• WANTED: Happy members who like to discuss audio and other topics related to our interest. Desire to learn and share knowledge of science required. There are many reviews of audio hardware and expert members to help answer your questions. Click here to have your audio equipment measured for free!

VTV Purifi Eval-1 build

Joined
Mar 16, 2022
Messages
57
Likes
95
Location
Earth
It appears that VTV is shipping/has shipped the Purifi Eigentakt Eval-1 amp that I ordered a couple of weeks ago. This is a "vanilla" build of the Eval-1 reference design that uses the Purifi input board (with the speakON connectors) - no trigger add-on or custom buffers. I went this route because, in the final analysis, it was ~$200 less expensive to order a completed unit from them than to order the same components online and assemble it myself. Even if it requires some minor rework (flop the power supply module, reroute or anchor some wiring, etc.), it's still a good price in comparison to what I was seeing for completed Eval-1 builds. Since it looks like they're using the Ghent Audio case, I'm not expecting to see the "shotgun" blast holes on the underside of the chassis that some earlier examples had - if it does, then it goes back and I'll roll my own (and install a panel mounted fuse holder.)

If anyone's interested, I can post pictures of the unit's internals so folks can see what current the build quality is like - just let me know.
 
OP
S
Joined
Mar 16, 2022
Messages
57
Likes
95
Location
Earth
I wou love to see the internals to find out if they've cleaned up their workmanship since the earlier models. I wouldn't mind reading your personal thoughts on the performance as well.
I will post pictures after it arrives this coming week. Hopefully this'll help others that were in the same position as I was of wondering if VTV's revised their attention to detail since their initial ASR comment thrashing in ~2019/2020.

I'll post thoughts about performance after a week or two of use but, TBH, I don't know how much I can contribute there. I suspect it'll perform/sound fine since my speaker set up isn't anything particularly challenging - Martin Logan Ethos mains (which are semi-active) and, whenever its plate amplifier/servo comes back from being rebuilt, a Velodyne HGS-15x sub. It will be interesting to see if the VTV plays as effortlessly as the amp* that was in my system previously.

* - current (and possibly former) amp is an Emotiva XPA-2 gen 1 which I just sent back to their depot in Tennessee last week for its second rebuild/update in only 12 years :mad:!!!!!!!! This time it's because the left channel stopped working, the last time (early 2018) because the right channel dropped out due to a cold-solder joint. Love its power, but not overly happy with its reliability (and really don't like having to lift/ship it.) My previous amp was a HK Citation 22 that I had from ~1988-2010, with zero problems during that time.
 
OP
S
Joined
Mar 16, 2022
Messages
57
Likes
95
Location
Earth
All,
The amplifier arrived from VTV yesterday and my overall impression is that, barring any sample-to-sample deviations or day-drinking on their part, the current build quality is fine. I've attached (too many) pictures so anyone considering purchasing an Eval-1 build can see what the insides look like.

My observations:
  1. the unit arrived pretty well packaged
  2. it arrived with a AP test result printout but without knowing the specifics of what those test modules test, it's hard to draw any meaningful conclusions from it
  3. there was no (longer an) issue with odd or misaligned mounting holes in the lower chassis since it seems to be sourced from the Ghent Audio folks
  4. the Hypex power supply module is still flipped relative to the mounting orientation of the actual Purifi-built Eval-1 demo units. Not sure if this affects performance in the strictest sense, but it does result in an AC lead that is longer than would be necessary if the module were reversed
  5. speaking of the AC lead, it's secured to one of the standoffs under the power supply by a zip tie, but otherwise free floating
  6. the leads connecting the speakON jacks to the Purifi I/O board are somewhat thin but very stiff, so I'm guessing that they're either solder impregnated by the manufacturer, or solid core wire
  7. the through-hole solder connections of the speakON leads to the I/O board isn't awesome, but seem fine from a mechanical & electrical perspective
Items #4 & #5 are relatively trivial to fix. Item #7 is a bit more involved and, at this time, doesn't seem to be causing an actual issue.

Prior to connecting the amp to my system, I used my top-of-the-line EI-0.4* DMM unit to check:
  • the ground connection at various points in the amplifier (power supply heat sink, right & left amplifier module base plates, lower chassis shell) to the IEC inlet's ground input pin - no issues discovered during those checks.
  • polarity of I/O module's right & left channel banana jacks against the corresponding speakON jacks - again, no issues discovered there.
I'm purposefully not going to say anything about (perceived) sound quality at this time since I'm now doing an aural detox after being forced to use the television's Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad built-in speakers for the past three weeks.

* - Electrical Imprecision 0.4 - with its test leads shorted together, the meter shows a baseline resistance reading of 0.4 Ohms, so factor that into any readings shown in the pictures. It was only $12, and I bought it for occasional work around the house and in the cars.
 

Attachments

  • PXL_20220406_014131368.jpg
    PXL_20220406_014131368.jpg
    310.5 KB · Views: 922
  • PXL_20220406_015457669.jpg
    PXL_20220406_015457669.jpg
    261.4 KB · Views: 914
  • PXL_20220406_020238455.jpg
    PXL_20220406_020238455.jpg
    320.3 KB · Views: 966
  • PXL_20220406_020257455.jpg
    PXL_20220406_020257455.jpg
    335.1 KB · Views: 958
  • PXL_20220406_020308587.jpg
    PXL_20220406_020308587.jpg
    321.4 KB · Views: 938
  • PXL_20220406_020330699.jpg
    PXL_20220406_020330699.jpg
    328.1 KB · Views: 891
  • PXL_20220406_020341742.jpg
    PXL_20220406_020341742.jpg
    333.5 KB · Views: 850
  • PXL_20220406_020349143.jpg
    PXL_20220406_020349143.jpg
    320 KB · Views: 846
  • PXL_20220406_021130382.jpg
    PXL_20220406_021130382.jpg
    293.5 KB · Views: 843
  • PXL_20220406_021208883.jpg
    PXL_20220406_021208883.jpg
    283.8 KB · Views: 883
  • PXL_20220406_021302980.jpg
    PXL_20220406_021302980.jpg
    295.5 KB · Views: 803
  • PXL_20220406_021323738.jpg
    PXL_20220406_021323738.jpg
    297.8 KB · Views: 849
  • PXL_20220406_015417390.jpg
    PXL_20220406_015417390.jpg
    226.8 KB · Views: 849
  • PXL_20220406_015408077.jpg
    PXL_20220406_015408077.jpg
    301.1 KB · Views: 803
  • PXL_20220406_015347607.jpg
    PXL_20220406_015347607.jpg
    201.1 KB · Views: 806
  • PXL_20220406_014231103.jpg
    PXL_20220406_014231103.jpg
    194.2 KB · Views: 783
  • PXL_20220406_014347509.jpg
    PXL_20220406_014347509.jpg
    200.4 KB · Views: 817
  • PXL_20220406_014453630.PORTRAIT.jpg
    PXL_20220406_014453630.PORTRAIT.jpg
    149.6 KB · Views: 766
  • PXL_20220406_014544077.PORTRAIT.jpg
    PXL_20220406_014544077.PORTRAIT.jpg
    172.7 KB · Views: 731
  • PXL_20220406_014553169.PORTRAIT.jpg
    PXL_20220406_014553169.PORTRAIT.jpg
    210.8 KB · Views: 804
  • PXL_20220406_014612874.PORTRAIT.jpg
    PXL_20220406_014612874.PORTRAIT.jpg
    195.1 KB · Views: 836
  • PXL_20220406_014648990.PORTRAIT.jpg
    PXL_20220406_014648990.PORTRAIT.jpg
    187.3 KB · Views: 802
  • PXL_20220406_014657320.PORTRAIT.jpg
    PXL_20220406_014657320.PORTRAIT.jpg
    211.7 KB · Views: 723
  • PXL_20220406_014717441.PORTRAIT.jpg
    PXL_20220406_014717441.PORTRAIT.jpg
    220.9 KB · Views: 756
  • PXL_20220406_015227288.PORTRAIT.jpg
    PXL_20220406_015227288.PORTRAIT.jpg
    186.6 KB · Views: 816
  • PXL_20220406_015333486.PORTRAIT.jpg
    PXL_20220406_015333486.PORTRAIT.jpg
    352.4 KB · Views: 1,031
Last edited:

SCG

Active Member
Joined
May 3, 2022
Messages
123
Likes
93
Thanks for doing this as I've been looking at class D recently and purchased the Topping PA5. It's a great amp but got concerned about the noise issues others were having after 2-4 weeks of ownership and then dealing with overseas warranty & shipping costs.

So started looking at build my own class D with Hypex or Purifi but the availability and lead times makes it so unattractive. Then looked at system builders and the best ones seem to be overseas with again looking at lead times, shipping costs, overseas warranty, exchange rates and thus higher costs.

So the only 2 U.S. current assemblers appear to be Buckeye and VTV. Contacted Buckeye but was quoted August 2022 for all the Hypex & Purifi amps I inquired about.

Next was VTV but was concerned about build quality and wiring issues, so after much research along with this thread and Rick's thread VTV Purifi EVAL1 teardown and rebuild I decided to order the VTV AMP Purifi Eigentakt as I also don't need the 12v trigger or custom op-amp board.

I ordered on Sunday and it shipped the next day on Monday and will arrive by the end of this week. I'll also post pics so people can see the current build quality and get a sample from 2 recent units.

If it's a keeper after the 30-day home trial, I plan to rotate the power supply, shorten and shield the ac wiring, do any grounding fixes, fusing, etc. As the cost will be minimum and still much cheaper than overseas units (granted with better build quality and longer lead times).

If it's a bust then March Audio has 15% off right now on the P262 and combined with shipping puts it at only $80 more than VTV ( see below plus any extra credit card overseas conversion fees) but it appears that its on sale now because they are on holiday until May 18th and it wouldn't ship until after that and coming from Ozzy to the US means wouldn't get until June so might as well try the VTV and treat it as a good kit needing some basic mods.

VTV Amp Purifi Eigentakt Stereo Amp EVAL-1
No 12V Trigger (Default)
Subtotal: $1,089.00
Shipping: Free
Total: $1,089.00
Ship Date: 24 hrs

March Audio
P262 Stereo Amp (20.5dB) USD $1,042.39 (15% Off)
Subtotal USD $1,042.39
Shipping: USD $127.80
Total USD $1,170.19
Ship Date: After May 20th
 
Last edited:

-Matt-

Addicted to Fun and Learning
Joined
Nov 21, 2021
Messages
675
Likes
551
What does this small switch labeled [2---1---0] do?

Screenshot_20220503-174526_Firefox.jpg

Screenshot_20220503-175123_Firefox.jpg
 
Last edited:

-Matt-

Addicted to Fun and Learning
Joined
Nov 21, 2021
Messages
675
Likes
551
From the datasheet and the other photo it seems to just be joined to J5 pin 3 and 5. I.e. giving aux power to the switch?

Screenshot_20220503-175920_Adobe Acrobat.jpg

Screenshot_20220503-180032_Adobe Acrobat.jpg

Screenshot_20220503-180129_Firefox.jpg
 

-Matt-

Addicted to Fun and Learning
Joined
Nov 21, 2021
Messages
675
Likes
551
Ah yes thanks, I see it now, it is a small surface mount led on that little board.
 
OP
S
Joined
Mar 16, 2022
Messages
57
Likes
95
Location
Earth
Ah yes thanks, I see it now, it is a small surface mount led on that little board.
you can read a bit more about the case from the manufacturer, Ghent Audio. As provided by VTV, it comes with a blue LED and I didn't see any color options on their site at the time that I was ordering my unit.
 

SCG

Active Member
Joined
May 3, 2022
Messages
123
Likes
93
Any update on how your VTV is performing so far and did you make any of changes listed above yet?
 
OP
S
Joined
Mar 16, 2022
Messages
57
Likes
95
Location
Earth
Any update on how your VTV is performing so far and did you make any of changes listed above yet?
It's been working well, I've no complaints thus far. The sound, to me, is very clean and there haven't been any issues driving my speakers. No discernible noise at idle when my ear is next to either speaker (with my Emotiva amplifier, a slight hiss could be heard with the same signal chain.) The VTV runs at what I'd consider to be cool temperatures - at both idle and (somewhat) high output, the top of the case measures at about ~91F in a room that's ~71F ambient (Emotiva idles at about 105F.)

As for implementing the internal updates, not yet. I'm going to wait a few months for it to make it out of its infant mortality* stage before doing anything. When I do pull the update trigger, I'll also install a fuse holder in the back panel of the chassis.

Based on my experience so far, and assuming there's no assembly quality recidivism, I'd have no hesitation with recommending the VTV amp to someone that's currently on the market for an amplifier, even with the (easily addressed) quibbles regarding the layout of some of the internals.

* - from my electronics manufacturing days. Most devices will either fail early on (infant mortality, ~90 days), or very late in their expected service life (old age, varies depending on nature of device & operating environment/load.)
 

SCG

Active Member
Joined
May 3, 2022
Messages
123
Likes
93
The sound, to me, is very clean and there haven't been any issues driving my speakers. No discernible noise at idle when my ear is next to either speaker (with my Emotiva amplifier, a slight hiss could be heard with the same signal chain.)
This is really important to me, my LS50 Metas sit near field on my desk (2.5ft) and the Topping PA5 is totally dead silent with my ear right next to the drivers with no music playing with the DAC and amp at full volume. My Outlaw AB amp had a hiss coming out to the seating position in between songs at medium volume with the same signal chain. So for me it like when I went from LED FALD to OLED once I get the fade to black there's going back again.

The VTV runs at what I'd consider to be cool temperatures - at both idle and (somewhat) high output, the top of the case measures at about ~91F in a room that's ~71F ambient (Emotiva idles at about 105F.)
For class D idle 20F above an ambient 71F seems a little high but it's surely much cooler than your class AB Emo, but that sounds great running at the (somewhat) high output level. I'll have to check mine after I get it installed and up and running.

As for implementing the internal updates, not yet. I'm going to wait a few months for it to make it out of its infant mortality* stage before doing anything. When I do pull the update trigger, I'll also install a fuse holder in the back panel of the chassis.
You're probably right that 90 days is more prudent to make any changes then 30 days, I may do the same. Though with it's modular design I would expect if there was a problem after 30 days I would have them send me a new module and I would swap it out and return the defective one, instead of shipping the whole amp back and forth. Did that when the class D amp went out under warranty on one of my subs.

Based on my experience so far, and assuming there's no assembly quality recidivism, I'd have no hesitation with recommending the VTV amp to someone that's currently on the market for an amplifier, even with the (easily addressed) quibbles regarding the layout of some of the internals.
That's why I appreciate you starting this thread and posting your pics and experience so far. I'll also post mine so people can see how the amp and consistency are today based on at least 2 samples, but according to this thread people have been ordering it in this config from VTV since at least early January 2021 also without incident VTV Purifi 1ET400A updates - VTV Purifi 1ET400A updates - VTV Purifi 1ET400A updates .
 
Last edited:

Rottmannash

Major Contributor
Forum Donor
Joined
Nov 11, 2020
Messages
2,969
Likes
2,606
Location
Nashville
OP
S
Joined
Mar 16, 2022
Messages
57
Likes
95
Location
Earth
This is really important to me, my LS50 Metas sit near field on my desk (2.5ft) and the Topping PA5 is totally dead silent with my ear right next to the drivers with no music playing with the DAC and amp at full volume. My Outlaw AB amp had a hiss coming out to the seating position in between songs at medium volume with the same signal chain. So for me it like when I went from LED FALD to OLED once I get the fade to black there's going back again.
Well, I think you'll be quite happy with the inky silence of the Purifi.
For class D idle 20F above an ambient 71F seems a little high but it's surely much cooler than your class AB Emo, but that sounds great running at the (somewhat) high output level. I'll have to check mine after I get it installed and up and running.
The upside of the Emotiva's idle heat was it made for a perfect place to proof/rise bread dough (no, really.) :)
You're probably right that 90 days is more prudent to make any changes then 30 days, I may do the same. Though with it's modular design I would expect if there was a problem after 30 days I would have them send me a new module and I would swap it out and return the defective one, instead of shipping the whole amp back and forth. Did that when the class D amp went out under warranty on one of my subs.
That's why I appreciate you starting this thread and posting your pics and experience so far. I'll also post mine so people can see how the amp and consistency are today based on at least 2 samples, but according to this thread people have been ordering it in this config from VTV since at least early January 2021 also without incident VTV Purifi 1ET400A updates - VTV Purifi 1ET400A updates - VTV Purifi 1ET400A updates .
Like you, I had combed through the earlier discussions, but hadn't found anything within the past 12 months, so I thought it'd be helpful for the next person to have a recent sample to look at.
 
  • Like
Reactions: SCG

SCG

Active Member
Joined
May 3, 2022
Messages
123
Likes
93
Like you, I had combed through the earlier discussions, but hadn't found anything within the past 12 months, so I thought it'd be helpful for the next person to have a recent sample to look at.
Thanks as I am that next person and your post was very helpful! Attached is my current setup

20130812_093358.jpg
 

sondans

Member
Forum Donor
Joined
Jun 1, 2021
Messages
27
Likes
17
March Audio
P262 Stereo Amp (20.5dB) USD $1,042.39 (15% Off)
Subtotal USD $1,042.39
Shipping: USD $127.80
Total USD $1,170.19
Ship Date: After May 20th
I am also looking at buying Class D amplification with the Purifi module and am considering the March Audio P262 as well as the Buckeye Purifi option. Although I don’t anticipate needing lots of power (surrounds and Atmos ceilings), I am looking for low noise, high quality components, excellent build quality, and low idle power consumption.

The March Audio P262 you noted (no details on components other than Purifi based) specifies 265w output at 4 ohms whereas Buckeye is quoting 425w at 4 ohms for their Purifi 1 ET 400A amplifier. The March Audio P422 / 452 (about US $320 more than P262) looks to be comparable to the Buckeye since it also specifies 425w at 4 ohms and specifically mentions the Purifi 1 ET 400 A module.

I am considering the P262 but the shipping cost is significant (I’m in US) and I don’t know what they did to cut cost relative to the P422.

Since I’m not in big hurry I’m leaning to the Buckeye.

Any thoughts?
 

SCG

Active Member
Joined
May 3, 2022
Messages
123
Likes
93
As far as I know Purifi only makes 2 versions, the 1ET400A and the recently released 1ET7040SA. I was also wondering about the particulars of March Audio's two different stereo amps but they are closed until March 18th so of course my email went unanswered.

Based on your requirements, use case, and ability to wait (Buckeye quoted me August 2022) I would go with Buckeye as they and VTV have the best US prices. VTV gives a 2 year warranty, currently ships in 4 days and costs a $100 less, so I went with VTV but I could easily see someone else going with Buckeye if they could wait until August, liked the build quality and/or extra features better, thought it was worth the extra $100, and was good with the 1 year warranty.

Also the thing to remember is that the sale price on March Audio is only until March 8th then they go up 15% until their next sale, but the current sale price does offset the high shipping costs to the US if someone is willing order now and wait until June to receive.
 
Last edited:

SCG

Active Member
Joined
May 3, 2022
Messages
123
Likes
93
Quick update, received the VTV yesterday and hooked it up for a quick sound test and everything sounds great! The case looks really good in person and has a nice solid feel to it.

Attached is a pic with the Topping PA5 that it's replacing on top (will most likely place it under desk in final set up) it's quite a bit bigger but a lot more powerful and much smaller than the Outlaw AB amp they both replaced (see trio pic). Also with my ear to the drivers the VTV is as dead silent at full volume with no music playing as the PA5 was. The top of the VTV case is only slightly above room temp (will take measurements later too) so far really loving class D!

Will post internal pics and more thoughts later after I take the top off but heading out boating to celebrate Mother's day weekend with the family.

20130814_051450.jpg
 
Top Bottom