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Class D ICEpower 1200as2 vs. Purifi 1ET7040SA amplifiers

Greetings,

Has anyone compared the ICEpower 1200as2 vs. Purifi 1ET7040SA amplifier in their hifi setup?  Legacy Audio uses the ICEpower module in their i-V2 Ultra and Doug Schroeder did a nice review on it.  I first read about the i-V2 Ultra in Doug's review on the Pure Audio Project Trio15/Coax10 review.  I just ordered these speakers, so I am interested in this amp.  I researched a myriad of class D amps and I've narrowed down my interest to the following; GaNFet (AGD Audion), Purifi (Apollon w/Sparkos opamp), MOSFET (Bel Canto REF601M) and ICEPower (Legacy Audio I-V2 Ultra). 

 

I know ICEpower modules are older class D technology, but if they are equal or outperform the latest offerings, that's all that matters to me.  Plus, I understand they are reliable as they have been around for a long time. 

 

I owned PS Audio's M700's and S300 amps which use ICEPower modules and they sounded really good, but I sold them several years ago to explore the world of tubes.  I'm back to solid state now and interested in the latest class D offerings.

 

Any impressions/experience with the icepower 1200as2 vs. Purifi 1ET7040SA amplifiers are welcomed.  I've already read good reviews on both of them, so a comparison between the two would be most helpful.  In addition, let me know if you have compared any of the class D amps in my list in the first paragraph.  I understand I need to hear them for myself, but I still appreciate your opinions!

 

Thanks in advance

128x128dbt
dbt's avatar
dbt OP
90 posts
 

@jbuhl I didn’t know the PS Audio 1200 was using the 2200as2?  Thanks for that information.  I really like PS Audio customer service, but I had an issue they couldn’t resolved with my Stellar Gain Cell DAC, so I don’t think I’ll be going down that road again.

 

Don’t visit PS Audio unless you want to have a pair of mono blocks loaded up and ready to take home because I’m confident they will impress you!😆

 

@erik_squires I literally just sold my Luxman L-509x last week.  It was very nice, but I plan to go back to separates, so I sold it.  I’m using my HEGEL H160 until I settle on a new amp to pair with my Holo Audio Serene KTE preamp.  Shockingly, the HEGEL sounds as good as my Luxman, but the Luxman has more sparkle on the top end.  The HEGEL manages the bass much better and a little warmer than my Luxman.  I loved my Luxman, but I don’t miss it.

blisshifi's avatar
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blisshifi
1,182 posts
 

I own a Minerva PurePower SE for my office / desktop setup, which uses the 1200AS2. It was also in a second system prior used with a variety of speakers. I also own the T+A A 200 amplifier which uses the Purifi Eigentakt modules. Of the two, I find the T+A amplifier to be perfectly linear AND smoother. The 1200AS2 in the Minerva is really clean, but its top end is a little sizzly and the midrange is thinner. The T+A A 200 with Purifi sounds much more natural. 

blisshifi's avatar
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blisshifi
1,182 posts
 

One other consideration is that the power section on the 1200as2 board has known to hum based on flaws on its design. When units exhibit this issue, the hum is low but can still be heard from a few feet away. It may be enough to slightly vibrate a chassis. 

jeffseight's avatar
jeffseight
574 posts
 

I hope to have an A/B comparison of several popular class D amps at the PNW AudioFest June 23-25th in Seattle. Come by for a listen!

 

testrun
231 posts
 

I moved from Primaluna integrated to Bel Canto 600 and ended up with AGD Audions.  Could not be happier.  The Primaluna seemed to be lacking headroom, Bel Cantos no life but the AGD had what I was looking for.   I still have tubes is the path as I use a Cary SLP-05.  End game stuff at my budget in my room.  Could not be happier.  Balance of system - Bricasti M1 Series 2, Joseph Audio Perspectives.  

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