Buckeye Amps: Purifi 1ET6525SA (the successor to the 1ET400A)

[Buckeye Amps]

So, is the testing process a five stage event?

1) Send initial Beta to your tester.
2) Troubleshoot and fix any anomalies.
3) Send new revised version of Beta to Amir for a thorough secondary analysis.
4) Troubleshoot and fix any anomalies that remain using Amir's recommendations.
5) Start mass production.

"Mass production" of the boards will begin before sending a unit to Amir.

 

[Atmosphered]

"Mass production" of the boards will begin before sending a unit to Amir.

I guess to be more specific with my use of the term "mass production," I mean the completed, assembled amps to paying customers.

Furthermore, sending the revised assembled prototype amplifier to Amir for a second phase of testing and then fixing any flaws shown that could hamper quality or performance before assembling the amps en masse to fulfill orders.

I'm asking because it might save time and headaches later on if you sent an amp product to Amir for testing that had not been put out in the wild first, if you haven't actually gone this route. Then maybe Amir comes back with a public review that causes the need for a further revision to amps already in customers' hands. Time, money, and other problems that might have been avoided otherwise.

 

[bkdc]

appreciate the nice clean layout. Including the lack of paint at the ground and under the Purifi boards for grounding.

 

[goryu]

hypex coming out with their Nilai500 kit has really jammed me up. Was planning to order two of these stereo purifi's, now not so sure...will wait to see more about the new Hypex I guess...

 

[Buckeye Amps]

I guess to be more specific with my use of the term "mass production," I mean the completed, assembled amps to paying customers.

Furthermore, sending the revised assembled prototype amplifier to Amir for a second phase of testing and then fixing any flaws shown that could hamper quality or performance before assembling the amps en masse to fulfill orders.

I'm asking because it might save time and headaches later on if you sent an amp product to Amir for testing that had not been put out in the wild first, if you haven't actually gone this route. Then maybe Amir comes back with a public review that causes the need for a further revision to amps already in customers' hands. Time, money, and other problems that might have been avoided otherwise.

Oh I understand. However the testing I am having done next week is akin to what Amir does, just not on a public/in depth review level. If my design has any major issues or performance shortcomings, I'll know about it

 

[bkdc]

hypex coming out with their Nilai500 kit has really jammed me up. Was planning to order two of these stereo purifi's, now not so sure...will wait to see more about the new Hypex I guess...

Inaudible differences. And almost insignificant difference in power output. At this point I care more about idle power consumption. the Purifi wins (again almost insignificant) but I don’t know about the new power supply idle spec. I like the auto-trigger-on option from Buckeye but the new Hypex has a standby power module too. Does the Nilai handle 2 ohm loads?

 

[Atmosphered]

Oh I understand. However the testing I am having done next week is akin to what Amir does, just not on a public/in depth review level. If my design has any major issues or performance shortcomings, I'll know about it

As long as the new Purifi builds are being thoroughly run through their paces before manufacturing starts in earnest then I'm satisfied.

 

[RickS]

Inaudible differences. And almost insignificant difference in power output. At this point I care more about idle power consumption. the Purifi wins (again almost insignificant) but I don’t know about the new power supply idle spec. I like the auto-trigger-on option from Buckeye but the new Hypex has a standby power module too. Does the Nilai handle 2 ohm loads?

Depending on where you live, add more expensive (both kit cost AND shipping) and you still have to build it yourself...

From what I was told, first Hypex's full production is "months out". Along with the added Buckeye features, seems a no-brainer to me. Also worth considering that his Hypex NC502MP is $749 and is way better price/performance than his (and most other) Purifi amps.

 

[goryu]

and you still have to build it yourself...

I consider that a plus, actually, especially considering I need a 4 channel amp so it may be cheaper actually considering I won't need to pay for 2 cases, etc.

 

[RickS]

I consider that a plus, actually, especially considering I need a 4 channel amp so it may be cheaper actually considering I won't need to pay for 2 cases, etc.

Maybe, but suggest you do some math and then share.

I sell custom Hypex/Purifi amps. Buying a single case is a major expense and (nicer ones) can have major lead times currently. Unless you can readily cut holes for connectors and switches, need to add fabrication costs too. YMMV but DIY may actually be more expensive.

 

[goryu]

Maybe, but suggest you do some math and then share.

I build custom Hypex/Purifi amps. Buying a single case is a major expense and (nicer ones) can have major lead times currently. Unless you readily cut holes for connectors and switches, need to add fabrication costs too. YMMV but DIY may actually be more expensive.

Sure, it might be more expensive but it might not- and as I said, there is value in getting exactly what I need. The new hypex ps looks to be an improvement over the old one as well. The jury is out until more details are released, that's why I am now on the fence.

 

[bkdc]

I went through a period of building my own class Ds about 15 years ago when I built a bunch of ICEpower amplifiers. That was during a time when I had to make my own harnesses so I was crimping and assembling every cable connection. Definitely not worth the time and effort. With today’s kits, the process is much easier.

We are comparing two indistinguishable transparent amplifiers except for minor quibbles in specs. Except the Purifi handles around 500 watts at 2 ohms and it is unclear whether the Hypex Nilai can plumb that low. I really see no reason to wait on something that won’t be appreciably better and will definitely cost a bit more. But whatever floats your boat. There is always something “better” down the road if you keep waiting.

I’m very much looking forward to receiving my BA Purifi amplifiers.

 

[goryu]

I went through a period of building my own class Ds about 15 years ago when I built a bunch of ICEpower amplifiers. That was during a time when I had to make my own harnesses so I was crimping and assembling every cable connection. Definitely not worth the time and effort. With today’s kits, the process is much easier.

We are comparing two indistinguishable transparent amplifiers except for minor quibbles in specs. Except the Purifi handles around 500 watts at 2 ohms and it is unclear whether the Hypex Nilai can plumb that low. I really see no reason to wait on something that won’t be appreciably better and will definitely cost a bit more. But whatever floats your boat. There is always something “better” down the road if you keep waiting.

I’m very much looking forward to receiving my BA Purifi amplifiers.

maybe I haven't made myself clear- it's not about any spec differences in the modules- it's about getting something that fits my needs (4 channels). Also, I enjoy the building process and if these VTV and Buckeye amps weren't available at less than I can buy the parts I would be doing a diy regardless. With the new hypes kit, I expect it will end up being roughly the same cost but I get the pleasure of building myself and making something exactly to my needs. I hope that clarifies things...

 

[bkdc]

maybe I haven't made myself clear- it's not about any spec differences in the modules- it's about getting something that fits my needs (4 channels). Also, I enjoy the building process and if these VTV and Buckeye amps weren't available at less than I can buy the parts I would be doing a diy regardless. With the new hypes kit, I expect it will end up being roughly the same cost but I get the pleasure of building myself and making something exactly to my needs. I hope that clarifies things...

Two separate 2 channel amplifiers would be a lot more flexible. You would need two separate power supplies to feed four amplifier modules anyway unless you go with the SMPS3K from Hypex. And finding a 4-channel chassis for the Nilai (or Purifi) will probably also be the most challenging task. There is satisfaction in making something but custom-machining a chassis is definitely a headache and not cost-efficient. At that point, it’s cheaper to just order the 4 channel Purifi from Audiophonics.

 

[goryu]

Two separate 2 channel amplifiers would be a lot more flexible. You would need two separate power supplies to feed four amplifier modules anyway unless you go with the SMPS3K from Hypex. And finding a 4-channel chassis for the Nilai (or Purifi) will probably also be the most challenging task. There is satisfaction in making something but custom-machining a chassis is definitely a headache and not cost-efficient. At that point, it’s cheaper to just order the 4 channel Purifi from Audiophonics.

A friend at the local machine shop can make the back panel for a few cold ones. The rest is no big deal. Maybe a headache for some, but it's a creative exercise that I find enjoyable. It's a hobby, it doesn't have to make sense.

 

[SCG]

Maybe it makes more sense to post this in the DIY thread?

 

[Buckeye Amps]

I definitely will never discourage anyone to look into DIY if they have the time, patience, drive, or desire to do so.

Back on topic more though: The 2ch Purifi is in the "official" testing hands of Rick (some know him around here). His results will show if the board is ready for prime time production. Hope to know in a few days!

 

[SCG]

The 2ch Purifi is in the "official" testing hands of Rick (some know him around here). His results will show if the board is ready for prime time production. Hope to know in a few days!

Great news, if ready for prime time will you be posting all the test results here so we see how the new design performs? As Rick's reputation gives many folks high confidence in his testing capabilities.

A member here reached out as they do microelectronics design/fabrication and helped me make all the new boards I am using for my Purifi and Hypex lineup. It has allowed me to offer some features on the Purifi not many have.

Do you mind sharing the member here who helped you make all the new boards? As their reputation and the testing results will go a long way in establishing the new boards as a winner out of the gate.

As Amir's testing has shown (and he has stated in his video) the input board/chips can really lower performance if not implemented well.

 

[Buckeye Amps]

Great news, if ready for prime time will you be posting all the test results here so we see how the new design performs? As Rick's reputation gives many folks high confidence in his testing capabilities.


Do you mind sharing the member here who helped you make all the new boards? As their reputation and the testing results will go a long way in establishing the new boards as a winner out of the gate.

As Amir's testing has shown (and he has stated in his video) the input board/chips can really lower performance if not implemented well.

I can share the Power vs. THD graph when Rick is done.

As far as the person/company helping me with the input and buffer boards, they have asked to remain private at this time.

 

[SCG]

I can share the Power vs. THD graph when Rick is done.

Would recommend the FFT and SINAD results as even the poor input boards had good (not great) Power vs. THD graphs

As far as the person/company helping me with the input and buffer boards, they have asked to remain private at this time.

Ah, they're waiting to see the test results too.