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Purifi Based Amps - Any Opinions?

Hello all,

I've been trying to gather information and spur conversation regarding these class D amp modules over on the AVS forum as well as the Magnepan user group with virtually no interest. I know they're fairly new to the market so first hand experience is probably slim at this point. I thought I'd reach out here also.

I'm going to be diving back into some Magnepan speakers in the near future and I'm considering an amplifier based on these modules or a Hegel class AB amp. 

The distortion and wattage specs are really really good on the Purifi modules but I have some concern about the output current capability. Maggie's are known to like high current to sound their best and these modules max out at 25 amps per channel. 

Any thoughts and opinions will be appreciated.


Joe

joemags
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
I've heard nothing but good reviews about the Purifi modules. There is a guy that takes them one step beyond too. Changes a few things like fuses, wiring, solders direct, very few plugs... Suppose to be the Cats Meow.. 

Regards
tweak1
3,676 posts
 
The guy you’re thinking of is Ric Schultz, Tweak Audio.

I have his EVS 1200, which is based on IcePower 1200AS modules. It’s amazing. Others have commented on non modified 1200AS modules tossed into a chassis and found them not so great

He has a page up on his site you might consider to review
helomech
1,706 posts
 
I think it will depend on the Maggies in question. I drive .7s with an amp that's specified as having a max drive of 18 amps/ch. It's plenty of power for most music in a large room. 

The real concern is whether these Purifi amps can remain linear into low impedance speakers, a problem for many class D designs IME. What happens is you end up with no bottom octave bass. I'm not an EE so cannot say why this occurs, but I suspect the measurements performed on such amps fail to mimic real-world speaker loads in some cases. 

With most class AB amps, I have a good track record of predicting their success in driving these loads. The only potential issue that would concern me with Hegel is whether the specific amp has adequate cooling ability. Stereophile judged one of their amps as having "inadequate" heat-sinking for prolonged use. 

I've successfully used the Parasound Halo integrated to drive Maggies. An amp like the A21 is a safe bet. 
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