I'm curious to know if you can order all of the parts separately for building your own Purifi pcb? May be a stupid question, but I had to ask..lol
NCore solved amp tech as a bottleneck imo. Happy to focus on the speaker side w 12 ch of ncore running my ht
What you describe is similar to what I heard with AR amps back in the day. Although English is my strongest language, and I read the classics like Dickens and Shakespeare and Twain as a young person, I never really took up or attempted to copy the flowery verbiage that writers use for Audiophile magazines of the 20th Century. So I prefer to talk about audio in the form of visual representation- measurements. After all, it's just another translation (auditory to visual). Anyway, my point is although I generally don't like to describe the sound of amplifiers- I think this is it- you "Really ought to put it together and listen to it"
As for the 1200AS2 module in an amp, here is one; with measurements online:
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/peachtree-amp500-amplifier-review.40239/
I don't anticipate the 2000AS2 to be different.
No Icepower amp I've come across, measures as the nCore400. And certainly doesn’t sounds as transparent (effortless, smooth, detailed, without false hyper-realistic highs)
However, I am curious about the Purifi, as it is designed by the same Bruno Putzeys who used to frequent here at DIYAudio some moons ago. I'd like to experience for myself what kind of improvements can be made for that last 10dB of dynamic range and distortion. There's no doubt it measures better, but is there a sonic improvement? It's also possible there's some placebo aspect to this. So I'm leaninhg more towards @badman 's camp- I have 6 channel nCore400 running my system and no desire for "improvement"
@FSHZ42 It was very clear to me that the designer's aim was straight wire with gain. So the input buffer could be separated from the amp module to allow manufacturers to customise the sound of their amps for their customers. After all, there is a need for market differentiation
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You got the Hypex Nilai, that is a more foolproof package and is on the same level as Purifi. Or you can buy the many prebuild designs like i mentioned before. But Purifi kits won't be there soon as Purifi is not planning to make them. They are a OEM company in the first place, but don't block access to their products for diy people like some others do. But like said, the old Ncore is already on a level that better does not matter in reality, it just matters for the numbers.
Hi,
I also like my Purify 400 a lot. Was thinking about building myself, but decided to get the Audiophonics monos. Cheaper and easier than building by yourself. I use them without buffer (preamp has enough gain), dead silent, enough power for my 18", perfect gain with wire. Never looked back, but will some day try to physically get the buffer off and to contact the modules directly, for a more direct signal path. We´ll see...
All the best
Mattes
I also like my Purify 400 a lot. Was thinking about building myself, but decided to get the Audiophonics monos. Cheaper and easier than building by yourself. I use them without buffer (preamp has enough gain), dead silent, enough power for my 18", perfect gain with wire. Never looked back, but will some day try to physically get the buffer off and to contact the modules directly, for a more direct signal path. We´ll see...
All the best
Mattes
You say you use it without a buffer.... How can you bypass the Audiophonics LM4562 buffer/gain? Did you change the OPAmp feedback value (resistors)? The minimum gain of that stage is 7.2dB, which is a lot when combined with the 13dB gain of the module itself, especially if used with modern sources that have 4V RMS out.
I would definitely not recommend no buffer at all, though.
I would definitely not recommend no buffer at all, though.
Hi,
I simply ordered it bypassed with 13dB of gain, so honestly I don´t know how they do it precisely, apart from the fact that physically it is a jumper solution.
My source is a low impedance DAC with a lot of RMS out (RME ADI-2 pro AE), cables are short, and it works very well, so what might there be to be gained with the buffer? No offense intended, just like to learn!
All the best
Mattes
I simply ordered it bypassed with 13dB of gain, so honestly I don´t know how they do it precisely, apart from the fact that physically it is a jumper solution.
My source is a low impedance DAC with a lot of RMS out (RME ADI-2 pro AE), cables are short, and it works very well, so what might there be to be gained with the buffer? No offense intended, just like to learn!
All the best
Mattes
The 1ET400 without buffers needs close to +22 dBu (10V RMS) input for a full 400W/4ohm output. Not many DACs or preamps can do that.
The input impedance is very low... only around 2-3k. However, if you are happy with the result, that's all that matters really.
I drove it bypassed with nos pcm63 dac. No issue, no noise, hum. Keep cables short. Sound wise, you need to hear. I do kind of like it bypassed, better than with opa1612 oboard buffer, but likes it better with burson v6c. So new buffer board is inbound.
The noise must be somewhere else in your system, the build or it's a faulty buffer. An OPA 1612 and LT3045 is not going to add noise. Attached circuit. Just not going to happen..
I had 1200AS2 and Purifi at the same time. Sold the 1200AS2. Great bass, more warmer and thicker than the leaner purifi. I suspect lower damping with 1200AS2, but haven't checked.
Purifi is leaner and lighter, therefore more resolution. 1200AS2 sounded more thicker over all - was a lovely sound though - I could imagine someone preferring either or but I like the clear/transparent tone of the Purifi (Neurochrome buffers). Saying that though, my system has changed.... I am tempted to get a pair of 1200as1's to drive my bass.
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I think this is important too, if you do build. I started with Hypex and upgraded to Micro-Audio. Nice sonic step forward, even though the amp modules have good PSSR. If you go that route, I would recommend the sparko regulator option for dual HQ regulation.
I'm satisfied atm with this, though at one point i will go full on upgraded micro audio smps. Currently focus is on some projects and new reference speakers.
I'll have a listening session with starkrimson amps soonish, so it might change my view on purifi as best classd. They have GaN transistors, so will be interesting to hear.
I'll have a listening session with starkrimson amps soonish, so it might change my view on purifi as best classd. They have GaN transistors, so will be interesting to hear.
Oh, I should note that for a while I was running my pair Acoustic Reality amps, Ear202 - stereo amps... in the HT... biamping the PSB Stratus Gold-I.
In that set up, HT, they sounded extremely good. The bass was sooo good, indeed, that I never needed subwoofers, and the soft treble was not an issue as this setup is used for movies, so it actually helped tame the usually overbright mixes. The midrange was very good.. so speech was very clear.
After that, I decided to get a Nuforce MCA-20, which is an 8 channel rated at 150/278 wpc ( 8/4 ohms), all channels driven. It's also a Class D amp, but I'm not quite sure if it uses ICE modules. I know it sounds better than the AR amps. I hooked it up to the Maggies for a bit and they did fine.
For HT uses, I think powerful Class D amps are the way to go.
Notwithstanding the NCore and Purify amps, most class D amps won't cut it in a main 2 channel set up, but they do great in HT: great bass, clear midrange and a little soft on the treble. Specially useful for those people who just have to get the likes of Klipsch speakers and suffer through that exaggerated treble.
In that set up, HT, they sounded extremely good. The bass was sooo good, indeed, that I never needed subwoofers, and the soft treble was not an issue as this setup is used for movies, so it actually helped tame the usually overbright mixes. The midrange was very good.. so speech was very clear.
After that, I decided to get a Nuforce MCA-20, which is an 8 channel rated at 150/278 wpc ( 8/4 ohms), all channels driven. It's also a Class D amp, but I'm not quite sure if it uses ICE modules. I know it sounds better than the AR amps. I hooked it up to the Maggies for a bit and they did fine.
For HT uses, I think powerful Class D amps are the way to go.
Notwithstanding the NCore and Purify amps, most class D amps won't cut it in a main 2 channel set up, but they do great in HT: great bass, clear midrange and a little soft on the treble. Specially useful for those people who just have to get the likes of Klipsch speakers and suffer through that exaggerated treble.
That makes sense, and I was very surprised by the noise we heard with the buffer. The noise was still there with the input disconnected, and even with the inputs shorted. When the buffer was bypassed, it got dead quiet.
We had two EVAL1 kits, both behaving the same way. I did not assemble it myself, so my friend who did could have done something wrong. We had a Hypex SMPS on both kits. As you say, either faulty buffers or something with the build.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on GaN transistors. I've never heard a GaN class D amp 🙂
I didn't try any mods, it's a bit hard to do as they're an all in one. I think if you want to modify, there are other amplifiers out there that would be easier 🙂
I know PSaudio have a tube input stage, in their 7k USD M1200 and they've not bypassed the existing input stage onboard the 1200as2 (I might be wrong, would need to review data sheet again, but I don't remember any opportunities to disable the input stage and worth a look). From what I remember, the existing input stage was a nice discrete job. They've basically taken the hanger rail and smoothed it out with a bank of cap's and fed that power into a simple 12AU7 tube buffer (no gain, just impedance).
I personally, like to have tube pre-amplifiers driving Class D and that was the best result I had from the Purifi, so you could experiment with pre-amps. I used a 6SN7 Aikido for a while and then was fortunate to try a number of DHT pre-amps (45, 46, 2p29l, 10Y, 6c4c). My favourite set-up with Class D was 10Y pre-amp gain stage in fillament bias feeding Purifi's with the Neurochrome buffer on for higher input impedance and SE to Balanced conversion.
You've got a great amp 🙂 I'd play with other areas and then come back when you've run out of fun things to do elsewhere.
@sebbyp
Thank you for that info! I do have an older Peachtree GrandPre DAC that I use to run my 1200as through, and it does sound very good! I do use the tube buffer when listening to my music. I do like to mod and tinker around with stuff, and was just curious if there were any tweaks someone may have done to further tweak the 1200as. I imagine that most of us DIY'ers are always looking for the best and latest mods/upgrades to achieve the best possible sounds from our systems. That's how I am anyways..lol But I have been thinking about is if it's worth the extra money to invest in this Purifi build? That is why I had started this thread to get some feedback to see what others that had heard both amps had to say.
Just a little off topic, I am interested also in building a DAC on this thread: https://www.diyaudio.com/community/...n-ultimate-weapon-to-fight-the-jitter.192465/ I see a lot of people say how good Iancanada's components are for upgrading digital into analog.
I'm trying to figure out what would be the best components to purchase so I can use my GrandPre DAC as a preamp only by bypassing the internal DAC inside the GrandPre. I'm not certain how much more of an improvement in sound quality I could achieve with a build like this? Anyhow, I appreciate your feedback and wish you a good day. Cheers!
Thank you for that info! I do have an older Peachtree GrandPre DAC that I use to run my 1200as through, and it does sound very good! I do use the tube buffer when listening to my music. I do like to mod and tinker around with stuff, and was just curious if there were any tweaks someone may have done to further tweak the 1200as. I imagine that most of us DIY'ers are always looking for the best and latest mods/upgrades to achieve the best possible sounds from our systems. That's how I am anyways..lol But I have been thinking about is if it's worth the extra money to invest in this Purifi build? That is why I had started this thread to get some feedback to see what others that had heard both amps had to say.
Just a little off topic, I am interested also in building a DAC on this thread: https://www.diyaudio.com/community/...n-ultimate-weapon-to-fight-the-jitter.192465/ I see a lot of people say how good Iancanada's components are for upgrading digital into analog.
I'm trying to figure out what would be the best components to purchase so I can use my GrandPre DAC as a preamp only by bypassing the internal DAC inside the GrandPre. I'm not certain how much more of an improvement in sound quality I could achieve with a build like this? Anyhow, I appreciate your feedback and wish you a good day. Cheers!
You may want to give r2r dac a try. Ad1862 is still available easily, and miro's thread is well visited and devices tested. I have nos pcm63 and it plays much nicer than what i have heard in dac department. Make a proper high gain, low riv value, tube i/v stage and you don't need buffer on as1200. That combo will sure sound good 🙂