Purifi 1ET400A - decisions, decisions.

[Count Arthur]

I currently have a pair of mono amplifiers which I DIY assembled, based on Hypex UcD700HG with HxR modules: https://www.diyclassd.com/product/ucd700hg-with-hxr/19

These use a linear PSU and are consequently quite bulky, and about 15Kg ~30lbs each. I've provisionally sold them and I'd like to replace them with something more compact.

I've been looking at the options based on the Purifi 1ET400A modules.

1. DIY. Using the Purifi modules together with Hypex SMPS1200A400 and Neurochrome input buffers I reckon I could put something together for around £1,300.00.

2. Nord Acoustics: https://www.nordacoustics.co.uk/product-page/nord-three-1et400a-stereo-amplifier ~ £1,525.00

3. March Audio: https://www.marchaudio.net.au/p451 ~ £1,800.00. I like the cases, but I'm not sure I can justify the £300 - £500 premium over the other options.

I'm guessing that any measured or sonic differences between these options will be vanishingly small.

I'm currently leaning towards the Nord option, ~£200 is quite a small premium over the DIY option and should I ever wish to replace the amps and sell them, they will likely have a higher re-sale value over something I've cobbled together myself.

What does the ASR hive-mind think?

 

[restorer-john]

If you are a compulsive upgrader and can see yourself playing with these things for a bit and then offloading them, I'd go with a commercial build.

I'm a bit biased, I like Alan's March builds, over the Nord, but Nord may have a better brand recognition in the UK. If I was going for an end-game, maybe keep it for a decade or so, I'd pay up and get the March. (Don't tell him I said that)

 

[Audiotone]

I currently have a pair of mono amplifiers which I DIY assembled, based on Hypex UcD700HG with HxR modules: https://www.diyclassd.com/product/ucd700hg-with-hxr/19

These use a linear PSU and are consequently quite bulky, and about 15Kg ~30lbs each. I've provisionally sold them and I'd like to replace them with something more compact.

I've been looking at the options based on the Purifi 1ET400A modules.

1. DIY. Using the Purifi modules together with Hypex SMPS1200A400 and Neurochrome input buffers I reckon I could put something together for around £1,300.00.

2. Nord Acoustics: https://www.nordacoustics.co.uk/product-page/nord-three-1et400a-stereo-amplifier ~ £1,525.00

3. March Audio: https://www.marchaudio.net.au/p451 ~ £1,800.00. I like the cases, but I'm not sure I can justify the £300 - £500 premium over the other options.

I'm guessing that any measured or sonic differences between these options will be vanishingly small.

I'm currently leaning towards the Nord option, ~£200 is quite a small premium over the DIY option and should I ever wish to replace the amps and sell them, they will likely have a higher re-sale value over something I've cobbled together myself.

What does the ASR hive-mind think?

what about the cheapest finished product? https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/powe...ass-d-stereo-purifi-2x400w-4-ohm-p-14393.html

 

[Matias]

For 1.500 euros you also have the Apollon Purifi Mini option, beautiful chassis and build.
https://www.apollonaudio.com/apollon-1et400a-mini-stereo-amplifier/

 

[Count Arthur]

I wouldn't call myself a compulsive upgrader; I've had the existing Hypex amps for 10 or 15 years - I was quite an early adopter of Class D. The only reason I might change in the future, is if I move to active monitors.

Audiotone an Matias, I particularly like the idea of two mono amps. I would like the possibility of using a longer balanced interconnect and a short speaker cable and locating the amps near the speakers, or possibly even tucking them away behind them.

 

[Colonel Bogey]

what about the cheapest finished product? https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/powe...ass-d-stereo-purifi-2x400w-4-ohm-p-14393.html

...or this one - maybe not as nice looking but even cheaper. https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/powe...eo-amplifier-purifi-2x400w-4-ohm-p-14557.html
Haven't seen it in real life yet, my unit is in transit, presently Belgium.

 

[ririt]

you could also wait few days to see the new P452 (purifi stereo amp). It dhould be release this week. It would be most cost-effective then 2 stereo blocs. Price wise it should be very close to Apollon or Nord.

 

[Fledermaus]

...or this one - maybe not as nice looking but even cheaper. https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/powe...eo-amplifier-purifi-2x400w-4-ohm-p-14557.html
Haven't seen it in real life yet, my unit is in transit, presently Belgium.

Ordered mine too, the decisive feature being selectable input gain (AHB2-like) so expecting low noise with high-output XOver-DSP as a source. No monoblock option as of now but it should be available soon, according to hearsay.

 

[kukocz]

For 1.500 euros you also have the Apollon Purifi Mini option, beautiful chassis and build.
https://www.apollonaudio.com/apollon-1et400a-mini-stereo-amplifier/

Including VAT and shipment to EU it's ~1920EUR

 

[jae]

What about March's upcoming stereo P452?

 

[Doodski]

What about March's upcoming stereo P452?

I thought he is assembling them right now. Shouldn't be long.

 

[Count Arthur]

TL;DR: I want 2 mono amps.

 

[Feanor]

I currently have a pair of mono amplifiers which I DIY assembled, based on Hypex UcD700HG with HxR modules: https://www.diyclassd.com/product/ucd700hg-with-hxr/19

These use a linear PSU and are consequently quite bulky, and about 15Kg ~30lbs each. I've provisionally sold them and I'd like to replace them with something more compact.

I've been looking at the options based on the Purifi 1ET400A modules.

1. DIY. Using the Purifi modules together with Hypex SMPS1200A400 and Neurochrome input buffers I reckon I could put something together for around £1,300.00.

2. Nord Acoustics: https://www.nordacoustics.co.uk/product-page/nord-three-1et400a-stereo-amplifier ~ £1,525.00

3. March Audio: https://www.marchaudio.net.au/p451 ~ £1,800.00. I like the cases, but I'm not sure I can justify the £300 - £500 premium over the other options.

I'm guessing that any measured or sonic differences between these options will be vanishingly small.

I'm currently leaning towards the Nord option, ~£200 is quite a small premium over the DIY option and should I ever wish to replace the amps and sell them, they will likely have a higher re-sale value over something I've cobbled together myself.

What does the ASR hive-mind think?

Consider shipping cost and time -- in this Covid age waits can be painful. If you are in the UK, Nord has an obvious advantage.

 

[Feanor]

what about the cheapest finished product? https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/powe...ass-d-stereo-purifi-2x400w-4-ohm-p-14393.html

Nice but far from the cheapest. For cheapest, see ... https://vtvamplifier.com/product/vtv-amplifier-stereo-purifi-audio-1et400a-amplifier/

I recently purchased a VTV NC252MP with which I am well satisfied.

 

[Count Arthur]

Consider shipping cost and time -- in this Covid age waits can be painful. If you are in the UK, Nord has an obvious advantage.

I have considered that, although I have a LM3866 based Gainclone I can use while I wait.

 

[Colonel Bogey]

TL;DR: I want 2 mono amps.

Ah. Yes. You wrote that in the original post ;-)

 

[eduardw]

If you have time to wait. audiophonic should have a mono by the end of the month. But they also said that last month. So lets see and wait if the can deliver.

 

[RoddersGB]

If you are a compulsive upgrader and can see yourself playing with these things for a bit and then offloading them, I'd go with a commercial build.

I'm a bit biased, I like Alan's March builds, over the Nord, but Nord may have a better brand recognition in the UK. If I was going for an end-game, maybe keep it for a decade or so, I'd pay up and get the March. (Don't tell him I said that)

I did! Got mine via Keith at Purite Audio. Arrived last Friday and they are incredibly good!

 

[Matias]

TL;DR: I want 2 mono amps.

How about these briged?
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...er-with-purifi-eigentakt-amplification.15881/

 

[Soundstage]

How about these briged?
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...er-with-purifi-eigentakt-amplification.15881/

Not cheap... $2000 each, maybe higher in Europe.