try, if its not to my liking it'll cost me postage - albeit international but hey, its still cheaper than owning an amp and trying to sell the whole thing on. The Apollon is a bit more than i'd like to dip my toes in on and the Crown review you provided with the roll information whilst may not be audible pushed me a bit more to the XTZ - coupled with some other great reviews you've probably already seen too. The small foot print and what seems to be said as a softer edge than the Crown etc and I think it will suit the tube pre amp and really control it - and if not i'll simply unplug it from the pre out and return to the A/B power the integrated amp has now. Sadly XTZ have no units available until end of July so plenty of time for me to (over) think!!. Keep up the great work. Cheers.
@@hifihometheater The Vincent SV237mk. It allows pre out and that would mean I can try Class D which would be cool. The pre stage is kin this amp is tubes and the power stage is Class A/B with my first 10w being full Class A. I'd obviously lose that first 10w of Class A and subsequent Class A/B power but the Class D might be to my liking and will cost me minimal to trial once they are back in stock. I haven't ordered yet but am leaning heavily to do so.
I have. They are extremely close. I want to say the NC400 sounded just a bit Cleaner and more clear but I feel it may just be in my head. They are both excellent. I will say, my plan of adding more ncore amps will consist of the MP modules, not the NC. I dont personally feel the extra cost is worth it. Just my opinion though. Thanks for the question!
@@hifihometheater Thank you very much for the prompt answer! That’s my understanding as well from reading about them. I’ve not listened to any of them in the past. I’ve had a few class D amplifiers though. Now I’m debating between Hypex or Purifi. Best regards from Sweden 🇸🇪
Class D amplifiers do not have to use switch mode power supplies - many use regular linear power supplies; I have Auralic Merak class D monos that use linear psu. Maybe the confusion comes from the switching operation of the mosfets or ganfets.
Designing my 5.2.6 system: 3 XTZ for 6 atmos speakers 5 Chanel class D Amp to run my 5 floor speakers (Undecided which one) I have narrowed it down to Apollon or ATI both based on Hypex ncore ATI has linear power supply and buffer - 7 yr warranty (~$500 more than Apollon) I don’t care about the price difference. Which one would you pick between the two?
If you dont care about the price, ATI. They make great amps. The benefits will probably be superficial for the most part but I would say its worth the bump if it fits your budget. ATI also has more brand recognition and would hold its value and be easier to sell down the road as well. Enjoy your system!
@@hifihometheater By the way I have 3 XTZ amps and 5 XTZ Delta speakers. 2 REL S/5 subs. A killer system. Upgrading to atmos cuz I have 6 unused speakers laying around. Did you get your XTZ Amp yet? How do you compare it to Apollon?
Spot on analysis on Hypex nCore. I own every type of amp except an tube and must say nCore is my favourite. Highs mid low all perfect. The bass is just just nit there in class AB and class A. Hypex does have high quality dsp hope more oem adopt them. MiniDSP is just nit there yet compared to Hypex in a 2 or 3 way dsp. So my hunt for stops at Hypex. Purifi is great too but I prefer Hypex price performance ratio much better. Ice too have I hit the subscribe button.
My issue is those modules don't have much caps. In car audio the better the amp the more caps and output modules ect. I would rather a company that builds the boards from scratch using more output stages and more caps for power control. At the end of the day if class D can replicate the signal better than other amps it'll be better. And yea if you want to tain the signal just do it with a valve pre amp lol.
The class D bias just goes to show how awful audio reviewers are in general. Class D has been just as good as class A/B for the last 7-8 years, not recently. Once B&O came out with the asp ice modules, the industry changed, they were used in soooo many major manufacturers amps. The differences you are picking out is absolutely ridiculous. You blind A/B them, there no way you are picking anything. Thing out.
You're probably right. The differences I mention are very very slight. Possibly impossible to accurately point out in a blind test but I do think they are there. Distortion can definitely give a sense of having a "warm" sound. The distortion from tubes is even known to give the perception of having a larger soundstage. I think most people become comfortable with what they are used to hearing and when they hear something different, the natural reaction is to not like it. Thanks for the great comment and thanks for watching!
@@hifihometheater The harmonic distortion explanation never made sense to me. We're talking harmonics at least 80 dB down for a decent push-pull tube amp or class A/B amp. The speaker interaction explanation does makes sense. However, expectation bias still makes the most sense as I've experienced this again and again myself.
You can only give a precise opinion if you have very good hearing and if you’re over 40 then I have to say “I don’t think so” so before buying any hifi I suggest a good hearing test.
Best conductors in the world are way over 50... do you think I have better ear than them just because I'm in my 30s?! Ridiculous!! Music happens mostly in the 200hz-8khz range... even a 90 year old man can hear in that range and differentiate clearly between a good sounding piano and a casio keyboard or a good singer from a bad one. Good sound has very little to do with frequency extension and a lot with experience and knowledge.
I own an Apollon NCore stereo amplifier. After two years of use, I still think it is the best amplifier I 've ever had in my system.
I was listening to a pair of my friends XTZ A2-300's running in mono, and I was quite surprised myself hearing how even across the band it sounded. They use the B&O Ice Modules which do sound really good when they were released, but I would have to say the implementation in the XTZ A2-300 Edge is done very well. Love your review great job!
Nice review. Thanks for taking the time. My biggest issue with most of the class D stuff is the cost. They are taking a fairly inexpensive module, putting them in a case, add some speaker and xlr connectors and charging $thousands of dollars. No R&D. I can understand some of the companies like you mentioned PSAudio with their M700's at least they do some R&D and fine tuning, or at least it seems like some of these companies, NAD, Audio Research etc are taking the module and fine tuning it. Maybe it's just me but $5000 for a pair of Class D monoblock is a bit much unless they hit much much higher sound wise. For me, I don't need thousands of watts, Nelson pass once said. "if the first watt sounds like crap why would I want 1000 more" Not saying that Class D sounds like crap though. I'd love to hear them on my T-Ref's though...hint hint!
I just got an amp in that I would like to bring over. Not 1000 watts, but not far off lol 😆
GREAT and honest review man!! Super interesting, being a tube and Pass Labs kind of guy I really want to give these modern class-D amps a chance. It's a whole new world for me!! This Apollon is definitely on my list now, I also have in mind the Orchad's BOSC? Do you know it? Thanks!
I know of it. There seems to be a lot of positive interest in it. I would love to try them out.
Thanks for doing this review. I've considered trying Apollon but so far have held back due to the lack of reviews. I see that as a little bit of a red flag in that reviewers may review an item, but if it isn't very good they don't say that, they just don't publish the review. We'll see. It's super-interesting, and very affordable for a pair of monoblocks from them.
Cheers, Tom
Your review definitely inspired me to try CLASS-D again. Thx!
I've built my own NC400 dual monoblocks using Ghent audio case and harness. They sound amazing with my Focal Aria 936 and NAD C658 pre amp, especially after Dirac live calibration.
I am really considering doing this myself but Nord amplifiers offers a hypex amp for cheaper than the kits.
I have active Minidsp system tried class ab monoblocks and class a
And after trying Hypex nCore I have removed all other amps I am totally Hypex multichannel. Running LXmini to huge OB dual 15" to 3 way towers
Interesting review I wonder how much you compare this to the XTZ edge
Very nic review and sumary on the Class-D topic! Just bought the “cheap-man” TPA3255 with its own smps and very happy with it. Drives the speakers like a charm.
I've been looking into the Nilai 500 Hypex amps that Apollon now has. I love the look of these units. Do you still have yours?
Hello, this or your schiit vidar to your listening ears? Price performance? Thanks...like your style.
How does it compare to XTZ EDGE?
What speakers did you pair with this Apollon amp? Do you still have it? Nice review…. Thanks!
I believe I used Buchardt S400's and also a DIY speaker called the Heilx MTM.
@@hifihometheater Thanks for the update.
Wow! yer a great reviewer. Keep em comin!
Well said Man. I’m currently looking for a BI amp stereo power set up and am in the learning mode since deciding to go class D. Curious how the Thanks for the strait talk. Look forward to more content.
Anyone know if Apollon is still in business? They haven't replied to any emails and now the website is gone.
Very Nice Review! I am curious, who make the cases for Apollon Audio?
That my thought just getting back into the audiophile hobby. Was thinking of pairing a class d amp with a tube pre Schiit Fraya + pre and Buchardt S400s. Will probably wait and see Mads Buchardt has an intergrated class d amp using ncore 252 chips coming out in July. Enjoy your reviews!!
That will be a sweet setup!
Sounds good and nice review but it would be nice if the price in U.S. was included or at the least a price range.
NC 400 modules came out more than 5 years ago. Many big brands are using them (Marantz, NAD...) in Flagship amps. B&Os IcePower modules are even older, but they are not as good as Hypex.
I think in another 5 years, N Core is going to dominate the matket in high and mid priced amps.
How does it compare to the xtz edge a-300? Should be a big improvement for the almost 300 USD more. Och watt per dollar go to the edge by a big margin. I know out power isnt everything.
Thanks
I have an XTZ Edge on order
@@hifihometheater cool let's us know how it sounds. Appreciate your evaluations.
TY AG
Quick sound comparison between this and the Vidar??
Hi, I loved your video and I'm really thinking of getting one of these. Do you know of something similar for the preamp stage, with multiple inputs?
Sorry for the noob question and thanks for your time.
Enjoying your channel and information - thank you. Your and a few other reviews on the XTZ Edge got me intrigued on investigating the Class D option. I'd be using my exisiting amp but only as a pre amp as it has tubes and trialing the Class D as the power amp in my set up. The XTZ seems to have a nice small footprint which is appealing and with the buy and try option it also helps with should I not like it. It appears to be a great little amp and may size up to this Apollon and subjectively beats out the Crown.
From your experience with the Class D amps like the Apollon, Crown and XTZ , would you say the XTZ is a good place to dip ones toes into the Class D waters and if the Class D power amp boasted the same power as the A/B amp is there likely to be any difference in the drive of the amps or will the differences be more likely due to the different types of power being delivered - ie Class D vs A/B.
Cheers.
Glad you are enjoying the channel. I have not heard the XTZ yet but it looks like it would be a good way to try out class D. I like the idea of tubes in the pre-amp and class D being the power amp as well. As far as how its going to drive your speakers compared to class AB, that really depends on which AB amp we are talking about. Most things being equal,(power. price etc.) You can "generally" expect the XTZ amp to have less distortion and better control of the low end compared to a similar AB amp. I'm definitely going to have to order one of the XTZ's now. Getting a lot of questions about it LOL. Great question. Thanks for watching!!!
@@hifihometheater Thank you for the reply!! I think i'll be doing the same and giving it a try, if its not to my liking it'll cost me postage - albeit international but hey, its still cheaper than owning an amp and trying to sell the whole thing on. The Apollon is a bit more than i'd like to dip my toes in on and the Crown review you provided with the roll information whilst may not be audible pushed me a bit more to the XTZ - coupled with some other great reviews you've probably already seen too. The small foot print and what seems to be said as a softer edge than the Crown etc and I think it will suit the tube pre amp and really control it - and if not i'll simply unplug it from the pre out and return to the A/B power the integrated amp has now. Sadly XTZ have no units available until end of July so plenty of time for me to (over) think!!. Keep up the great work. Cheers.
@@Boss-wy2ch Which integrated are you using now?
@@hifihometheater The Vincent SV237mk. It allows pre out and that would mean I can try Class D which would be cool. The pre stage is kin this amp is tubes and the power stage is Class A/B with my first 10w being full Class A. I'd obviously lose that first 10w of Class A and subsequent Class A/B power but the Class D might be to my liking and will cost me minimal to trial once they are back in stock. I haven't ordered yet but am leaning heavily to do so.
Have you compared this to the NC400 module? Any noticeable difference?
I have. They are extremely close. I want to say the NC400 sounded just a bit Cleaner and more clear but I feel it may just be in my head. They are both excellent. I will say, my plan of adding more ncore amps will consist of the MP modules, not the NC. I dont personally feel the extra cost is worth it. Just my opinion though. Thanks for the question!
@@hifihometheater Thank you very much for the prompt answer! That’s my understanding as well from reading about them. I’ve not listened to any of them in the past. I’ve had a few class D amplifiers though. Now I’m debating between Hypex or Purifi. Best regards from Sweden 🇸🇪
Class D amplifiers do not have to use switch mode power supplies - many use regular linear power supplies; I have Auralic Merak class D monos that use linear psu. Maybe the confusion comes from the switching operation of the mosfets or ganfets.
Designing my 5.2.6 system:
3 XTZ for 6 atmos speakers
5 Chanel class D Amp to run my 5 floor speakers (Undecided which one)
I have narrowed it down to
Apollon or ATI both based on Hypex ncore
ATI has linear power supply and buffer - 7 yr warranty (~$500 more than Apollon)
I don’t care about the price difference. Which one would you pick between the two?
If you dont care about the price, ATI. They make great amps. The benefits will probably be superficial for the most part but I would say its worth the bump if it fits your budget. ATI also has more brand recognition and would hold its value and be easier to sell down the road as well. Enjoy your system!
@@hifihometheater By the way I have 3 XTZ amps and 5 XTZ Delta speakers. 2 REL S/5 subs. A killer system. Upgrading to atmos cuz I have 6 unused speakers laying around. Did you get your XTZ Amp yet? How do you compare it to Apollon?
Spot on analysis on Hypex nCore. I own every type of amp except an tube and must say nCore is my favourite. Highs mid low all perfect. The bass is just just nit there in class AB and class A. Hypex does have high quality dsp hope more oem adopt them. MiniDSP is just nit there yet compared to Hypex in a 2 or 3 way dsp. So my hunt for stops at Hypex. Purifi is great too but I prefer Hypex price performance ratio much better. Ice too have
I hit the subscribe button.
My motto is that my dac and amp should be transparent. If I want distortion, I'll add it via the speaker or a pre-amp.
Interesting, I'm the same but I use the dac to color the sound.
Why doesn't apollon make a system with Hypex DSP which is much better than Minidsp
My issue is those modules don't have much caps. In car audio the better the amp the more caps and output modules ect.
I would rather a company that builds the boards from scratch using more output stages and more caps for power control.
At the end of the day if class D can replicate the signal better than other amps it'll be better. And yea if you want to tain the signal just do it with a valve pre amp lol.
Great review!! How can companies contact you?, Can I get an email address please? Thank you!
The class D bias just goes to show how awful audio reviewers are in general.
Class D has been just as good as class A/B for the last 7-8 years, not recently. Once B&O came out with the asp ice modules, the industry changed, they were used in soooo many major manufacturers amps.
The differences you are picking out is absolutely ridiculous. You blind A/B them, there no way you are picking anything. Thing out.
You're probably right. The differences I mention are very very slight. Possibly impossible to accurately point out in a blind test but I do think they are there. Distortion can definitely give a sense of having a "warm" sound. The distortion from tubes is even known to give the perception of having a larger soundstage. I think most people become comfortable with what they are used to hearing and when they hear something different, the natural reaction is to not like it. Thanks for the great comment and thanks for watching!
@@hifihometheater The harmonic distortion explanation never made sense to me. We're talking harmonics at least 80 dB down for a decent push-pull tube amp or class A/B amp. The speaker interaction explanation does makes sense. However, expectation bias still makes the most sense as I've experienced this again and again myself.
I think i'll stick with AB
Lol!...dictatorship. Seriously considering one of these now.
You can only give a precise opinion if you have very good hearing and if you’re over 40 then I have to say “I don’t think so” so before buying any hifi I suggest a good hearing test.
What point are you attempting to make here? I don't follow.
Best conductors in the world are way over 50... do you think I have better ear than them just because I'm in my 30s?! Ridiculous!! Music happens mostly in the 200hz-8khz range... even a 90 year old man can hear in that range and differentiate clearly between a good sounding piano and a casio keyboard or a good singer from a bad one. Good sound has very little to do with frequency extension and a lot with experience and knowledge.