Yes, the Purifi module is class D and I agree that class D amps can sound too sterile. I had an NCore based class-D amp previously and that is how I would describe it.
However, the sound signature of amps based on the newer modules (particularly the Purifi) are going to depend more on the input driver design than the class D module. The Purifi module has vanishingly low noise and distortion, but limited gain (as well as low input impedance), so a front-end driver is required in most situations.
I believe (although I haven't personally heard) that the right input driver can create a sonic signature that is pretty similar to whatever you're looking for. I could be wrong, but I'm giving this a try myself by building a set of DIY monoblocks using the Purifi module so that I can experiment with different buffer/drivers. I'm planning to build (or buy) a few different options to see what works best in my system, including building a triode-based buffer.
The VTV amp I linked to above uses a triode buffer that looks interesting, but I think I'm going to design and build my own.
I think VTV has a pretty liberal return policy, so if it seemed like it might work for you, you could give it a try.
However, the sound signature of amps based on the newer modules (particularly the Purifi) are going to depend more on the input driver design than the class D module. The Purifi module has vanishingly low noise and distortion, but limited gain (as well as low input impedance), so a front-end driver is required in most situations.
I believe (although I haven't personally heard) that the right input driver can create a sonic signature that is pretty similar to whatever you're looking for. I could be wrong, but I'm giving this a try myself by building a set of DIY monoblocks using the Purifi module so that I can experiment with different buffer/drivers. I'm planning to build (or buy) a few different options to see what works best in my system, including building a triode-based buffer.
The VTV amp I linked to above uses a triode buffer that looks interesting, but I think I'm going to design and build my own.
I think VTV has a pretty liberal return policy, so if it seemed like it might work for you, you could give it a try.