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REVIEW: VTV Amplifier Purifi 1ET400A Stereo Amplifier (SS)

Model:	Purifi 1ET400A Stereo
Category:	Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$1429
Description:	Purifi 1ET400A module-based stereo amp with VTV i/o buffer
Manufacturer URL:	VTV Amplifier
Model Picture:	View

Review by Feanor on December 05, 2020 at 06:11:41 IP Address: 99.242.130.65

Add Your Review for the Purifi 1ET400A Stereo

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Build, Features, and Operation:

First I'll say it was pleasure to deal with VTV's principal, Warren Coleman, who was most forthcoming and helpful shipping arrangements and advice.

VTV's case and assembly are sound but utilitarian. This amp demonstrates that you build an excellent amp with OEM modules. VTV offers either the Hypex' 'Evaluation' input/output buffer, or its own, (Sparkos-designed), buffer with a range of op amp options. I purchased mine with the Hypex buffer but subsequently upgraded to the VTV buffer with a Sparkos SS3602 buffer; (more about that later). The case is a fairly compact, all-aluminum box has only XLR input. The amp is extremely cool running: only very slightly warm to the touch.

I didn't notice any need for warm-up. Also, initial burn-in beyond, maybe, a couple of hours, made no significant difference .

My Evaluation Process:

I listened exclusively to lossless FLAC or ALAC file via Foobar2000 using WASAPI output. Output was to my Topping D90 DAC in turn feed in my Schiit Freya + preamp. I used the Freya +'s 'Passive' mode most of the time; given the Topping DAC source, bass and dynamics were fine that way. I did not do A/B testing with other amps, though I have listed to listed amps in the recent past.

I listened to 90% Classical music because that's what I like. Also, IMO, a good Classical selection provides the most rigorous tests.

The Sound:

Hypex 'Evaluation' versus VTV buffer with Sparkos SS3602:

The VTV Purifi with Hypex buffer is relatively bargain priced and accordingly was my first choice. Unfortunately I found that the Hypex intolerably "skrieky" and unnatural during fortissimo passages with high-range instruments such as brass and violins. This is odd because during moderate passages it sounded fine. So I ordered the VTV buffer with the Sparkos SS3602 op amp,(DIP8 format). This swap does seem to have eliminated the anomalous Hypex behavior, though it is about the same in other respects.

Resolution & Transparency:

The resolution, transparency, 'air', and instrument separation from this amp is nothing short of amazing. In this respect is noticeably exceeds my recent Pass X150.5 and, by a lessor extent, my recent Hypex NC252MP. Instrument timbres are the most realistic I've heard, as is the rendition of cymbals and other percussion.

Macro- and Microdynamics and Bass:

This amp's dynamic contrast is great, better than I've experience heretofore. This is an amp for "PRaT" lovers. Bass is powerful and articulate, equal to anything I've heard before.

Overall Tonality:

On the positive side, I feel that this Purifi amp renders instrument timbres better than any amp I've heard before. This is also true for percussion instruments including cymbals. Let's remember this is an ultra-low distortion amp so it shouldn't be too surprising that instrument harmonics will be render with a relatively high degree of accuracy.

However the Purifi is very austere sounding; if you are looking for "warmth", "harmonic richness", "liquidity", and/or "organic wholeness", look elsewhere. In case of some recordings (but not all), orchestral strings and woodwinds can sound a bit bright and forward. Don't look to the Purifi to sugar-coat 2nd rate recordings or associated equipment.

Conclusion:

This VTV Purifi amp isn't for everyone. If you are a fanatic for transparency, accuracy of timbre, and fidelity to the recorded medium, then it deserves strong consideration. If you are a SET fan or demand a smooth, silky sound, then you won't want it. If you have a nice tube preamp and don't feel you necessarily need an additional layer of tube je ne sais quoi, then it's worth consideration.

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Product Weakness:	Devoid of warmth; intolerant of 2nd rate recordings and associated equipment.
Product Strengths:	Astonishing resolution & transparency; brilliant dynamics and bass; accurate instrument timbers and percussion sound. Very cool running and relatively compact.

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Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier:	(recently owned) Hypex NC252MP; Pass Labs X150.5; Class D Audio SDS-248
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Schiit Audio Freya +
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Topping D90 DAC
Speakers:	Zaph Audio ZRT 'Zaph Revelator Towers' (DIY)
Cables/Interconnects:	various
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classical 90%; Jazz 10%
Room Size (LxWxH):	22 x 12 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	Heavy furnishings & carpetted
Time Period/Length of Audition:	30 hours
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Belkin
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

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This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Atma-Sphere Music Systems, Inc.

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