Removing a ZERO from the price of amps

Some other brands are less cagey about what else goes into the case.

https://www.apollonaudio.com/apollon-audio-purifi-1et400a-stereo-amplifier-input-buffer-board/

Here is a comparison of the Purifi based 2 channel stereo amps from VTV and NAD:

Cost: The C-298 NAD is $2K plus shipping and maybe tax.  The VTV stereo amp is $979 with free shipping (30 day money back) with the stock Hypex single dual op amp per channel.  If you want the Pro Sparko Labs discrete op amps with Sparko Labs regulators on each channel then it is $1350 with free shipping.  Mono blocks using the Sparko labs combo are $1800.

Warranty:  Same for both....2 years.

Sound:  I would think the basic $979 VTV and the $2K NAD would sound close. NAD does not say what kind of buffers are used in their amp but says there are separate regulators for the "op amps"....as in more than one.  You only need one buffer on the input of the Purifi module....that is what VTV uses in all their versions.  The simpler and purer the signal path the more pure the sound.  There is also a gain setting pot on the NAD and it is common knowledge that cheap pots are not pure sounding.  Look at what serious manufacturers do to make a serious pot. The Sparko labs version of the VTV would have just one better sounding discrete op amp in the signal path in front of the Purifi module.  No doubt this version would sound better than the NAD.

Versatility: The NAD has RCA as well as XLR inputs.  However, you can simply get a pair of RCA to XLR adapters and plug them into the VTV.  You do realize that balanced sounds better.  The NAD has a bridging switch.  Really, how many people are going to use this?  Bridging is best for higher impedance speakers.  If you really need to drive low impedance, hard to drive speakers then it is best to use a more powerful amp that is not bridged.  VTV makes mono blocks using the NC1200 for that very purpose.  

Upgradability:  None with the NAD and extreme with the VTV (serious mods by myself.....EVS).  My mods can take stock VTV, Nord and Apollon amps to sonic levels that few have ever heard.

So, why would you buy a stock NAD?  Some do not know what goes on inside a component so buying from a conservative company like NAD seems safer.  Most have never had a component modded so they do not know the value of mods.  This is why I will be sending out amps on tour with the mods done so people can really hear what all the TWEAKING fuss is about......you will have your mind blown.

just like chefs and cooking

they can all start with the same ingredients, end of the day, it is about how the end product is seasoned and whether it tastes right to the head chef

measurements measure what can be measured, often it is what cannot be measured that really matters

Anything as stupid as comparing warranties then advertising tweaks that would void warranties? Stick with the NAD, Apollon,March avoid the cheap VTV above all avoid useless tweaks.

I have been manufacturing products and modifying products for over 42 years. I have less than 1% unhappy customers. This includes over 100 modified CD, DVD, SACD and Blue Ray players (most of which were stock players that were sent in to mod so the customer got to hear the improvement), 100 Millennium DACs (see reviews in Audio Review), 15 Hand Made DACs, a dozen amps make last year using highly modified IceEdge modules, hundreds of passive preamps including the Ultimate Attenuators (class A rated in Stereophile for 7 years), hundreds of Ground Enhancers (ear tuned litz wire ground enhancer for amplifier), etc. etc.

So, those that have heard what I do love it and know that I improve their product or that the product is a superior product. Then there are others with no direct experience with my products (listening tests) who think what I do is "useless tweaks". Is it useful to believe someone with no experience? Or is it more useful to believe those that actually tried something? You can look at a pile of apples and decide that a particular apple you would never want......then someone comes up to the vendor and buys that apple and takes a bite and right in front of you says....Man, this is the best apple I have ever tasted. Are you willing to expand your state of experience? Taste it, you might like it. Way over 1000 customers say my apples are seriously good.....and that is after tasting them.

90% of what makes sound different (and better sometimes) cannot be measured.....at least, not at this time.  This factoid freaks out the measurement people.  I believe some measurements are needed (especially with regard to speakers).....however, most things that lower audible distortion need to be discovered and implemented by careful listening tests.  Most of the techniques I use are ideas I got from reading or talking to others.  Some things I have discovered on my own.  Once you realize that "everything makes a difference".......then you have an infinity of possibilities.  This is what makes this game fun.  It never ends, you are always learning and growing and the sound just keeps getting better.  I wish you all an ever expanding joy.