Sold my Nord Three 1ET7040SA Monos — Upgrading to 1ET9040BA MB MKII Flagship

[Buckeye Amps]

Not entirely.

You will always continue to go around in a circle as to not spoil your subjectivist approach. Sad, but that is your business decision

 

[Imakeller]

This is what I mean.
How do we define the point at which less capable is actually audibly less capable?

Answers on a postcard..

I suppose you define that point on a case-by-case basis through blind testing. True blind testing is often a humbling, “the emperor has no clothes” experience for expensive amps. I am fascinated by situations where objectively better measurements don’t translate to subjectively better in “real world” listening or blind testing.

I highly doubt you’d hear a difference in the test described by @Buckeye Amps in post #115. That hasn’t stopped me from getting Purifi 9040 based L/C/R monoblocks though. Why? … psychology!

 

[Buckeye Amps]

I highly doubt you’d hear a difference in the test described by @Buckeye Amps in post #115. That hasn’t stopped me from getting Purifi 9040 based L/C/R monoblocks though. Why? … psychology!

They are FANTASTIC amps, that is for sure. And there is no harm in getting them, even if you may never need the extra power. On paper (and measurements) they are at the very top.

I just won't ever upsell someone on them based on my "subjective" view that they will sound better on the same level playing field as something like the 6525 is all. Others will apparently.

 

[Tone]

I suppose you define that point on a case-by-case basis through blind testing. True blind testing is often a humbling, “the emperor has no clothes” experience for expensive amps. I am fascinated by situations where objectively better measurements don’t translate to subjectively better in “real world” listening or blind testing.

I highly doubt you’d hear a difference in the test described by @Buckeye Amps in post #115. That hasn’t stopped me from getting Purifi 9040 based L/C/R monoblocks though. Why? … psychology!

Pride of ownership.
Why we want 'the best'.
Not terribly scientific.
I don't see why Nord are being berated for supplying what customers want?
My personal opinions aside.

 

[Tone]

II am fascinated by situations where objectively better measurements don’t translate to subjectively better in “real world” listening or blind testing.

Objective measurements performed on one aspect of the entire chain, otherwise in some way, variable factors affecting the control.

 

[Sir Sanders Zingmore]

I haven’t followed the discussion closely but surely it’s not controversial to say that two level-matched amps could sound different if one of them is clipping?
Or is that not what’s being discussed?

 

[Buckeye Amps]

I haven’t followed the discussion closely but surely it’s not controversial to say that two level-matched amps could sound different if one of them is clipping?
Or is that not what’s being discussed?

That is not what is being discussed, the opposite: if two level matched and SOTA amps are not clipping, will one hear a difference.

 

[Sir Sanders Zingmore]

That is not what is being discussed, the opposite: if two level matched and SOTA amps are not clipping, will one hear a difference.

Got it thanks.

 

[Redacted]

Anyone fancy a pint?

 

[Marin]

And that's why I love this site and objective,honest audio equipment sellers like Buckeye amps and other members that are onest and for whom making audio amplifiers is a profession!
I'm just a guy who enjoys watching movies and listening to music and honestly I felt bed when I read the review of my Yamaha AVR V6a,but the more I read here and realized that if the amplifier has 16 bit resolution and you listen to CD music or Spotify, there's no point in buying Purify amp that coast thousand of dollars... especially if my speakers are Elac debuts...
It's really not like it's a difference like IPS LCD technology (which drove me crazy because of the washed out blacks) vs. OLED.
Thank you Buckeye amps and other honest people here and if I ever decide by Purify amps when my Yamaha goes dead on me rest assure that will not be from Nord even though I'm from Europe...

 

[Marin]

They are FANTASTIC amps, that is for sure. And there is no harm in getting them, even if you may never need the extra power. On paper (and measurements) they are at the very top.

I just won't ever upsell someone on them based on my "subjective" view that they will sound better on the same level playing field as something like the 6525 is all. Others will apparently.

Cheerse bro
I just want to ask you if you sheep to EU or have some sort of dealers-sellers here?

 

[Ruediger]

And that's why I love this site and objective,honest audio equipment sellers like Buckeye amps and other members that are onest and for whom making audio amplifiers is a profession!
I'm just a guy who enjoys watching movies and listening to music and honestly I felt bed when I read the review of my Yamaha AVR V6a,but the more I read here and realized that if the amplifier has 16 bit resolution and you listen to CD music or Spotify, there's no point in buying Purify amp that coast thousand of dollars... especially if my speakers are Elac debuts...
It's really not like it's a difference like IPS LCD technology (which drove me crazy because of the washed out blacks) vs. OLED.
Thank you Buckeye amps and other honest people here and if I ever decide by Purify amps when my Yamaha goes dead on me rest assure that will not be from Nord even though I'm from Europe...

Purifi builds are not cheap, but they mustn't be thousands of $ either. The "cheapest" stereo (1ET6525SA, 2 x 450w) here is 1290 €. I think your AVR is above that, so is mine by list price. And I had way more expensive AVR units.

Below 1000 € there is already a plethora of Hypex options.

The monoblocks discussed here amount to more. I don't remember exactly, but the speakers they are for are no slouch either. So not misplaced or an out of line expensive purchase for an otherwise basic setup.

When I look at all the snakeoil that gets sold in this industry for massive amounts, everyone who puts his budget to speakers or amps made a good decision in my opinion. I don't know what the fascination with amps is exactly in our brains. Must be the same silly joy as with displacement in big cars. It's a hobby and no need to shy away from the stuff that makes the heart go.

 

[Redacted]

I'd buy Nord as I'm in the UK.We have a lunatic system of import duties and red tape.

I've recommended Nord to people many times.
In the end the opinions of the the boss aren't a big deal, it's the product that counts, and that consists of bought-in modules and assembly into a bought-in box.

I'm not going to not buy Shell petrol if their boss claims their fuel is a magic cure for genital warts (I always buy in supermarkets, but sometimes Shell on a road trip is all there is)

 

[Paul7777x]

I'd buy Nord as I'm in the UK.We have a lunatic system of import duties and red tape.

I've recommended Nord to people many times.
In the end the opinions of the the boss aren't a big deal, it's the product that counts, and that consists of bought-in modules and assembly into a bought-in box.

I'm not going to not buy Shell petrol if their boss claims their fuel is a magic cure for genital warts (I always buy in supermarkets, but sometimes Shell on a road trip is all there is)

Furry muff.

And sorry for your genitalia woes too.

 

[Tone]

My intentions here have been distorted to totally subjective and therefore not 'honest'.

We build a range of amplifiers.
9040 is the best.

When I listen to it, I hear it as the best.

Knowing that it is the end game, fully capable is one thing, reassuring.

But also when you have top tier equipment, I mean properly full range speakers of extreme resolution, turning it up, it will just get louder and remain resolute.
Other lesser amplifiers do not.

I guess in some way it is psychological, but I can't listen without psychology.

My apologies for being human and having an open mind.

 

[DavidEdwinAston]

My intentions here have been distorted to totally subjective and therefore not 'honest'.

We build a range of amplifiers.
9040 is the best.

When I listen to it, I hear it as the best.

Knowing that it is the end game, fully capable is one thing, reassuring.

But also when you have top tier equipment, I mean properly full range speakers of extreme resolution, turning it up, it will just get louder and remain resolute.
Other lesser amplifiers do not.

I guess in some way it is psychological, but I can't listen without psychology.

My apologies for being human and having an open mind.

Should my Quad Acoustics amplification fail me, your products would be top of the replacement list!

 

[VMAT4]

Hi everyone,

I sold my Nord Three 1ET7040SA MKII reference monoblocks to a friend who visited to listen to my hi-fi system last weekend. He was so impressed by their performance that he offered to buy them on the spot. As a result, I’ve decided to stay with Nord Acoustics and upgrade to their latest flagship: the Nord Three 1ET9040BA MB MKII monoblocks.

These units utilize the Purifi 1ET9040BA module, offering superior performance over the 1ET7040SA with <0.0001% THD+N, a 137dB SNR, and higher damping factors. Featuring the Nord REV D input buffer and specialized Hypex power supplies, they deliver 375W/8Ω, 750W/4Ω, and 925W/2Ω for significantly increased output headroom. [1]
My objectives for this upgrade, beyond pure curiosity, focus on these measurable technical improvements:

• Ultra-low distortion and noise floor: <0.0001% THD+N (vs 0.00035% on the 7040SA) and a 137dB SNR (vs 129dB) for enhanced transparency.
• High damping factors: >500 (vs ~400) for superior bass control and authority with demanding speakers.
• Increased dynamic headroom: 375W/8Ω, 750W/4Ω, and 925W/2Ω (compared to 250W/8Ω, 500W/4Ω, and 950W/2Ω).
• Proven Input Stage: The same excellent Nord REV D input buffer (4-position gain 12.8-29dB, Weiss OP2 op-amps, and discrete regulation).

Key Differentiators over the 1ET7040SA MKII:

• Purifi 1ET9040BA module: 40A/90V capability (vs 25-40A) drives all core performance gains.
• Enhanced Power Supply: Specialized higher-capacity Hypex SMPS matched to the 9040BA’s kilowatt demands.
• Premium Build: Refined thermal design and hardware, including Switchcraft RCA/XLR connectors and CHK binding posts.

I’m surprised by the relative lack of in-depth reviews for Nord on this forum, given their engineering focus on Purifi modules. While I considered Buckeye and Apollon, I decided to stay with Nord Acoustics after three great years of ownership. I hope these new monos to deliver even greater transparency, significantly improved bass authority, and effortless dynamics without compression—even during the most demanding musical passages (I listen to Acoustic guitars/Pop/Metal/Electronics music)

Delivery is expected within two weeks. I’ll post detailed impressions once the 1ET9040BA MB MKII is properly integrated.
Total price: £3,460 / €3,989 / $4,656

Christian

Good luck hearing a difference!

 

[Snoopy]

Congrats on your amp! And a very nice choice too. Always curious to read impressions of upgrades between high end class D amps.

Nice build. Power supply heatsink making contact with the chassis heatsink. Short inner cables for AC, DC, line level and speakers. The premium SE case is just cherry on top.

Looks really good

 

[Redacted]

Should my Quad Acoustics amplification fail me,

They will!

 

[Marin]

I don't know, I admit that I am human and that it is natural for us to strive for better, greater, more perfect? things.
And I'll be the first to say that when I was buying a car, the first thing I looked at is how much ponys are under the hood.
But somehow, as I get older, I start to get offended by fabrications like "dynamic resolution".
Especially on this site guided by science...
I believe the OP is happy and satisfied with his purchase and his speakers cost 20 times more than my Elac debut F5(frist edition) towers... so I couldn't be more happier that his self estime is bosted by 1000 and is a happy camper for a long time...or he better be.
But Paradigm founder have 1000 watts amplification(2000 peak) for Bass section until 350 Hertz or so...

Paradigm Founder 120H loudspeaker Specifications | Stereophile.com

Sidebar 1: Specifications Description: Three-way hybrid floorstanding speakers with active bass, port-loaded bass enclosure. 1" (25mm) aluminum-magnesium-ceramic-dome tweeter; one 6" (152mm) midrange driver with aluminum-magnesium cone; three 8" (215mm) high-excursion carbon-cone woofers...

www.stereophile.com

That leaves one 6" inch middle and 1" inch twitter per side...
Speakers are 4 Ohms load so isn't 650 watts of power per side to mucho???
And isn't snake oil terms the reason we believe that we need that kind of power for home speakers???