Audiophonics HPA-S400ET (Purifi) vs dual mono Icepower 1200as1

[Michiel]

Hi all,

Considering buying an Audiophonics HPA-S400ET amplifier based on Purifi modules. This amp was tested and found excellent by Amir.

Based on measurements results by Amir i bought the Topping D70S dac and the Topping Pre90 preamp a few years ago and combined them with a dual mono Icepower 1200as1 power amp. Speakers are B&W 802D
To me the system sounds wonderfull, and with the amount of power available it can play at extreme volumes without any signs of distortion/clipping.

Pure going by measurements the 1200as1 is the weak link in my system, therefore considering bying this Purify amp. Measurements will be more in line with the capabilities of both the Topping dac and preamp.

The counter side is that i will be loossing a lot of power reserve.

Anybody can give their view ons this possible upgrade? Would it be clearly audible and a step up? Mind you, i do like to play very loud sometimes, but this only happens occasionally. Mostly i play at normal/modest levels.

Normally i would assemble the amp myself, but this makes no sense with the price Audiophonics is asking.

 

[Sokel]

Hi all,

Considering buying an Audiophonics HPA-S400ET amplifier based on Purifi modules. This amp was tested and found excellent by Amir.

Based on measurements results by Amir i bought the Topping D70S dac and the Topping Pre90 preamp a few years ago and combined them with a dual mono Icepower 1200as1 power amp. Speakers are B&W 802D
To me the system sounds wonderfull, and with the amount of power available it can play at extreme volumes without any signs of distortion/clipping.

Pure going by measurements the 1200as1 is the weak link in my system, therefore considering bying this Purify amp. Measurements will be more in line with the capabilities of both the Topping dac and preamp.

The counter side is that i will be loossing a lot of power reserve.

Anybody can give their view ons this possible upgrade? Would it be clearly audible and a step up? Mind you, i do like to play very loud sometimes, but this only happens occasionally. Mostly i play at normal/modest levels.

Normally i would assemble the amp myself, but this makes no sense with the price Audiophonics is asking.

I can tell you my experience about them,though not through my gear as I use 1200's for woofers only.
In my friend's set-up,with big Blumenhofer horns about 100db sensitivity where power is not needed we could not tell them apart compared with a Purifi Sparkos edition (Audiophonics,measured here) .

Both silent,nothing sticks out,nothing is missing.

 

[Matias]

This would be a tiny incremental upgrade, not sure if it's worth it.

 

[JeremyFife]

If there is no audible noise (hiss) in the quiet passages and no distortion or clipping when you go loud, and you like the sound ... save your money, resist the urge to change for the sake of change and just put more music on!

Purifi should measure better, but you won't hear it.

If you get really bored, or itching to change something, why not make some measurements and see what you can do to with room treatment or EQ (unless you've covered that already too)
Upgraditis is a bugger!

 

[jcarys]

Your speakers have higher distortion than the amps, so I'm not sure why you consider them a weak link. I doubt you would hear any difference at all, and give up quite a bit of power. If you're really unsure, I would try to audition a Purify model at home before purchase.

 

[Michiel]

Wow, didn’t expect everyone to say the same, that is is hardly worth spending the money on because the differences will be minimal. Auditioning a unit at home would be a good option first. Or just be happy with what i have since it sounds really good. (I think)

Room treatment is still on my list, i need some more absorption, preferably at the first reflect points. We do have quite some hard materials including the floor, there is probably too much echo.

 

[Zwepp]

I don't know what you use as a source, but a streamer with built in PEQ would be a wortwhile effort to upgrade your system. People waste way too much money on pointless gear upgrades, while the big differences are made with room treatment and equalization.

 

[Michiel]

I don't know what you use as a source, but a streamer with built in PEQ would be a wortwhile effort to upgrade your system. People waste way too much money on pointless gear upgrades, while the big differences are made with room treatment and equalization.

Hi, i am using a pc with tidal and Qobuz as streaming services. USB connection to the Topping D70S dac.

 

[Head_Unit]

Hi, i am using a pc with tidal and Qobuz as streaming services. USB connection to the Topping D70S dac.

Then to follow on @Zwepp the thing to try might be like a miniDSP Dirac module. I doubt your current amp is an audible weak link...stick your ear right next to the tweeter with the volume up and playback paused. Is there any hiss? (If so, what a piece of crap, send it to me and I will immediately banish it to my basement, alleviating you of the worry...)

 

[Wolf11Man]

Maybe get the Purifi and use the ICE for the lower part of bi-amping? Seems to be the only option to improve on your set-up.

 

[AudioJester]

Maybe get the Purifi and use the ICE for the lower part of bi-amping? Seems to be the only option to improve on your set-up.

Wont provide any audible benefit.
In this setup, amplification is solved.

If op really wants to improve sound, get a usb mic and measure - see what needs fixing. Will undoubtably be bass response.
Swapping the Topping stack for a minidsp +/- dirac and applying bass correction will make a huge difference. Can even add subs to even out room bass response. Even easier and requires no hardware changes -if your using pc/streamer as a source.

We all know better now than to needlessly swap amps.....