2. amps-preamps
  3. 184363-125130

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
erik_squires
15,912 posts
 

I have to tell you I could not tell my ICEpower units apart from the Parasound Halo amps I bought, so I sold the Parasound. :) 

dbt's avatar
dbt OP
71 posts
 

@erik_squires I appreciate your feedback.  I’ve been getting that type of feedback from a lot of reviews and forums concerning the latest offerings from class D amps vs. owner’s expensive solid state or tube class A & AB amps.  So, it’s good to hear the technology is improving!

 

Thanks

jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
907 posts
 

The PS Audio M1200 is 1200as2 Tube hybrid.  12AU7 input stage.  I would really like to hear a pair of those with my Mullards in there.  I ran the S300 fronted by a Rogue RP-1 for years to good affect. 

PS Audio is just down the street from me and I am afraid to go over there 😀

 

 

 

erik_squires
15,912 posts
 

OP:  That was like 8 years ago!! :)  So I considered the entire class warfare of amps over with.

Mind you, I did go to Luxman eventually, but the issue of "it sounds like Class D" was nonsense.  My ICEpower beat out mega-buck Class A as well to my ears.  My Luxman beats both, but the point is, Class D is great, and you should feel confident when you find a Class D amp you like. 

dbt's avatar
dbt OP
71 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.

More to discover