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VTV AMPLIFIER Stereo Purifi Audio 1ET400A - Which input Buffer?

salfand

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Hi,

I would like to purchase the VTV AMPLIFIER Stereo Purifi Audio 1ET400A, however I have no idea which input buffer to choose?
Does the Stock Hypex Factory Buffer will be good enough?
I will connect it to my AV receiver Denon 4500H and Front speakers: Morel Octave LE6 floor standing.

I'll appreciate the forum members wise advice.

Thanks,
Shmulik.
 

Gorgonzola

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I don't personally recommend the Hypex buffer. I tried it and didn't like it at all, (with apology to those of the conviction that differences are inaudible). The treble sounded oddly distorted and shrill at higher volumes. I purchased the VTV buffer with Sparkos SS3602 op amp which I found to be much more agreeable. At the time I was driving the amp with Topping D90 thru a Schiit Freya + using the passive volume control.

I also tried a few other op amps, OPA1612, OPA627, and Burson V6 Vivid, but I preferred the Sparkos to any of these. FWIW, I think the Burson is the most "tube-like" sounding but also the most expensive by far.

There is also the EVAL-1 version which is the least costly. I don't know what it sounds like, but I would have purchased in preference to the Hypex if it had been available at the time I bought.
 

muslhead

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This has been addressed many times before
The search function is your friend.
Why i know is because i too had this question before i bought mine and there are plenty of opinions and arguments from both sides on what you should do with little objective data. As such i chose the hypex standard buffer and thought it was great. Of course, i dont have golden ears so ignore my opinion.
 
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salfand

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Thank you guys,

I checked and the difference between Hypex buffer and Sparkos SS3602 is more than 400$, I wonder if it worth it.
 

kiwifi

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Thank you guys,

I checked and the difference between Hypex buffer and Sparkos SS3602 is more than 400$, I wonder if it worth it.
I have the VTV Purifi amp with the stock Hypex buffer and it sounds great. Amir measured various buffers and found them to be no better, so save your money.
 

Rottmannash

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Thank you guys,

I checked and the difference between Hypex buffer and Sparkos SS3602 is more than 400$, I wonder if it worth it.
Nope. Stick with the VTV Eval 1.
 
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salfand

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Hi,
If I will take the Stereo Purifi and the distance between the speakers and the amp is ~2-3 meters will I need to use very thick speakers cables?
 

peng

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Thank you guys,

I checked and the difference between Hypex buffer and Sparkos SS3602 is more than 400$, I wonder if it worth it.

It may be worth it if you believe not only the Sparkos would make a difference, but also a "better" difference. The trouble is, if not blind tested, some will prefer one and some will prefer the other. If blind, then I would bet there will be no difference heard, measurements don't lie, as long as the right things are measured, and measured properly.
 

masterklee

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I purchased the VTV Purifi amp with the default Hypex input buffer board and it sounded ok. It was a little bright for my taste. Then I heard about the Neurochrome input buffer from an audiophile Youtuber and decided to give it a try. Initially I couldn't get it to work as I was not getting any gain from the amp even at maximum volume. I worked with Tom from Neurochrome over a span of 2 days to troubleshoot the issue and finally got it working. After spending countless hours listening I am truly impressed. My system never sounded so good. The soundstage was huge. Very black background. Instruments and vocals sound live with clear separation and highly detailed. I am very happy with the service and the input buffer. I have a hard time stopping my listening sessions.
 

Rottmannash

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I purchased the VTV Purifi amp with the default Hypex input buffer board and it sounded ok. It was a little bright for my taste. Then I heard about the Neurochrome input buffer from an audiophile Youtuber and decided to give it a try. Initially I couldn't get it to work as I was not getting any gain from the amp even at maximum volume. I worked with Tom from Neurochrome over a span of 2 days to troubleshoot the issue and finally got it working. After spending countless hours listening I am truly impressed. My system never sounded so good. The soundstage was huge. Very black background. Instruments and vocals sound live with clear separation and highly detailed. I am very happy with the service and the input buffer. I have a hard time stopping my listening sessions.
....sounded ok? You are quite the discriminating listener.
 

phoenixdogfan

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