Hypex DIY ClassD Nilai 500 DIY power amplifier

The Nilai power amplifier is a further development of the Hypex UCD and NCore technology. Class D has matured enormous since its introduction. And is available in kit form. So time again to listen to the current incarnation.

Contents of this video

00:00 - Introduction
00:27 - Start of program
03:25 - Where used
04:29 - The front
05:12 - The back
05:44 - The inside
07:26 - The build
08:13 - In use
08:48 - How tested #1
09:50 - Sound quality #1
11:34 - How tested #2
11:59 - Sound quality #2
12:35 - The wrap

Relevant videos:
Hypex DIY ClassD Streaming preamp: Hypex DIY ClassD Streaming preamp

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[Grampus]

I put together the stereo version of this amp and unexpectedly found the act of building the kit was entertaining in itself. Like many others of around my age, I spent part of my childhood many years ago building plastic model kits and it brought back many happy memories for me - and I got something very useful at the end of it!

[metatron]

I have been chuckling all evening regarding the high heals, what a description Hans, 10/10

[dirkdesmet]

Thank you again Hans. Your reviews are very valuable to us. Keep it up and enjoy your music too!

[hermanvisser]

Fascinating review, Hans. Again, you were first to review equipment us audiophiles are most interested in.

[NosEL]

Nice review. I bought the DIY Stereo500 here in the States for about $1300 U.S. For me i found it to be an improvement of the past Hypex & Purifi modules. Not the sweetest of top end vs my more expensive Class G & AB but ive still chosen to listen to the Nilai everyday since I purchased it. After 2 weeks I was really enjoying it. At the moment I have it paired with the Icon Audio LA4 MKiii Signature preamp & im loving the very noticeable tube changes. For the money I think it is a great class D amp. About $700 less than the blocks

[dw]

I purchased a pair of assembled Hypex Nilai 500 mono blocks from DeerCreekAudio and they're exceptional amplifiers. For $995 each, these amps are a steal. Currently, I've paired them with a Freya+ pre and Dynaudio Evoke 50’s for a system which sounds incredible even after hours of listening. Alpha Audio's YT channel has some great head to head comparisons between a Nilai and Pass Labs amp.

[Vinyl-Fräse]

Thank you for this informative Review. Bringing together Equipment from the Same manufacturer is always a good idea.

[mddawson]

I built the stereo version in January and added a second PSU in September to make it a dual mono amp. This required drilling 14 PSU mounting holes into the base plate and soldering the wires supplied with the extra PSU onto the existing wiring in my amp. It is an excellent sounding amp and I love the inky black background that music decays into.

[danielbuss]

I had the previous NC400 monos until recently and have to say, after 2 years of intensive listening exclusively with them, I thought it was my endgame.
BUT something was missing in the sound that I always loved about my speakers.
Now I have had my Kenwood Model 650 Transistor restored and there it is again, this airy and especially during long music sessions unstrained.
I have owned many types of amplifiers on my speakers, but only a tube and the Kenwood have THE sound for me.
Switching amplifiers are switching amplifiers and not comparable to a tube or transistor.

[starmaniac]

I have put together my own Nilai monoblocks (not using the DIY-build),
and experimented with different cables, connectors etc.
I found that a shielding wall, in form of steel plates around the Nilai modules improved the noise floor even further, and I run Furutech cables and connectors all over (except for mains cables)

Also worth mentioning, is the gain setting on the Nilai module. The lowest gain setting further improves on noise levels, and overall SQ. 😊

[AlainCliche]

very nice review, as usual... it would be great if you could review one of those GaN-Fet class D amp... I believe Orchard Audio have one of the cheapest on the market, but there are other : Atmasphere, AGD, HiFi Rose (they have two integrated amp), Mytek, ... some people say that GaN-Fet amps sound as good as tubes in the medium... is this possible ?

[Youtuber-kunk]

I wish a review of the Auralic Aries G2.2 for Christmas 🎅 🙏
I’m looking for an endgame music server+transport to replace my modified 2014 Mac mini running Audirvāna.

[wvw]

Milai (instead of Nilai) is still in the description below the title: but about the content. Can you more be specific about the difference in sound comparing it to a better class A or AB amplifier? And why is the Grimm MU2 a less better combination with the Nilai than the Hypex preamp? You would expect, with the more expensive Grimm to hear more and better sound?

[jakobgooijer]

You forgot to mention the Transvestite walking on high heels had also headwind.

[alex-wkmq]

You can also buy an ready built amp.i was concidering this amp and I'm curious about the soundqality compared with the stereo version, I don't really need the extra power.thx for de review.

[michabuszynski]

Could you please test any Xlr to rca converters ? Would much appreciate it. Thank you.

[mariancol]

For our apartments 10W is enough, why do we need so much power? However, the technique should be encouraged and class D amplifiers are welcome for their very low current consumption, this is their asset.

[EARLandPEARL-ci]

Don't have balanced outputs or inputs