The HiFime UDP80 is a true Digital PWM amplifier with no A/D conversion, no preamp or any analog signal path anywhere before the output stage. This makes a very direct link between the digital source and the outputs going to the speakers, creating a very clear audiophile sound.
The UDP80 amp uses similar technology as our DDX320 amp that’s only sold as DIY (and currently sold out) and the popular UD80 USB amplifier. It has an USB input that accepts all sample rates and files up to 96kHz/24bit and there is now also an optical input that accepts up to 192kHz/24bit. The amp will automatically detect the input source.
USB and SPDIF inputs
The UDP80 amplifier uses the Savitech SA9023 USB receiver to connect to a USB host, and it accepts all samples rates from 32kHz to 96kHz and 16/24bits. It uses USB Audio Class 1 native drivers for Windows, Mac and Linux, no extra drivers need to be installed. It will work with the same devices as our Sabre DAC support (SA9023 version) – which includes iPhone/iPads and many Android devices. More Android devices might work when using the USB Audio player pro software.
Technology
The digital i2S signal is sent to the St Microelectronics’ STA328 chip where PCM is converted to Pulse width modulation (PWM) signal and then amplified using DDX® power output stage, enabling it to drive speakers directly. This high quality conversion from PCM audio to DDXs patented tri-state PWM switching waveform provides over 100 dB SNR and dynamic range.
This is quite different from how a regular class D or T amplifier with digital inputs works – which include a DAC which first convert the digital signal to analog which is then passed on to the amplifier section where it is converted back to PWM. This true digital technology avoids these extra steps of D/A and A/D conversion.
Power supply
The UDP80 can be powered from 11V to 36V. Max 34V is recommended to have some safety margin.
The recommended supply voltage depends on speaker impedance:
8 ohm speakers:
We recommend our 34V power supply for the UPD80, but you can use any DC power supply of max 34V and 6A. (updated from 36V)
4 ohm speakers:
21V is sufficient for 4 ohm. A high (36V) supply voltage used with 4 ohm speakers might damage the amplifier.
6 ohm speakers:
28V is recommended.
Output power:
The output power will vary depending on the speaker impedance.
- Up to 2 x 80W @ 8 ohm
- Up to 2 x 50W @ 4 ohm
Functions
The amp is very minimalistic in is functions. There is a digital volume knob (logarithmical 20kohm), which will also power down the amp to standby when it’s set to minimum.
The speaker connectors are AWG14-26 connectors and the connector is detachable from the amplifier. Connect the speaker cables to the plug while disconnected from the amp to make sure there are no accidental shorts. Note: The negative outputs are not common and cannot be connected together.
Specifications
- Fully digital amplification
- DDX® power output stage
- Up to 2 x 80W at 8 ohm, 2x50W at 4 ohm
- 100dB SNR and dynamic range
- Auto detects input (USB or SPDIF)
- No drivers required for USB
- USB accept sample rates 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz and 16 and 24 bits
- SPDIF additionally accepts 176.4kHz and 192kHz
- Accepts DC power from 10 to 36V. Recommended max is 34V.
- No analog inputs!
model: UDP80
Michael Booth –
Have had the UDP80 for a number of days now, along with the matching 34v power suppy. I set the amp up via SP/DIF from a Pioneer DVD player and an IFI SP/DIF Purifier into my 2 way floorstander 90db speakers in a 16′ x 15′ room. If you think that this amp is another take on a class T system think again! It will handle all types of music with ease. I listen to much big classical and it will handle a Mahler Symphony no trouble, the violins soaring and the bass drums playing out at next door neighbour annoying levels. I have been very pleasantly surprised by the UPD80 system.
Johan –
Having used different kind of Hypex and B&O amps with high quality DACs, I found the sound of this unit really satisfying. There is a combination of "ease" and clarity, but still with stability and power, that is really good using a Squeezbox connected via Toslink. Recommended. Support is also great.
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Chris –
Hi,
Amazing value for money, this one makes sound T or D amp muddy.
No harshness.
brian je –
hi, had amp for two weeks now,this is a very interesting dinky little amp, challenges what you think you really need in a high quality system, on batteries it really sings,takes a while to burn in. Nobel peace prize in the post for being wife friendly.overall sounds a bit like my otl croft,big full and punchy but fluid, well done guys
Raymond Au –
Just received UDP80. Plug in my room hifi system.
Using Mac Sierra OS and playing in foobar2000, mostly Flac musical file.
Actually I try using optical input, HTC android phone and using window OS too and finding no problem connecting all these.
Since I have Sonus Faber Concertino speaker using usual banana plug, It takes me some time making usual speaker plug from the small AWG14-26 connectors.
As I don’t buy the AC/DC adaptor yet, just using the notebook adaptor rating 19V 2.64A. I am surprised to find that the sound of this amp is very good. The sound is crystal clear and dynamic. It has no problem making my Sonus Faber speakers sing. I think it will even better if I feed more power to it.
The size of the amp surprising small. 7cmX11cmX3cm. Such small size amp makes such big powerful sound is so amazing. It saves me a lot of desk space.
I highly recommend this small amp to some one like being a minimalist and using computer to listen music most of the time.