Buckeye PURIFI 1ET9040BA Amp Review

[Sokel]

The availability of affordable "high-powered" tube amps (30-50 watts) in the 1950s enabled the development of revolutions like the acoustic suspension loudspeaker. After inflation, these kilowatt amps are cheaper than mid-50s Dynas (and perform far better). What wild new new speaker tech could that much power enable?

A good indicator is Devialet Phantom.
One has to listen to believe what these little things can output, often at punishing environments, like coffee shops, airports, etc.

They rate their amps at near 1kW and judging by the amount and depth of lows by such a tight enclosure, they probably put them at good use.

 

[Power Pop 23]

This is the fourth review in a row designated with a 'golfing panther' by Amir.

It gives a 'good look' to the front page of reviews at ASR.

 

[honn]

One reads the last reviews of the little topping, wiim, "that's everything you need" and all that, and then....

Thanks for the review, and for the renewed perspective

For most the Topping amp is still what one needs for merely around $200 vs. close to $2,600 for the Buckeye Purifi 1ET9040BAs to run a pair of speakers.

 

[Kal Rubinson]

I don’t see anything wrong with the case design.

Agreed. Simple, plain. No more, no less.

 

[RickS]

For most the Topping amp is still what one needs for merely around $200 vs. close to $2,600 for the Buckeye Purifi 1ET9040BAs to run a pair of speakers.

Not everyone has your speakers and your room...

With large tower speakers in a big room, the extra power and ability to handle lower sensitivity and/or impedances is where you would apply an amp like this. For me, I can easily run 2 of my (4 ohm) passive subwoofers from one of these monoblocks.

 

[Chagall]

For most the Topping amp is still what one needs for merely around $200 vs. close to $2,600 for the Buckeye Purifi 1ET9040BAs to run a pair of speakers.

Makes sense. But get two Topping amps minimum. One for sound. One for morale.

 

[kyuu]

For me, I can easily run 2 of my passive subwoofers from one of these monoblocks.

When I was considering in-wall subwoofers (generally passive, for obvious reasons), the amps being sold to pair with them were about this price while being significantly less capable asides from some basic onboard DSP.

 

[G|force]

About 25 years ago I paid $5000 for a pair of used Jeff Rowland Model 7 monoblocks that produced about the same power as this Buckeye.

2500VA transformer, 24 bipolar transistors, each weighing 130 pounds, with worse noise and distortion performance. Remarkable.

 

[Cogito]

Fantastic performance, ugly aesthetics.

 

[Sokel]

Industrial design studies will set your wallet about (at least) $200k lighter in USA and a little less in Europe if not living with parents.
Add some more for working closely with some nice Italian or French experts, etc.

Is that enough to let it be and put on our audio-robes back on?
Beauty is a profession and expertise.

 

[diddley]

That's a really good start of 2026, thanks Amir for a wonderfull review. and congratulations to Buckeye.

 

[amper42]

I would be really surprised if anyone can tell a difference between a PURIFI 9040 and PURIFI 1ET6525SA in a blind listening test with 95% of speakers. The one main difference everyone will notice is they spent $1400 more...

 

[Buckeye Amps]

I would be really surprised if anyone can tell a difference between a PURIFI 9040 and PURIFI 1ET6525SA in a blind listening test with 95% of speakers. The one main difference everyone will notice is they spent $1400 more...

Which is why I never upsell anyone who is looking at the 2ch options.

 

[Cuniberti]

But what does it sound like?... Just kidding, I own the stereo version, and it's breathtakingly transparent as an amp should be, IMHO.

 

[lordhumungous]

Expensive , yet very good.

 

[Multicore]

Between the various Purifi and Hypex offerings, set your budget, determine power needs and figure out what looks good in you living room.

Naa. Features! Yamaha A-S something oh ones are loud enough for most of our listening and have features that will enhance the experience. Tone and loudness knobs, input selectors, digital inputs, headphone amp etc. This Buckeye thing doesn't even have a volume knob, ffs :>

 

[shuppatsu]

For most the Topping amp is still what one needs for merely around $200 vs. close to $2,600 for the Buckeye Purifi 1ET9040BAs to run a pair of speakers.

The Topping and the Buckeye are alpha and omega of ASR-style amplifiers.

Wildly overkill for all but the most esoteric setups. Love it! If you don't like the looks you can pull a Lexicon and put a case over the case!

 

[theREALdotnet]

Impressive specs, for sure. I have one niggle about the case design: why do the speaker terminals have to be so closely spaced? Are there two-prong speaker plugs that dictate a tight pitch like that? A bit more space between the terminals would make them much easier to use with spades or crimped/bare wire.

 

[tineared]

Impressive specs, for sure. I have one niggle about the case design: why do the speaker terminals have to be so closely spaced? Are there two-prong speaker plugs that dictate a tight pitch like that? A bit more space between the terminals would make them much easier to use with spades or crimped/bare wire.

Bananas

 

[Sokel]

Impressive specs, for sure. I have one niggle about the case design: why do the speaker terminals have to be so closely spaced? Are there two-prong speaker plugs that dictate a tight pitch like that? A bit more space between the terminals would make them much easier to use with spades or crimped/bare wire.

They are of the big-ish size comparing them with the XLR socket, it won't be difficult for any use.
What I wonder about (absolutely splitting hairs here) is their proximity to mains and input while there's plenty of room to the left.

Could that be the reason for the mains noise which knocks down performance (not actual, measurable, we're searching perfection here) , specially at high gain (where it's the fair comparison all-around) ?
The -102dB THD+N there is clearly dominated by this mains noise (wildly inaudible, yes, I know), if shielding or distance, etc was different,would we see even better?