[Kevin P]

The Exodus Audio kit amplifier utilizing the LC Audio ZP2.2SE modules is due to be released next week.   Power rating depends on the transformer but the modules are conservatively capable of 280W @ 8 Ohms and 550W @ 4 Ohms.   Some general notes about the release.

#1.  The early version will be sold minus the transformer.   We are waiting on a large transformer order which is being sourced in China and it is going to be several weeks until they land.   Rather than keep everyone waiting we have a couple part numbers from US vendors for acceptable transformers which can be sourced by the kit builder rather than wait.   The requirements are pretty simple and this will cut $50 off the price of the kit (now $799) until we have transformer stock.   We have used these transformers in our prototype units and they are a perfect fit in the chassis and the quality is good.   Our version will be rated at 200W @ 8 Ohms and 380W @ 4 Ohms using 42V secondaries and a 500VA transformer.   You can go up to 50V on the secondaries in non-bridged mode but you have to be careful in bridged mode because you will go over their maximum power rating when driving low impedance loads.   With 42V secondaries you can bridge safely into 4 Ohms for about 1400W of power which is more than most sane people need.

Parts Express Part#   122-670

Or for a little more power:  122-695

#2.  The stand alone amplifier has true balanced inputs, Cardas RCAs & binding post and a quality Schurter IEC with fuse.   Power switch on front panel has LED integral to the switch.  

#3.  Options.... upgraded passive parts (Cardas binding post & RCAs), slow start module, DC filter etc....    A simple method to add power filtering is to use the filtered Schurter inlet.  

#4.   These are a snap to build.  No metal work required and you really only need a few hand tools and soldering iron to build them.  

#5.  Future Expansion & Options:  We will have a clock sync unit which runs off the current Preditor power supply.   It will sync the clock signal of all modules and offer options for trying higher clock frequencies.    You could concievably upgrade to more modules (more power) or an integrated version by simply replacing front/rear panels (about $50) and adding the DACT parts to run an integrated version.   The Bent Audio remote will also be an option for the DACT attenuators.  

#6.   Integrated version with DACT parts will be released mid-late May.


http://www.diycable.com/images/digital-front.jpg">

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[Kevin P]

A little more eye candy.


http://www.diycable.com/images/front.jpg">



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[StevenACNJ]

Exterior looks very well constructed

Anychance of a pic of the inside?

[armstrg3]

Kevin -

Is this amp on the website yet?  Can't seem to find.

[Kevin P]

I'm working on instructions and pics of the inside will be forthcoming.  

It is really very simple with two ZP modules and a power supply.   All fastners and mounting methods are up to the same standard as used on the outside.   Internal wiring is limited to RCA/XLR inputs, AC input with DC filter & transformer and speaker outputs.     All signal wire is Cardas and AC lines are the transformer leads.   The unit pictured is stock except I've upgraded the speaker post (the Cardas CCGR is pretty), the Schurter IEC is filtered ($20 option) and a DC filter in front of the transformer ($40 opt) and it will have the clock sync module which allows ramping up the switching frequency (price as yet undetermined).    This unit is going out for a review so I figured I'd give it the works in terms of options.   It is still under $1000 total price with 200W @ 8 Ohms and 380W @ 4 Ohms stereo.   Bridged gives 758W @ 8 Ohms and 1430W @ 4 Ohms.        We have evil plans for using all that power too.     I'll give you a hint...

http://www.diycable.com/main/product_info.php?products_id=484


The amplifiers will not be on the web site until we are ready to ship.  It is my policy that nothing goes on the site until I have supply ready to go.   Look for it late next week to appear on the site.

[txstinkbug]

If you can say, what brand components are used in the digital amp?  Are they TI, Phillips, etc.?

[Kevin P]

LC Audio developed the digital modules.   As many details as we are willing to release are on the LC Audio web site.  

http://www.lcaudio.dk/com/zp2.htm

Download the ZP2.1 Cookbook and there is a ton of technical information.

http://www.lightball.dk/download/com/pdf/zp21mateng.pdf

[Dmason]

This looks fun! Will the kit be available with certain components broken out of the pricing, such as the case, balanced IN capabilities, etc?

[Kevin P]

The balanced XLRs are standard because they don't cost us anything (besides a couple chassis mount XLRs).  

Options will be:

#1.   RCA & Speaker Post options based on various Cardas parts.

#2.   Snyc module

#3.   DC Filter for transformer

#4.   AC power filter on IEC inlet.

#5.  LC Audio Slow-start module


The "guts" of the amplifier are already on sale on our site.   The chassis has been a speical project I've been working on for about a year.   It has replaceable front/rear panels so it can be used for any number of projects.   We will have a verion of the chassis that will sell for DIYer use that allows people to make their own custom front/rear panel with CNC cut parts.   No more metal work for prototype products or for DIYers who want to make a project.   You can design your own panel and have it CNC cut for a custom chassis for not much more than a standard chassis.

[StevenACNJ]

Kevin,

What frequency are you going to run the clock snyc module at?

[Kevin P]

The standard module frequency is about 490khz.   The optional sync module allows you to alter that frequency up to about 1.05Mhz.  

I'm not sure of what the final design is going to be on the sync module but that will be the top frequency available because the modules are not capable of anything higher.  

Sync modules will be released in a couple weeks time and I'll have more information at that time.

[JohnR]

Bridged gives 758W @ 8 Ohms and 1430W @ 4 Ohms.  We have evil plans for using all that power too.  I'll give you a hint...

http://www.diycable.com/main/product_info.php?products_id=484

Hi Kevin, it seems you could just as well drive the voice coils separately since they are two ohms each? Any advantage to bridging it w/ the Tumult?

BTW how is the sound driving a 2 ohm load (or 4 ohm bridged)? I have the 2.1 SE modules, just been trying to figure out what they will be used for (and hence PSU voltage)

Hope all is well

[Dmason]

Wondering if you have had a chance to audition with the higher frequency module? Generally the overall character in terms of liquidity by way of reduced deadtime increases with frequency, as I understand it.

What would the cost be for the higher F mod?

The review snippets on the Danish site are pretty tasty.

[Kevin P]

John R:    You could have a go at one module into each VC and achieve pretty much the same results theoretically.   I have yet to try running them that way and the impedance of the VC may drop below 1 Ohm at times.    These things are pretty robust driving low impedance loads but I'd prefer to test them before giving that recommendation.   Although you would think bridged you have pretty much the same situation.   I'll have to ask someone smarter than me to find out which is the safer.  My inclination is to say bridged.

I'm selling the Tumults in a passive mode when the Keiga plate amps are gone (only a few left).   Wiggins has designed a preamp crossover board that we are going to stick inside the chassis you see on the front of this thread and it will be set up for stereo & bridged mode.   The passive Tumult is only going to have one speaker post though because a 4 Ohm load is kind of an industry standard.   It will have a couple bands of PEQ, L-T, variable 2nd order crossover etc.....   The 1400W bridged is PLENTY of power even when using the LT & and two bands of PEQ.  We will use the standard ZP2.2 modules (no Blackgates) and the amp with integrated crossover will cost about the same as the current amp (standard ZP2.2s are cheaper but the cost of the crossover board offsets).   This will be one of the few amps on the market with this kind of power & no fan cooling.   It will also be one of the very few with this kind of subwoofer crossover functions rolled into the main amp for a nice nifty package.   This... a Tumult and a Rat Shack meter should get you pretty good results in-room.


Dmason:

I have not.... I've only listened to them at the stock floating frequency.  I'm sure there might be some small changes in the character of the sound but I don't find most subjective generalizations like this very credible.   I'll make a judgment after the sync modules become available.

Don't know cost yet....  should in a couple weeks.

I'd like to brag about the reviews but I'm kind of jaded when it comes to audio reviews.   To be honest I haven’t even read that one yet.   I'll go over and check it out today.

[StevenACNJ]

Kevin,

Reading on the LCAudio site -  the digita amp cook book. What is the compensate mode all about?

Thanks

[Kevin P]

Depending on the speaker load there is a about a peak (12-14db 8 Ohm, 6db @ 4 Ohm) at 150khz.   I don't understand exactly why... I think it has to do with the output LC network interacting with the switching frequency such that there is a resonance at that frequency.    The compensation mode is simply a method of designing a suction network filter to compensate for the peak.   It is more for engineering bragging rights than anything.  Amplifier designers think it is cool to design amps with WIDE bandwidth even though it is WAY above what we can hear (or your speakers can reproduce).

In terms of it being needed?   I don't have any rational for using it.   I'm sceptical of the need for much bandwidth past an octave or two over 20K.   There might be some harmonics of these high frequencies that we are able to detect but the research is pretty fuzzy.   Most tweeters are only working to about 20K and then start rolling off quick so anything you hear has to be some harmonic of these higher frequencies.   A peak at 150K is almost three octaves above the maxium that most tweeters can reproduce and that is above what most of us can hear (my limit is more like 16-17K).

[Kevin P]

Some internals:

A couple notes:

This amplifier is excellent....  I'm very pleased with every facet of it's performance and the complete kit is going to be a fantastic product.   I built a Tripath unit a couple years ago for about the same price as this amp (and it was in a cheap ugly chassis) and there is no comparison.   I WAY overbuilt the power supply in the Tripath.   I think I had a 1KVA transformer on it and way more capacitance than needed.  

The ZP modules have excellent resolution and the bass is perfect.   The case doesn't even get warm after hours of use.   The efficiency of these modules is impressive.    Absolutely stone quite background..... zero noise problems.

We are going to offer assembled versions with 30 day return policy & 1 yr warranty.   Cost will be $1150 for the basic 2-channel 200W@8 Ohm & 400W @ 4 Ohm.

The Avel transformers will work for this kit but you have to hand wire a 15V secondary.   If your not into winding secondaries (don't blame you) a simple 10.0VA mini-toroidal from Digikey will fit the bill.   The Digikey part number to use:

TE62043-ND        Cost $15.48 each.

Avel Transformer to get from Parts Express:

122-670       Cost about $60 each.


The transformers that I will stock (ETA about 4-5 weeks) are a 500VA part with dual 42V secondaries and a single 15V secondary.   After I have these in stock there will be no need to source any parts other than what comes with the kit.

The 15V supply will control the soon to arrive clock module & front panel LED.   We also have some other evil plans for it (remote control, active crossover etc...)  

I'm running behind of the web development so expect to see them on the site next week.  

But for now....

http://www.diycable.com/images/Guts.jpg">

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[bambadoo]

Well, I have built all the versions of the zappulse modules. from 1.0 to 2.2se. (in fact the 2.2se) still remains in the original boxes. (timeissues)
And I can only condlude that it is something special about how these modules sound. The relaxation, combined with the power and holographic presentation. It is great. However I have been tweaking alot with psu's and other stuff. I have tried alot of psu caps, and I have settled with 2 pcs. Elna Cerafines/channel. Combined with a 2*42V-800VA "audio grade" transformer. For bridgerectifying i Have 8pcs of BYV79E schottcy diodes, and they sound alot - I mean alot better than standard 35a bridgerectifiers (i.e. GBPC3510).  
I also use pure silver cables for signalpurpose and as internal speakercable. These modules get the best (and worse) out of the associated equipment.

Best regards.

[Kevin P]

bambadoo:   Thank you for sharing.   One of the largest factors in performance that I've noticed is the power supply distance to modules.   Notice that our Predator supply is directly on top of the ZP modules and the cable connecting the two is less than 1" long.  

I've only experimented with 500VA & 650VA transformers.   The larger transformer would give nominally more regulation but I notice no real difference between the two.   LC Audio is now recommending 400VA for the 200W version and 600VA for full power.   The subjective differences are probably going to be system dependent and hard to quantify.

[Zero]

Absolutely phenominal work, Kevin.  She looks beautiful, very impressive design.