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VTV Amplifier - Hypex and Purifi Amps

23.242.178.78
Posted on August 8, 2020 at 12:17:04
emailtim
Audiophile

Posts: 5389
Joined: July 2, 2017
 FWIW, I stumbled on this Ohio based amplifier company that is offering budget Hypex and Purify based amp builds (Ghent Audio cases with custom face plates).

It appears to be a vacuum tube company that has expanded its product offering into boxing digital amp boards.

https://vacuumtubevalues.com
https://vtvamplifier.com

They are offering the following digital amps:

- Hypex NC500, NC1200 and NC2K/NC2000
- Hypex NC122MP, NC252MP, NC500MP, NC502MP
- Hypex UcD2K/UcD2000
- Pascal ...
- Purifi 1ET400A

Previously, Hypex had minimum price fixing policies on their upper amp boards which kept the prices very high. That policy has since lapsed.

The Purifi 1ET400A is a new amp board recently released this year by the designer of the NCore amps.

Nord and Apollon across the pond offer Hypex and Purifi amps at reasonable prices. VTV Amplifier is the first company I have found on this side of the pond to do similar.

They also offer a 30 day in home trial which makes them attractive on this side of the pond.

Stereo:

Monoblocks:


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Mainstream purveyors of class D amps ..., posted on August 9, 2020 at 08:19:19
Mike K
Audiophile

Posts: 13973
Location: 97701
Joined: September 23, 1999
 like PS Audio and others need to pay close attention. Those VTV prices
are quite nice.

Lack of skill dictates economy of style. - Joey Ramone

 

RE: Mainstream purveyors of class D amps ..., posted on August 9, 2020 at 09:07:26
MarcL
Audiophile

Posts: 425
Location: PA
Joined: February 26, 2019
 It gets down to what (if any) sonic differences there are between the companies doing simple builds with standard parts, and those like PS Audio that incorporate the modules - supposedly with customizations - for substantially higher cost ... like in some cases two to four times as much.


Agilist, Musician, Photographer, Audiophile
Magneplanar: 3.7, CCR, MC1,LRS, MMGW, DWM; Outlaw: UltraX12, LFM-1C; Emotiva: XMC-2; Nord: Nord One NC500DM, Nord Three 1ET7040SA; Outlaw: Model 7500; OPPO 205

 

RE: Mainstream purveyors of class D amps ..., posted on August 9, 2020 at 09:41:08
Davey
 I love the PSaudio shtick for their latest amplifiers. "Engineered and assembled in Boulder, USA."
Well, except for the amplifier part, I guess that's correct. :)

Dave.

 

Purifi Amps, posted on August 9, 2020 at 11:32:07
13th Duke of Wymbourne
Audiophile

Posts: 2793
Location: Orange Co., Ca
Joined: September 19, 2001
 This Darko podcast interview with Bruno Putzeys is worth a listen if you are interested in hypex or purifi (he designed them both).

13DoW

 

RE: Purifi Amps, posted on August 9, 2020 at 12:19:04
emailtim
Audiophile

Posts: 5389
Joined: July 2, 2017
 Here is ASR's measurement of Purifi's evaluation board.

It measured extremely well, but wish it had higher output (257 WPC / 4 Ohms before clipping).

Bruno compared it to the Boulder 2150, but the Boulder puts out 2K WPC / 4 Ohms.
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RE: Purifi Amps, posted on August 9, 2020 at 13:00:05
13th Duke of Wymbourne
Audiophile

Posts: 2793
Location: Orange Co., Ca
Joined: September 19, 2001
 I am sure Bruno was comparing it to the Boulder in terms of its low distortion. For $98k the Boulder has to offer something over the ~$1k Purifi (excluding case).

 

RE: Mainstream purveyors of class D amps ..., posted on August 12, 2020 at 06:42:45
MarcL
Audiophile

Posts: 425
Location: PA
Joined: February 26, 2019
 And then there's this one:

https://www.lkvresearch.com/lkv-veros-power-plus.html

Same Purifi modules with custom Class A front end and monster linear power supply in a 50 pound box. "built by hand in North Conway, NH"

Poof! $10,000 !!!



Agilist, Musician, Photographer, Audiophile
Magneplanar: 3.7, CCR, MC1,LRS, MMGW, DWM; Outlaw: UltraX12, LFM-1C; Emotiva: XMC-2; Nord: Nord One NC500DM, Nord Three 1ET7040SA; Outlaw: Model 7500; OPPO 205

 

RE: VTV Amplifier - bad experience, posted on August 12, 2020 at 08:22:53
artm69
Audiophile

Posts: 37
Location: Boston, MA USA
Joined: August 17, 2007
 This user's experience with VTV is not so good:

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/vtv-amplifier-terrible-quality-build-and-customer-service.15220/


Any Joe Shmo can assemble this stuff. That does not make you a designer nor your "product" a great amplifier. Obviously, there's much more than the module and a case.

It takes design effort and money to make a great Class-D amplifier. I'd invest in that than in someone's lazy module-in-a-box!

 

Not Insurmountable, posted on August 12, 2020 at 10:47:19
emailtim
Audiophile

Posts: 5389
Joined: July 2, 2017
 I think a couple of screw holes and a loose screw isn't an insurmountable issue to overcome. The user was offered the full refund (minus normal return shipping) which is fair.

We shall see if their case supplier adds the new mounting holes so VTV doesn't have to personally drill them or if VTV improves their hole drilling prowess.

I would buy them just to get the parts. They are asking $980 for a stereo Purifi version. To do it yourself, it would cost:

$753 for the Purifi Evaluation Kit and cables
$200+ for the Ghent Audio Case Kit and cables
$212 for the Hypex SMPS1200A400 power supply
Shipping on all 3 purchases
--------------------------
$1165 + Shipping

They are offering it $200 cheaper than DIY.

You can buy a lot of screws for $200.

FWIW, that thread reads like the competitor's infomercial.
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2022/03/30 Historical Records CENSORED

 

Ghent Audio Plug and Play Kits (Purifi EVAL1 WIP), posted on August 12, 2020 at 11:00:47
emailtim
Audiophile

Posts: 5389
Joined: July 2, 2017
 Ghent Audio makes some plug and play amplifier kits. Here is a video of the Hypex NC400 kit build.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMm4GsUDyLI

Not entirely rocket science once one has the parts and harnesses.

From what I have read, Ghent Audio is working on a Purifi EVAL1 board case (pre-drilled) and presumably wiring harness kit which will give other Purifi builders more competition.


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2022/03/30 Historical Records CENSORED

 

New VTV Owner, posted on August 22, 2020 at 06:36:14
emailtim
Audiophile

Posts: 5389
Joined: July 2, 2017
 Feanor just posted his initial impressions on a new VTV NC252MP stereo amp on the Amp Asylum.
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2022/03/30 Historical Records CENSORED

 

RE: VTV Amplifier - Hypex and Purifi Amps, posted on September 26, 2020 at 00:45:48
sfmag
Audiophile

Posts: 1
Location: SF Bay Ara
Joined: September 26, 2020
 A bit late to reply, but I've had the monoblocks for a couple of months now. They sound great with my 1.6s and build quality is solid.

I had a Hypex stereo amp (also kit) from France that died after a few months. The Purifi is a definite improvement, but there's a lot more power with these monoblocks too.

 

RE: VTV Amplifier - Hypex and Purifi Amps, posted on September 26, 2020 at 19:49:01
Accurus
Audiophile

Posts: 131
Joined: April 27, 2006
 Just spoke with the owner Warren today. Great half hour conversation and he is being amazing about working with me on testing his Ncore amplifier with my developing set up. I have a Mark Levinson 432 that is hitting its thermal limits driving the 2 ohm load presented by my 3.7s and paralleled DWM units. I just purchased a the stereo NC1200 model and will try it out in my system against the Mark Levinson and see if it sounds good and can keep its thermal composure. I will be doing a write up about this experience and my experience with the DWMs. I feel like my experience with VTV so far has been great and personable and doesn't match some of the comments and experiences made on other forums.

 

NC1200, posted on September 26, 2020 at 20:30:36
emailtim
Audiophile

Posts: 5389
Joined: July 2, 2017
 Very cool. Keep us posted on how you like the NC1200/3.7/DWM pairing.

I just looked up the 432. Mark Levinson doesn't rate it @ 2 Ohms so that maybe part of the battle you are dealing with. The predecessor 300 series were rated for 2 Ohms.


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2022/03/30 Historical Records CENSORED

 

RE: NC1200, posted on September 26, 2020 at 23:06:24
Accurus
Audiophile

Posts: 131
Joined: April 27, 2006
 Yeah, it will drive a 2 ohm load but after awhile of loud volume it will it its 85C thermal limit and shut off. I talked with a tech at a Mark Levinson Service center and he said that while the 432 is better sounding amp than the prior generation by a long shot the amp was made to fit more easily in home theater install and doesn't have near the thermal capacity of the 300 series. He said if there were more heat sinks on the amp that it can do 1200 watts into 2 ohms. The power supplies, boards, etc can al handle it. So after that conversion the hunt started for another amp and Ncore/VTV landed on the top of my list.

 

RE: VTV Amplifier - Hypex and Purifi Amps, posted on September 27, 2020 at 06:49:05
MarcL
Audiophile

Posts: 425
Location: PA
Joined: February 26, 2019
 Interested in your results! I have a Nord One Hypex amp for my 3.7s but I didn't want to try running the DWMs in parallel so I split the Left/Right outputs and power the DWMs with a Crown stereo amp.

The results with the DWMs is measurably and audibly better than the 3.7s alone. In my room the DWMs fill in mid-bass cancellations that could not be lifted with digital room correction.

Where are you placing your DWMs relative to the 3.7s? I moved mine around and ended up with them inboard4" and 10"behind each 3.7


Agilist, Musician, Photographer, Audiophile
Magneplanar: 3.7, CCR, MC1,LRS, MMGW, DWM; Outlaw: UltraX12, LFM-1C; Emotiva: XMC-2; Nord: Nord One NC500DM, Nord Three 1ET7040SA; Outlaw: Model 7500; OPPO 205

 

RE: VTV Amplifier - Hypex and Purifi Amps, posted on September 27, 2020 at 12:15:58
Accurus
Audiophile

Posts: 131
Joined: April 27, 2006
 I am really enjoying the DWM so far, but due to amplification I haven't rana measurement yet, but the difference in bass is very noticeable. I would be shocked if there isn't a substantial measured difference. In terms of location. I have tried only 2 so far. The first was per Magnepan's recommendation of 1 foot in front in an arc. It definitely added midbass. The second was lining the DWM next to each 3.7 and the wall. It essentially acts like a baffle both for the DWM and the 3.7. When turning the DWM's off I am getting more low bass from the 3.7 and substantially more when the DWMs are turn on. It seems like I am getting solid bass information in the upper 20s and low 30s now where before with just the 3.7s I was getting some information in the upper 30s. Once I get the amplifier situation sorted out I will measure things more and see what I am hearing vs measured.

 

RE: VTV Amplifier - Hypex and Purifi Amps, posted on September 27, 2020 at 13:38:12
MarcL
Audiophile

Posts: 425
Location: PA
Joined: February 26, 2019



I tried many positions with the DWMs in the conventional setup with tweeters out as well as the Rooze setup. I placed them right against the wall at various distances in front, behind and aligned with the 3.7s. I measured the results each time with the DWMs and 3.7s alone and combined.

I know there is "folklore" about DWMs and 3.7s combining to respond "mid-20s" but I didn't see anything much under 30Hz.

What I did see was improved low end for the DWMs when up against the side wall ... a bit extended below 40Hz. And I saw improved mid-bass for the DWMs when 3-4 feet out into the room. What I need to complement my 3.7s is to fill in nulls aroun 70Hz and between 100 and 150Hz, so I optimized the positions out into the room.

I also aligned phase between the 3.7 and DWM each side using REW Impulse Response and Phase measurements. So I'm sure they're aligned.

In the midst of this I experimented with wooden baffles attached to the 3.7s on the woofer side. They're made from 12x72x1 inch oak boards, two of them hinged so I could expand them to two feet or fold to one foot. What I found was the baffles resulted in a boost of about 5db 80-120Hz peaking at 100Hz.

Note that I still have a big resonance peak at 40Hz and small ones above 100Hz, but I correct them with Dirac Live. Overall though the response is much more uniform with the DWMs.

Here's a diagram of my current setup.



Agilist, Musician, Photographer, Audiophile
Magneplanar: 3.7, CCR, MC1,LRS, MMGW, DWM; Outlaw: UltraX12, LFM-1C; Emotiva: XMC-2; Nord: Nord One NC500DM, Nord Three 1ET7040SA; Outlaw: Model 7500; OPPO 205

 

RE: VTV Amplifier - Hypex and Purifi Amps, posted on September 27, 2020 at 17:29:24
Accurus
Audiophile

Posts: 131
Joined: April 27, 2006
 Thanks for the info and your experimentation information. It gives me a guide moving forward of different things to try once I get amplifiers playing nice and Dirac up and going.

Yes I know of this folklore as well and some of it comes from Magnepan directly at audio shows with their set ups. Like I said it sounds deeper and the logic is there is make the case under the right conditions. If the baffle is set up correctly and the room conditions are right you could extend the useable frequency range of the 3.7 down further. I am super curious to measure the two positions I have tried to see how my perception vs reality show.

With a set of Ohm Walsh 2000s that I had I could measure them down to 20 hz in Dirac with useable base down 3 db. Which well exceeded their lower 30s spec. But there was some weird acoustic fun going on in the room. Hoping I won the lottery again in this new room and setup. We shall see. :)

 

RE: VTV Amplifier - Hypex and Purifi Amps, posted on October 7, 2020 at 09:39:30
Accurus
Audiophile

Posts: 131
Joined: April 27, 2006
 Just got the VTV NC1200 last night to test with my 3.7s. I need to get some different terminations to make sure I can hook up the 3.7s and DWMs nicely so I have stressed tested the amp with a 2 ohm load. Sound wise with just the 3.7s I would say it is a very impressive sounding amplifier. On first impression it makes my Mark Levinson seem dark, less dynamic, and having a strong midrange. The Ncore sounds dynamic, controlled, detailed, and what seems at times to be a little sharp. Not quite sure what it is just yet I need the amp to break in more and listen a bit more to understand what I am hearing. All of this is with the stock op-amps so the sound can only improve from here.

I know there area threads on issue VTV build quality out there. Honestly I am not seeing anything that makes me question the quality at all. The chassis is very nice. The plugs are firmly in place. There are some things that could make it next level audiophile level like more esoteric binding posts, but that isn't a build quality. At the price this amp is a steal and based on initial listening I would say this amp can match anything sub 3-5k.

 

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