Neurochrome Modulus 86 amps

[CageyH]

Even though I said I would not be changing my system in 2020, I sneaked in a few upgrades to my Caiman SEG, and now I seem to have bought a couple of these modulus 86 amps, which have been built in a mono block configuration, without using SMPS for power.

I have read good things about these, and as the price was reasonable I thought I would take the plunge.
When they arrive, I will be comparing these to my Firebottle monos and some Graham Slee Proprius.
The least preferred of the 86 or the FB Monos, will be going up for sale...

I hope to have the Modulus 86 by the weekend. Time will tell if I become a member of the Modulus club.

[Jimbo]

I have heard the Neurochrome 686 stereo power amp and it is superb. Very transparent and effortless muscle.

[RobbieGong]

Yeah, If I right this is the one Oliver has and rates massively.

Have read some stuf on line about Neurochromne amps - very very good indeed.

Lookng forward to your review Kevin

[CageyH]

Mine are the baby of the family. A mere 65W, but more than enough for my speakers.

[Opti-cal]

It's now difficult for me to listen to other amplifiers. I really mean that. They each have their own endearing traits but none exhibit the overall power and insight brought about by the 686. It's also the only SS amp I like with my Quads.

If you only need 65w I'm sure it'll be ideal. The THD figures (among others) are very good.

The extra power is a must for me though even though some of the speakers I use with the 686 are of high efficiency. The muscle really opens up new depths of bass frequencies I had no idea could be reached on the speakers before.

I'm sure you'll like them as everyone says they sound good, although I've never heard the lower power models myself, I'm sure the delivery will be recognisably similar.

[Firebottle]

Did you not hear the 286 at mine Chris?

I have now built a dual mono 86 amp and it sounds identical to the 286.
For info the 286 is 65W (8 ohms) and the 86 is 40W (8 ohms).

[Opti-cal]

Did you not hear the 286 at mine Chris?

I have now built a dual mono 86 amp and it sounds identical to the 286.
For info the 286 is 65W (8 ohms) and the 86 is 40W (8 ohms).

Ah yes indeed Alan, I was specifically referring to the 86 model in regards to not having heard it. You're spot on I have heard the virtues of the 286. It is an outstanding piece of kit and really put the tubes vs SS debate to bed for me! I still enjoy the comparisons but no longer are the positives of both mutually exclusive thanks to the Neurochrome.

With what you confirm there about the 86 and 286 sounds like you cannot go wrong. Just choose your power requirements and happy listening!

[CageyH]

Did you not hear the 286 at mine Chris?

I have now built a dual mono 86 amp and it sounds identical to the 286.
For info the 286 is 65W (8 ohms) and the 86 is 40W (8 ohms).

Does that depend on the power supply capacity/voltage?

On the Neurochrome website, the 86 is stated as being 65W.

If I like these amps, I may investigate building a monoblock/dual mono version of the 686. It will be a long term project, due to the cost involved and the fact that I don't need it yet. It is more of a retirement preparation project, and I have plenty of time left before that.

[Jimbo]

Does that depend on the power supply capacity/voltage?

On the Neurochrome website, the 86 is stated as being 65W.

If I like these amps, I may investigate building a monoblock/dual mono version of the 686. It will be a long term project, due to the cost involved and the fact that I don't need it yet. It is more of a retirement preparation project, and I have plenty of tume left before that.

The 686 will be my retirement amp too kevin.

[Roger Hardcastle]

Hello,

The sockets shown on the 686 board. Are matching plugs supplied when you order the boards ?
Another thought is that the job of drilling and tapping the mounting holes on the heatsinks is pretty scary if you want to avoid drilling all the way through.

If you look at the Conrad Double Flange heatsinks it would be a nice thought if the modules are mounted on one of the flanges. The holes can then drilled and tapped right through. In fact the mounting plate supplied with the modules can be discarded. There is a 70mm gap between the flanges and the modules are 60mm. The problem is that the sockets on the modules are 90 degree mounted which means that the mating plugs will make the modules not fit the gap.

I’ve considered that removing one flange would get around these issues but having two flanges would mean fitting a front and rear panel with right angled bracket would be more straightforward.

It’s a shame the flanges aren’t further apart to leave a bigger gap.

Edit:

It’s funny how you can have an Einstein moment. The answer could be to unsolder the sockets and solder the wires directly on to the pcb.