Neurochrome 686 Brand New Build
I was intrigued by reports of how good these Neurochrome modules are and also had a few requests to build some, so I thought it was time to try some out and evaluate the amps. The build was fairly straightforward and I used a chassis from Modushop who supply most of my cases. Tom the designer provides drawings for this chassis and suggests the large chassis shown in the accompanying photo.
The amp has a slow start module, and includes a sophisticated output protection system to protect your speakers. In practice, it turns on and off without a thump or buzz, with a small click as the relay clicks over. Construction is fully dual mono, and fully balanced with inputs by XLR. I’ve fed the amp with single ended source from my own brand ESS9038pro valve DAC, and also used a fully balanced source too. There's no great difference in sound quality between the two.
Residual background noise is effectively inaudible, even with my 96db sensitive JBLs, and sensitivity standard at 2v.
I’ve run the amp now for some 24 hours so it’s partially run in. Overall, I’m very impressed. I should confess here I’m a valve man through and through, with 845, 805 and KT120 monoblocks in the house and studio. But I do get quite a lot of high end
Solid state gear through my workshop and also tried the Nord Class D amps a couple of years’ ago and have built Hypex-based amps for clients, but both of the latter left me cold.
This amp on the other hand is very musical. It’s neutral and revealing, but without robbing music of its soul. Bass is powerful and tuneful, and soundstage wide and deep. Higher frequencies are convincing, unlike IMO Class D amps that I’ve heard. For anyone who has an aversion to valves, young children or mischievous pets, or in need of 200 watts into 8 ohms, 360 into 4ohms, this could be the amp for you. I would rate it above the large Krell or Mark Levinson amps if you want a comparison. Tom the designer makes a lot of the need for a lot of heatsinking but with my 90db and 96db sensitive speakers the heatsinks hardly rise above room temperature.
£2,700 pick up only in London
Reply With Quote
