boXem A 4216/E2 Stereo Amplifier Review

[Purité Audio]

We have tried quite a number of Hypex/Purifi iterations and Fred’s have easily the neatest internal construction, the highest build quality and reliability.
Also Fred is very approachable ( not like some) , quick to respond and places customer care first and foremost.
Thank you Amir for the review.
Keith

 

[peng]

Between Purify, Hypex, and THX AAA, are amps pretty much a solved problem like DACs?

I would say yes, but it doesn't matter what we say/tell, those who don't believe just won't believe.., one of their simple but illogical logic based reason/rational is that if all amps (even though almost no one has actually ever said all amps sound the same, but that's got stuck in their mind) sound the same, why are there so many and so many who don't mind paying a lot more for those they think sound better. In that sense, no, it is not a "solved" problem, not until amps are sell with certified transparent result based on not only bench test results such as ASR's, but also DBT based results, certified engineer's report, and better still, along with a psychologist's note) lol.....

 

[totti1965]

As expected: Bruno Putzeys managed it to reduce SINAD and high frequency distortion about 5 dB to 7 dB compared to the anyway overwhelmingly good predecessor- and got even 10% more power! Congratulations!
What puzzles me, is that the predecessor (here from Audiophonics, France) has a tiny bit better intermodulation results:

Maybe it has something to do with the very competent implementation of the Eigentakt modules in their workshops in France?

The direct competitor in 2025 is here (and a bit more costly than the Boxem):

AUDIOPHONICS HPA-S450ET Power Amplifier Purifi 1ET6525SA

The Audiophonics HPA-S450ET power amplifier is based on a Class D architecture, using a pair of Purifi 1ET6525SA amplification modules, a Hypex SMPS1200A400 power supply and an Audiophonics custom buffer stage...

www.audiophonics.fr

You can find the new 1E6525SA Module also in a nice, beautiful integrated amp (for just EUR 300,— more):

AUDIOPHONICS HPA-INT450ET Integrated Amplifier

Audiophonics is proud to present the HPA-INT450ET. This Class D integrated amplifier relies on a pair of Purifi 1ET6525SA amplifier modules.

www.audiophonics.fr

thw

 

[grobalt]

mh, measures good but does not look like any heatsink or cooling is implemented, right ? checked their 5 channel amp on the website ....

 

[amper42]

mh, measures good but does not look like any heatsink or cooling is implemented, right ? checked their 5 channel amp on the website ....

The entire case is a heat sink with board mounted upside down (attached to top of case).
In addition, Purifi sips power. The darn thing almost never gets warm at normal listening levels. It's the coolest running amp implementation I have ever experienced.

 

[thegeton]

The entire case is a heat sink with board mounted upside down (attached to top of case).
In addition, Purifi sips power. The darn thing almost never gets warm at normal listening levels. It's the coolest running amp implementation I have ever experienced.

Totally agreed. I have a thermostatically controlled box fan setup I was going to use to keep my boXem cool. Completely unnecessary. The unit is barely warm to the touch after hours of ~85dB listening.

 

[PristineSound]

Everyone will have their prefer Hypex and Purifi integrator. But in the end, they all perform similarly.

My preferred is Apollon:
1) Speakon option
2) Easily accessible, user selectable gain
3) Probably the most luxurious case work on the market
4) Many configuration options
5) Dual mono option

 

[Mike_Trueman]

Everyone will have their prefer Hypex and Purifi integrator. But in the end, they all perform similarly.

My preferred is Apollon:
1) Speakon option
2) Easily accessible, user selectable gain
3) Probably the most luxurious case work on the market
4) Many configuration options
5) Dual mono option

Boxem has the same options

boXem - Arthur 4216/E2

2 channels HiFi power amplifier, Purifi second gen. Eigentakt technology. Designed and proudly built in Luxembourg.

boxem-audio.eu

 

[PristineSound]

Boxem has the same options

boXem - Arthur 4216/E2

2 channels HiFi power amplifier, Purifi second gen. Eigentakt technology. Designed and proudly built in Luxembourg.

boxem-audio.eu

Dual mono option?

 

[Mike_Trueman]

Dual mono option?

Something like this? I never had mono amps

Multichannel Amplifiers

boxem-audio.eu

 

[PristineSound]

Something like this? I never had mono amps

Multichannel Amplifiers

boxem-audio.eu

Monoblocks in one case.

Basically two power supplies.

 

[Sokel]

As expected: Bruno Putzeys managed it to reduce SINAD and high frequency distortion about 5 dB to 7 dB compared to the anyway overwhelmingly good predecessor- and got even 10% more power! Congratulations!
What puzzles me, is that the predecessor (here from Audiophonics, France) has a tiny bit better intermodulation results:


View attachment 468821

View attachment 468822

Maybe it has something to do with the very competent implementation of the Eigentakt modules in their workshops in France?

The direct competitor in 2025 is here (and a bit more costly than the Boxem):

AUDIOPHONICS HPA-S450ET Power Amplifier Purifi 1ET6525SA

The Audiophonics HPA-S450ET power amplifier is based on a Class D architecture, using a pair of Purifi 1ET6525SA amplification modules, a Hypex SMPS1200A400 power supply and an Audiophonics custom buffer stage...

www.audiophonics.fr

You can find the new 1E6525SA Module also in a nice, beautiful integrated amp (for just EUR 300,— more):

AUDIOPHONICS HPA-INT450ET Integrated Amplifier

Audiophonics is proud to present the HPA-INT450ET. This Class D integrated amplifier relies on a pair of Purifi 1ET6525SA amplifier modules.

www.audiophonics.fr

thw

At about half gain

(nice tricks, ha? )

 

[totti1965]

At about half gain

(nice tricks, ha? )

Not at all: Amir measured 20.18 dB Gain with ca. 105 dB SINAD in the old implementation (audiophonics HPA400ET)
And 20.44 dB Gain with ca. 111 dB SINAD in the new 1ET6525SA boxem amp (Second Generation Eigentakt)
I guess, both is the middle gain setting!

 

[Sokel]

Not at all: Amir measured 20.18 dB Gain with ca. 105 dB SINAD in the old implementation (audiophonics HPA400ET)
And 20.44 dB Gain with ca. 111 dB SINAD in the new 1ET6525SA boxem amp (Second Generation Eigentakt)
I guess, both is the middle gain setting!

If you look at the labels for multitone test they are both at Low gain.
Difference is that boxem's Low gain is about double than Audiophonics Low gain (20dB vs 12dB)

 

[DSJR]

Got to agree that in a future case batch, I'd like to see a full two pole power switch, even if it's on the back...

Can someone answer this numpty question please?

The ONLY Speakon connectors I've ever used, was when I was installing a Quad 707 power amp thirty odd years ago. I fumbled and faffed with them, and didn't like them at all (unfamiliarity I grant you). Imagine my surprise when Benchmark have shown how much better they can be over typical 'banana plugs!'

What's a typical gauge of cable for safely using Speakons and have the plugs improved since my iffy experiences? I think I know the answer, but many of you use these things a lot and I'd seriously appreciate the input. Thanks in advance

 

[JustJones]

The A 4216/E2M is the dual mono

boXem - A 4216/E2M

Dual mono HiFi power amplifier, Purifi 1ET6525SA. Designed and proudly built in Luxembourg.

boxem-audio.eu

 

[PristineSound]

The A 4216/E2M is the dual mono

boXem - A 4216/E2M

Dual mono HiFi power amplifier, Purifi 1ET6525SA. Designed and proudly built in Luxembourg.

boxem-audio.eu

Now I want to point out my #3, the case work, but I do understand beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so I won't go there

 

[Fabsen]

Not sure the price is correct:

boXem - A 4216/E2

Stereo HiFi power amplifier, Purifi 1ET6525SA power stage. Designed and proudly built in Luxembourg.

boxem-audio.eu

I see it for €1,487.50 instead of €1,160 (Germany)

 

[PloddyPastard]

I own this amp. Bought it couple of months back. Its awesome.

 

[Mike_Trueman]

I own this amp. Bought it couple of months back. Its awesome.

What is your full setup?