New to Class D / Purifi - thoughts before I purchase, details below


I am considering this amp; your comments, experience, and insights are appreciated. 
Stereo Purifi Audio 1ET6525A Dual Mono Rack Mount Case Amplifier
Stereo Input Buffer: VTV Buffer WIth Staccato opamps

It will be combined with a pair of Totem Forest tower speakers and Gustard DAC x26 Pro. Thank you! 

(I am replacing my vintage B&K Ex 4220 amp, died) 

mendef

I’d recommend a real separate preamp instead of the input buffers. I use a switcher switching between

1. Streamer -> ICEpower 1000ASP dual mono amp (B&W 802 speakers)

2. Streamer -> Audio Research LS27 tube preamp -> ICEpower amp

3. Streamer -> Pioneer SC-LX904 AVR

 

I don’t think I can tell the difference blind between all three and I can barely tell the difference if I knowingly switch between 1-3. I would need headphones to bring out the difference.

 

I believe class D is so fast that it mitigates the effects of input buffers or preamps.

 

I also don’t think paying up for various class D off the shelf modules for spec adds value. You would have to buy boutique class D amps like AGD or Laiv for value added differences.

 

btw, my preamp/tubes are neutral (my preference). I use a u-curve EQ from the streamer for my desired color. The tube preamp was a choice to add an additional layer to the sound. But honestly I'm not sure I can even hear the layering. I hear something slightly different but I can't identify what that something is, ie the layering or simply amplified tube noise. The edges might be slightly smoother but it's questionable. Also, the speakers produce measurable soundstage so I don't need psycho-acoustic soundstage from an amp or preamp.

I went from Bryston 4bsst(loved) to Orchard Audio Starkrimson ultra which uses Ganfet. Bigger soundstage, very resolving and of course super tight bass. I even went the DIY approach and saved $$$. Quad Artera pre, Denfrips Pontus dac , Revel be228 speakers. Good luck and enjoy the music!

I have the VTV Purifi 7040 dual mono amp with the Sparkos op-amps and Furtech wiring. Lots of current for my difficult KEF and Magnepan speakers.  Rogue pre-amp and Denafrips Pontus DAC.  Quite revealing, tight, and big soundstage. Crap recordings, typically of the pop genre, can be annoying at times.  At the other end of the end of the spectrum I have times when I have been brought to tears the music sounded so beautiful.