VTV Purifi class D Amplifier with a tube input buffer board. Holographic and detail.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Happy Holidays. Patreon account: www.patreon.com/ThomasAndStereo Company website, non-affiliated link: vtvamplifier.com/product/vtv-amplifier-stereo-purifi-audio-1et400a-amplifier-with-vtv-vacuum-tube-buffer/ Help me get this video over 20k views. Just need 500 more views. What to listen for : kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHrThadriKdmlc0

[@Haksport]

💯💯

[@erics.4113]

Thomas what are those speakers in mr kantas setup that look like sonus faber toy towers? Are they modded toys or did sonus have a version with those gold looking dust caps on the mid driver?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

@@erics.4113 I think sonus faber grand piano.

[@erics.4113]

@@ThomasAndStereo yah. You actually mentioned it right after I took the video off of pause! I should have continued watching first. 😐

[@Gelfandvladi]

@@ThomasAndStereo How dis you find the SF GP in the higher frequencies and the lower base?

[@wdroba]

VTV, give Thomas the amp. It's the very least you could do for his tears and this honest review. You are awesome Thomas!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Lol! I have already sent it back.😭😭😭

[@bruceandt]

I very much enjoyed my education on Class D plus Tubes. Thomas, you have a gift in explaining tech. Thanks for a great view.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stevemqn4053]

Me smiling listening to my CDs with my 90s Marantz AVR, E30 Dac, and Fosi Tube buffer with GE 5654w tubes. Not High end... but pretty dang great sound! Great video!

[@davidfairchild1640]

Great review, Thomas. I have a Schitt Freya+ in tube mode feeding a pair of Nuprime ST-10M monoblocks, and it sure sounds sweet to me.

[@topspin4hand]

Thanks!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

So sorry I missed this message, thanks a lot.

[@markw7303]

prob the most useful review in a long time , these should be 1 of 3 options for any one building a budget system

[@ubacow7109]

I don't think Class D at this point is flawed at all, I think the "body" and "Dryness" is just that it's textbook perfect clean, we're just accustomed to not hearing this without distortion and imperfections. You can dirty it back up again with pre-amps, tubes, processing to get it to be whatever you want it to be, but otherwise the modern high end Class D is perfect for speakers. There's also the THX AAA designs which I think are true end game. They're even further beyond it but there's only one option for this which would be the Benchmark AHB-2 with class AB. Otherwise I think modern class D is the way to go for everything.

[@paulgyro]

Here here, couldn't have said it better myself.

[@OlivierK.]

I'll add that it is mainly the high damping factor of Class D designs that plays a role here. High damping is more precise but it results in a faster roll-off of (especially bass) frequencies, which makes the end result sound faster / more dynamic but also more dry. I own a Class D (Purifi) amplifier with an adjustable damping factor, switchable between 700 (standard) and 70, the latter being more in line with traditional Class A/B amplifiers. Setting the damping to 70 creates a sound very close to what we are used to with traditional amplifiers, and the default setting of 700 creates a faster, cleaner, but also slightly more dry sound.

[@hidjedewitje]

@@OlivierK. Actually, a typical damping factor of ~10 is more than enough. The effects on frequency response are very small beyond that. Besides that, making a switchable output impedance that behaves similarly to the output impedance of an amplifier is really hard with completely altering the amplifier. This is because the output impedance of an amplifier is dependant on the control loop. Typically the open loop output impedance is the Rdson of the mosfet + output inductor. You should divide this by the loopgain of the amplifier. The output impedance of BJT amplifiers is even more tricky as their output impedance depends on the current drawn.

[@chonasimpson6487]

I disagree perfect specs never move me and relax me and make me want to keep listening. I used to pick equipment based on specs and was let down and sold it immediately. The sound you describe pleases a lot of people but to my old ears is missing something that i crave in a system soul period. Saying this i have not had the luxury to try in my home system. If it beats my Joule Electra 160 Grand Marquis mono OTL amps i will be the first one to admit it. Accurate and pure sound is not pleasing to most people ears we are not robots well most of us anyway lol.

[@ubacow7109]

@@chonasimpson6487 that's kinda exactly what I just said though.... Humans typically aren't accustomed to hearing recorded content without distortion. The coloration for most people is enjoyable but otherwise distortion free sound is the perfect form of audio by textbook standards.

[@DougNoOnions]

Nice! You are the only reviewer I trust, Merry Christmas.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Happy holidays!

[@rndm4642]

Another great video for us enthusiasts! Thanks for what you do. Would be interesting to see a head-to-head of PS Audio’s tube buffered class D AMP and this VTV. More interesting, for me at least, would be a VTA ST-70 or 120 compared to your McIntosh 275.

[@Waderunner626]

Rogue Audio Sphinx has a Tube preamp, class D hypex modules, a linear power supply, toroidal transformer, a highly regarded adjustable phono stage, headphone amp and a remote for around $1500 US. Running CSS Criton 1TDX with superior crossover on it. Fed by Denaftrips Ares II and a Fluance RT 85. Holographic soundstage, amazing tone and timber. Listen to many genres. The tubes combined with class D can keep up with faster genres such as Japanese hardcore and d-beat. The bass is amazing. Leading and trailing edges of notes are just sublime on better recordings

[@ajzepp8976]

Im currently running Bel Canto 600m monoblocks (class D) with a Black Ice 360 tube preamp. Before that, had a Schiit Saga tube pre with a Class D Audio power amp. So I guess you could say I love class D paired with tubes 👍

[@67spankadelik]

I have a Peachtree Grand Pre which utilizes tubes. Paired with a D-sonic M3A-3000S Class D amplifier. Diving my Maggies (1.7s). And I love it. Very smooth with an iron grip on the speakers.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Very nice!

[@rig4365]

Actually aren't the peachtree integrated class d with a tube preamp section?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

@@rig4365 probably but this is a poweramp.

[@rig4365]

@@ThomasAndStereo ah right! thx

[@jamesrobinson9176]

I recently spent some time with a CJ ls17 and wyred 4 sound ref monos. Not perfect but darn good

[@mosfet500]

Thomas, an update. I'm now building DHT preamps for my class D and they sound great! So maybe you might want to explore that avenue and keep your project alive! Have a wonderful holiday. ps: I'm waiting for boards to come in from my board house and if I get enough amps together I'll send you one to play with, we're only about 400 miles apart, I'm in the Catskills of NY.

[@Audiorevue]

The more and more I hear class d amplifiers the more and more I have the impression that they're very speaker-dependent. Like you could have any brand of speakers you can think of and hook up a class a b McIntosh or an audio research solid state amp or whatever and you can get pretty decent sound that's enjoyable by many people however I think because of the neutrality of class d amplifiers they really show off and allow a speaker to show off what it truly sounds like. I was up the mind up until about 6 months ago that class d wasn't all that great until I'm at a gentleman through work and had an opportunity to hear his system. He's got some nice JBL studio 580 floor standers hooked up to a VTV NCORE amp. He mostly streams and I tell you what though I was blown away by the sound quality coming out of that thing and it's not hyperbole to say that it was the first class d setup that I've ever heard that I thoroughly enjoyed listening to

[@royphair9676]

My stereo consists of the rotel rb 1572 class d power amplifier at 250 watts a channel both channels driven at full frequency into 8 ohms using a myryad pure class a pre amp sounds smooth and sweet with so much contol and composure all for less than 600 pounds the power amp was puchased second hand and my pre amp the company went bust was a complete steal at 120 pound I just love the combo just waiting for my arcam st60 streamer to turn up now as I type fingers crossed great content as ever

[@PaulMaison]

Thomas, don't give up on your dream. What you should be looking to design is a hybrid integrated amp with tube input board and class D amp section.

[@bradbortner2601]

Yes, that is why I like my rogue sphinx v3! tube input into class D amp, with linear power supply

[@LeoRousseau]

Hi Brad, Are you running on the factory JJ tubes? I have the same amp with the Gold Lion's and just curious what other people are running.

[@bradbortner2601]

@@LeoRousseau I’ve tried several tubes (Millard, brimars), but I also have settled on the gold lions. They have a nice sound, and the rest are too expensive and are hit and miss in terms of longevity. I’d rather stick with new production, so I know I can get more if need be.

[@LeoRousseau]

@@bradbortner2601 Thanks for the reply! Sounds like we're on the same track! Happy Holidays!

[@frostycanada6404]

Hello Thomas, your best videos are when you are enthusiastic and excited about a product and you seemed like you had a ton of fun making this video. Your sentiment on heavy amps … funny but one of my criteria when shopping for a new integrated amp in 2019/2020 was size and weight and I often landed on class D designs. After much auditioning I landed on Sugden, and ordered their beautiful class D/A, ANV50 model which is reasonably light, run cool, not overly big and sound great to me. Love it! Wishing you and your family Happy Holidays. Brian

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks, and Happy holidays.

[@cobar5342]

Thank you for a very good video in a new direction

[@dominicvalois]

Wow! Nice find Thomas! Well I guess what we talked about yesterday is no use anymore... LOL! Great review as always!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Maybe, maybe not!

[@glissonj73]

I have a Peachtree Nova 300 and yes it sound great, but the sound can be bit dry and lacking in the midrange. Thanks goodness the Peachtree has a LOOP! I added a Black Ice Audio For SS-X tube buffer/sound expander and NOW its a different ballgame!!! +1 on Class D and Tubes 👍 Love your stuff Thomas.

[@a3marketing991]

Black Ice Audio SS-X tube buffer is very good. It brought new life to my system and really helped correct my room. Speaker placement has always been tough in my listening space and the SS-X took care of that.

[@pradeepreddy3744]

Great review Thomas, it shows how much you really enjoyed going through the process. Looks like it put a smile on your face and brought joy to you, thank you for bringing this out to us. Do you think similar level of fidelity and characteristics can be maintained by just using VTV amplifier with regular input stage without vacuum tube buffer but having Freya tube preamp?

[@Grizzly1644]

Tubes and class D mixing together has been around for many years. These days I prefer neutrality and accuracy. I personally run 3x NAD c298 amplifiers in an active setup. These amps use the Purifi modules. Smooth, detail, great dynamics, clarity and they hit hard. Roon handles filtering, PEQ and convolution. Great amplifiers.

[@anandshah71]

What are you doing for DSP. What’s the driver config if you can share

[@Grizzly1644]

@@anandshah71 Roon does all dsp and crossover. A a highlighted in the first post. Motu mk5 lite is my dac. 3 way speaker config.

[@snomofilms]

Thomas- you’re the man.

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

🤔 THOMAS…YOU JUST SAVED YOURSELF A TON OF HEADACHES AND PROBLEMS AND GOT THE ANSWER TO YOUR DREAMS… SO BUY IT AND START ANOTHER DREAM 💭🤗😍😍😍

[@fletchermunson6225]

I recently added some Shuguang 6sn7 tubes to my Freya + Really nice. Got them from Amazon.

[@ryanb8487]

Great video and happy holidays Thomas. Been meaning to email you, still waiting for my dac to come in. My freya has got a bit of a buzz going on as well. Sure like the idea of class D. My vivcent t100 run 500w each they ate solid state with tube buffer.

[@radomirlilic2472]

One day quite a few years back I connected my tube preamp to class D Rotel power amp and really liked it. At that time Class D amps were considered to be inferior to AB or Class A amps but still I liked the results so much that I have purchased Synthesis Roma 37DC+ integrated and was floored with the sound. Since I have it for few years back already IMHO this is the way to go and I agree with Thomas that tubes and class D amps have a synergy to it. I am currently building my second system and wants to go really small and bought Pro-Ject Pre Box DS2 analogue and looking to get Purify Eigentakt amp for it. This VTV amp is also big favorite for my second system. Will be better than Synthesis that I own? I do not know but the journey is worth it... also maybe a worth mentioning is that I like to try Gallium Nitride amp as I heard good things about it. Maybe Thomas will review one soon!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Nice, thanks for sharing.

[@Revelator2025]

A wonderful combo I’m currently using is the AGD Audion GaN amps with Supratek preamp. Beautiful synergy! Details and smoothness with bloom. :)

[@eViperRabbit]

Do you think the tube buffer in the VTV is necessary if a high quality tube preamp like Supratek is used?

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

I see the nice sparkos ss3602 inside the amp 😃 Got 4 in the burson 😃 Their good been curius about this amp

[@ufarkingicehole]

I hope you are able to compare this to a Benchmark that's $3,000. I am also curious how both will sound to Jeff Rowland being all have the same opamps. Does your bel canto have the same purifi opamp? I just bought a Crown xls 2502 earlier today to drive a pair of open baffles with a 15 and 18 in each cabinet. I'm looking for the best way to go for mids and highs to match the majority of the sound spectrum . I'm convinced a variation of class d will be the future. I also Hope you get to try the Freya +

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I think Bel canto uses ICE modules but maybe their latest stuff is different. Yeah, Schiit, if you are reading this, send me your Freya +!

[@ufarkingicehole]

@@ThomasAndStereo 👍 👍

[@hoobsgroove]

I had a dream speech it had to come lol merry Christmas why don't you make your amplifier into gain stage tube buffer? just swapped out the op-amps on the gain stage four tubes.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yeah, that is a possible future.

[@audiorick841]

I am ready to pull the trigger on this amp and I see they offer a newer Purifi Module, the 1et7040sa. It claims more power and less distortion which was already good. Other than the claims on paper I can’t find anything speaking to audible differences or sonic benefits of the new version. I thought I had my mind made on the 400A Purifi but now feel I should at least get more information on the new module before I pull the trigger. Would love to see you review the same amp with the new purifi 1et7040sa. Unless you heard it already and can help me out 😊

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I have not heard it, email then and suggest them to send me a review sample!

[@audiorick841]

@@ThomasAndStereo I emailed VTV and they are working on an input tube buffer for the 7040SA. Not the same as the 400A. I think this will be a very interesting amp with tube buffers and also available in dual mono power supplies configuration.

[@paolocruz8392]

This reminded me of "the missing link" X10-D Musical Fidelity tube buffer.

[@Rickzolla]

Another great review. Your honesty is always refreshing. I'm very pleased using my Freya OG with a Mytek Brooklyn Amp+, driving Magnapan .7s.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks, congrats on your system.

[@marcopignone9386]

Similar to my setup... Freya Plus with a Hypex digital amp (Buckeye Amps... very affordable) and .7s...

[@dang5469]

'Project Stereo Box RS' tube buffered Class D amp with Project DAC Box RS sounds amazing.

[@billbones1000]

Nice one Thomas!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@LuxAudio389]

Excellent review and comparisons. 👍

[@andrewsmith3121]

What happened to your Freya? I just sent my Yggy, Ragnarok and Freya+ back to Schiit to get them serviced after a lightning stike hit in the neighborhood. Even though I told them about thee lightning, they just fixed the Yggy and Ragnarok and sid the Freya+ had no issues and returned them...at no cost. I didn't even have to pay for return shipping. I was shocked, but very happy. Using the Yggy, Frey+ and the Doge 10 and couldn't be happier.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

My freya, the volume just drop by half. Congrats on your system.

[@normally624]

Had a lightning strike which took out my Melco music storage device and another device elsewhere in house , the spike came via the internet cable , which is a hybrid system and is strung between power poles along the street . Like you I was very happy with service from Buffalo Computers in Japan and didn’t cost anything except for a case of wine which went to the importers . Anytime I hear thunder everything gets unplugged from the modem .

[@stevesneed56]

Great video Thomas! Sometimes simpler is better! I have an inexpensive tube hybrid with 2 12rx7's Salk monitors, and Nad cd player! Of course with good recordings the Soundstage, Soundstage depth is incredible! I listen mostly at night,and there are deep corridors of sound, and floating decay stretching like pulled taffy! I've tweeked the system to sound very balanced which has been( though time consuming) very rewarding! Tubes are the ticket !!

[@MrBonger88]

Seems like a great idea. What is the input impedance with the tubes in place?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Good question! Have to ask them.

[@Silverlining1111]

Do I still need a tube buffer VTV amp if I have a tube pre amp? And what if tube buffer + Weiss op amp? 🙏👍

[@gilpatmore4312]

Thanks for doing this!

[@t0nyxgq]

Quick question Thomas, how does this compare to the Billi Amp?

[@IamVintage72]

Hi Thomas. I still have the R 200s and nothing else. 6 months. I have such a hard time making a decision. I spoke to my Mother about this and she says I've been this way since I was a kid in the candy store and I'm all grown up and in a totally different candy store but it's still hard. I was going to get the Yamaha rxa4a. I really like the look of it but it's been out of stock. I looked into xtz edge a2-300 yesterday and thought I could get a Emotiva Pt-1 for it and be able to get sound from the TV or just the separates for music. I have a sub too. But then I heard a demo with the iotavx sa3 . It was a newish vid with some nice bookshelf speakers I'd never heard of. Anyways I entered my credit card number and got to the last step and 🐔 chickened out like always. Too much candy in the store for me to decide 😫. Ps. Happy holidays and Happy new year and thank u for the wonderful videos u put out this year. They are always top notch 👌 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@ThomasAndStereo]

In your case, buy gear that allow return so there is no regrets.

[@IamVintage72]

@@ThomasAndStereo thanks.

[@ChiefExecutiveOrbiter]

I was just thinking about who knows about good D-class amplifiers so thought of Thomas. BOOM this popped up lol. Question Thomas: I'm getting my first pair of biampable speakers. I have two very different but good amps (1 A/B + 1 Pure A class) but I understand D-class is the way to go for low end bass. Not wanting to spend an arm and a leg what do you recommend for a D class on the bottom end of the bi amp. (If at all) 350-500$ US max...if you got time, Thanks. Would be going with a emotiva basX A-100, more than enough for the high end frequencies but would like a suggestion for the low end amplification. 🙏🎄

[@ThomasAndStereo]

In the more affordable world, I would say go for one good amp instead of 2 mediocre amps.

[@ChiefExecutiveOrbiter]

@@ThomasAndStereo all right then, I'll just hook up my BasX with my old Japanese pma720 Denon then. Thing is grimey but athoritive, it will not let any speaker slack on the job.

[@JingoLoBa57]

Fascinating… the linearity remains an issue of the class d amp but the softness of the tube buffer is that rolled off highs? and fleshed out mids does improve the overall sound. But I still find the linearity an artificial experience. That class A/AB doesn’t have. Fascinating.

[@jwiggins1229]

Rogue Audio has the Dragon and Hydra Class D with a tube buffer, Audio By Van Alstine has the Fet Valve 600R Hybrid. Never heard the Fet Valve but all 3 reviewed excellent... Should have kept the Dragon I had cause it is silky, but I had to cure a itch to try something else.

[@AudioTnT]

Great review. Succinct and focused. Surely there must be a Class D w tube buffer kit under $1K somewhere? If this was an integrated amp with tube preamp stage, would the tube input buffer still be required? BTW, instant noodles aren't that cheap anymore. Wine & cheese might be a good substitute, plus music sounds even better 😌.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

well I am still looking for a good one under $1k. It is hard in the sense the cost of the purifi modules is already over $1k.

[@Landoverse]

Thomas, greatly appreciate your focus on Class D! Would love to hear your thoughts on how the Legacy i-V series, which is a gorgeous-looking non-tubed Class D cheaper than the PS Audio, measures up to tubed Class D amps like this. Legacy’s infrastructure is apparently pretty bare-bones; just the amp module and some fancy grounding. Yet it seems to have some fans (including yours truly; it drives the hell out of my B&W’s without turning the tweeters into a torture device).

[@robertburton295]

Appreciate your videos Thomas please let me know if you ever come out with amplifier I would love to buy one Believe if you was ever to produce one it would be top drawer brother!

[@dkerlee]

I was thinking about this pairing you mentioned was real good: VTV Purifi with tube input buffer AND the Schiit Freya + also with tubes. Wouldn’t you only want tubes in one part of that system? One of the devices adds the tight sweetness of tubes, while other is transparent and true and revealing. ?

[@Kairo1985]

super cool video. thank you

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thank you too

[@garavonhoiwkenzoiber]

how does this stand in comparison with the NCx500 mk ii with it's op-amp buffer?

[@dennisbohner6876]

Vincent did mix Classes of amplification for some time. Since I am not a STEREO guy, it wasn't for me, but they got very good reviews..

[@dennisbohner6876]

At least you reveal your objectives which is not PERFECT reproduction.

[@m.9243]

Wow! Thomas, the tube preamp is doing its " magic" quite clearly! The ambiance of the recording is so much more evident, even through the compressed sound of Y.T. The direct feed from the DAC is very clear but, it can be also be described as a bit lifeless. Too "dry" for my liking.. There's certainly a good case for Tubes here. Happy Christmas to you and your family from a boiling East Coast of Australia.🇦🇺

[@WhiteBubblySoup]

Where can I hear more about the tube integrated you're building?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I will have more details next year.

[@OrchardAudio]

This is exactly what many of my customers do. Tube preamp into my GaN amps.

[@robertgruber982]

Great review. Curious though if you need a tube pre like the Freya to get it sounding its best, could you just go with a standard VTV without the tubes? Or do the tubes in the pre and the tubes in the power amp really needed for the best sound?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

There is still a difference between both because I used the Freya with my own am that has no tune input buffer.

[@AbhishekKumar-ic8tn]

@@ThomasAndStereo Great review..if i may ask how different do the tube buffer amp and the one with default buffer sound, when are fed with Freya. Is the difference substantial keeping in the cost differences ?

[@gezor20]

have you heard of the new Purifi 1ET7040SA based VTV amp? Supposedly better in the low end..

[@jamesderby4522]

Well done, wow.

[@michaelwesterlund5729]

Great video, Thomas. I must say that my favorite amplifiers (I own) are NYAL Moscode 300 and White/Llano hybrids. They all have tube input and SS output. And I suspect the PS Audio BHK sounds quite good. Why not Class.D with tube input? Great vision you had well before others. Sorry it did not take off for you. What’s next on your “idea” list?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I will build an amplifier instead.

[@santabanta6988]

Hi Thomas, I have watched this video numerous times and want to pull the trigger on this combo of VTV & Schitt pre amp. Want your advice on if these would be equally good combination for a Home theater setup with 80% movies and 20% music. The reason I ask is that I have read the low end may not be as good and few people suggest to bi amp to overcome it. Can you please share your thoughts when you get a chance? Really appreciate all the wonderful work you share with us.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

If you are getting it mostly for movies, then probably you don't need the tube buffer, regarding the bass, the problem is not that is has no bass but it has class D bass. I explained class D bass in my latest video.kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3iqf6ataa6mp9k

[@santabanta6988]

Thank you very much Thomas for taking the time to reply🙏

[@francisdelacruz6439]

If you HV a tube pre amp would you still need a tube buffer for the new gen Class D amp? Like a pre amp with the NAD C298 Class D Amp? Listened to a demo of the Mcintosh Hybrid Amp MC 901 with built in crossovers between tube and solid state amp for bi wirable speaker. That sounds fantastic, don't think this Class D sound similar. But if you can tune an Amp to sound like that your multimillion dollar dreams is still alive! The sound is just wow. The wow factor that you aim for in building cost no object systems. ..

[@quantumacousticav]

So would you recommend this amplifier if we like warm sound?

[@84PILOU84]

I hope you will test the new Cayin Soul 170i soon. I love your test !

[@zimmysoundsoff9506]

Thx Thomas - I was wondering - going back and forth - should I, shouldn't I try the Freya tube pre with my Wyred4Sound sx1000r mono's. I think I'll just have to go for it. I would describe my Class D's as you have and 'am trying to get the improvements you're talking about. Maybe great minds really do think alike....

[@PanAmStyle]

The 6922 is a good tube and along with a vintage Rogers Canada 6DJ8, is a co-favourite for my DECware Zen amp UFO. I *slightly* prefer the Rogers, but I can live with either.

[@antonellacucchiara9531]

do a video on today stash of nos tubes and weiss op amp please.

[@rajivjoshi5714]

Thanks Thomas for this and all the other reviews. I just Patreon-ed you, as I have been recently watching your videos a lot. Find them most enriching and informative. I have set my eyes on the VTV Purify with the tube input buffer. But then, I am also just about to order the Topping Pre90 preamp based on your review for this device, but now have two thoughts. Will the Topping Pre90 work well with the VTV Purify, or should I rather go for the Freya plus with tubes? I was thinking that the Freya plus and the tube input buffer on the VTV may end up being too much tube sound for me (not sure really). I think I like my sound analytical and detailed without color on the vocals and midrange. I also like listening at rather low volumes. Would appreciate your thoughts..

[@josecaldeiraphotographer]

You should try this philips mcd909 class D with tubes preamp. This idea its not new, philips already did it and it sounds amazing, you can buy it second hand very cheap.

[@rajendrabareto8065]

Please compare it with Marantz 2215b @ low volume and let me if it is better. Then I can believe it is better to spend so much money or not.

[@fearwolfbrewery5014]

Do you remember which op-amps were in the input buffer?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

No sorry, just email them.

[@bernardosilva7306]

My trick is to use my Little Dot Mk2 headphone tube amp as a pre to my Purifi EVAL1 kit. Try, it’s far cheaper :)

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Nice!

[@revamp777]

Yeah, great idea dry digital going through wooly soft tubes .

[@philippedeschenes470]

Hi Thomas! Have you ever tried Copland hybrid products, such as their CSA 100? Would love to hear your comments and how it compares

[@BeanieHead1500]

Thomas, how different is this design from Rogue Audio's Sphinx integrated, which also uses 2 tubes in the pre-amp stage?

[@veritas932]

another value added review from Thomas...I've always wondered what it will be like with pairing a tube input buffer to a Class D output. Let's face it, the Class A monoblocks are big, heavy and can be used to heat your house in winter. ClassAB is not that large, but for the 300 watts per channel class, it's still pretty hefty. Class D is bringing 21st century concept of small, light weight concept (just look at ear buds, Mac Air notebooks, etc) to mainstream audio technology. Much easier to convince your spouse to have a Class D amp in the living room than a Class A or Class AB amp. With custom cabinets, they can even be made to disappear.

[@davidmusoke]

In this listening comparison test, the direct configuration is better. No "out-of-phase" sound as I heard with the tube combination. Just all clear sounds in this case.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Sure, if that is what you prefer, nothing wrong with it.

[@wargamingx5212]

Sir, I bought 2 class D amplifiers and they compresses the sound stage but my cheap old Class A amplifier produces the actual sound stage coming from device. Why this is happening? My class D amps are - Aiyima tpa3116d2 amp & Xini audio xyt100l.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Well, if you want good soundstage from a class D amp, you would need to go way higher end.

[@wargamingx5212]

Sir, which can I buy , tube preamp or good amplifier like aiyima A07 in class D for bigger sound stage ?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I don't have an Aiyima A07 so I don't know the best match, you can try pulling your speakers out from the wall to start to see if you can get a bigger soundstage.

[@willisintacoma]

Thomas do you think I can run the vanilla set up in the amp if I paired it with a tube Musical paradise mp-701mk2. Or what opp board would you suggest ? Thank you for what you do. It's much appreciated.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Interesting, I have the vanilla and 701 at my home, I might give it a try for the upcoming MP701 review.

[@willisintacoma]

@@ThomasAndStereo that would be awesome. Please do I would love it. Also I was thinking to pair the 701 with a patasound A21+ but this VTV purifi has me thinking.

[@androwerks6665]

hi, so I have JUST ordered the Purifi Eigentakt EVAL1... So now I wonder what components I would need to purchase to reach the tube-y level of the VTV? I am not so familiar with all the terms.. I did not totally understand from the video if this is possible? Apart from the power supply and other components.. thank you

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Pair it with a tube preamp.

[@androwerks6665]

@@ThomasAndStereo one final question, I am now looking into the Schiit Freya tube amp and have a good offer; however you clearly stated "the original Freya"; did you explicitly mean the non-plus version? Or just the non-Super version that has no tubes? If specifically the "non-plus" version, I would be super interested in your opinion, thank you for your time

[@nasserbehnegar174]

Hi Thomas, Do you recommend this amp to someone who listens mostly to classical music? Does it have enough headroom and a good sense of the decay of notes?

[@williamfoster1034]

I bought a beautiful Onkyo class D integrated amp around 2008. It sounds completely sterile but looks beautiful in all silver. Haven't plugged it in for a decade. I can't get my arms around ever using class D again.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Maybe 13 years of technological advancement will change your mind.

[@williamfoster1034]

@@ThomasAndStereo I bought the Willsenton R8 based on your review. I upgraded to Genalex KT88s and I'm in audio nirvana. Class D may be great but I'm happy as a clam with what I have. I love the channel but I'm keeping it old school for the time being!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

@@williamfoster1034 Congrats! The R8 is definitely a good buy.

[@milesdufourny4813]

Wouldn't it be more effective to use vacuum tubes in the driver stage (like what is done with some MOSFET amps) that would have far more sonic benefits. Tube buffers have a subtle effect at best.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Perhaps, I am not a designer so I dont' know.

[@njalbrekke4861]

What opamp selection did you choose when asked on the website?

[@dilbyjones]

Another great vid! Does this thing sound great when pushed? ( sorry if I missed that )

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I don't know because I never push the volume at my place.

[@dilbyjones]

@@ThomasAndStereo understood ty

[@normally624]

Hi Thomas , Thankyou for your reviews always succinct and entertaining , although this one had me a little confused as you stated the ‘original Schiit Freya’ as the valve Pre , and from what I can see on the Schiit website the Freya+ is the only one with four valves . I was considering the Plus for my own Purifi as I have a valve hybrid as my pre but it doesn’t have the tube sound . It seems I’m going to have wait though as there’s a two month backlist on orders . All the best wishes Leigh Hi again , I think I understand what you meant , the one on screen not being the original as it’s the replacement one .

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Freya+ is the 2nd gen. I have the first gen that looks exactly the same but is not. I have never heard the 2nd gen.

[@Morido-1]

Hi Thomas. I prefer a smooth top end class D amp. Which amp would you say I would suit my preference ? The XTZ a200 or the VTV ? Thanks

[@javiermiranda3474]

Did you tested adding the Topping Pre-Amp?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

No I have returned it.

[@mkshffr4936]

So what is the circuitry? With 2 tubes it is obviously not just cathode followers and such would not likely have much sonic signature. It would not easy to implement as input anyway due to the high grid voltage Are they anode followers with cathode follower output? Any gain? That should be a good tube for low supply voltage. What is the B+? Do the tubes supply all of the voltage gain or are they just stuck on in front of a fully functional amp?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Have to email and ask them.

[@mkshffr4936]

@@ThomasAndStereo Or you could take it apart and draw out the schematic. 😉😄

[@Jack96993]

Very informative vid!! So l have an old school Spectron musical MK ll class D amp and it's a beast at 54 lbs! that l use to drive my Maggie's I use it with my ARC LS15 tube preamplifier So with this combination do you think l'm achieving the same sound quality with my tube pre amp? I think my setup sounds amazing, but never had a class D amp before to compare

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Well if it sound amazing, that is all that matters! I don't know since I have never heard those gear you mentioned but really, don't worry about it, you have something amazing already.

[@Jack96993]

@@ThomasAndStereo Thank you for your reply I use to live in Oakville and now in the states If this covid nonsense ever goes away I'll make a trip to Toronto and swing by your audio store If my old Spectron goes up in a puff of smoke, l might consider the VTV as a replacement

[@ThomasAndStereo]

@@Jack96993 Lol, I don't have an audio store, just a normal hobbyist with a camera!

[@Jack96993]

@@ThomasAndStereo Opps!! Maybe it was all that stereo gear l saw! Well maybe its time to start one as they are hard to find these days

[@psyphonyxaudio]

Is VTV still viable these days? I came across this looking for my next amp. I am shopping around for something.

[@seanlefebvre438]

Thomas, Sorry your Dream of sailing into the sunset was unfortunately broken …I know that feeling! All things considered, it’s definitely a concept that I actualized with the namesake amps; my PS Audio M1200 Monoblocks paired with an Audio GD HE1 Fully balanced Tube preamp driving my Audio Vector R3 Arrete…it’s a more than a match made in heaven. Come have a listen sometime (in Montreal). Would love your opinion on how to improve my set up 😊 ~Best,

[@ThomasAndStereo]

😥😥😥thanks, once this Covid thing calm down, I should.

[@seanlefebvre438]

@@ThomasAndStereo Would love that - thank you 🙏 😊 In the meantime Happy Holidays to you and your family. Been following you for a long time and candidly, you’re probably one of the best You Tubers around…Very polished, genuine and ingenious. Keep safe and healthy Thomas! ~Best,

[@BowmanDk1]

Hi Thomas. Thanks for your reviews, I like your mix of both subjective and more objective observations. My question is, what is "best", a tube preamp and good up-amp based inputs i the Purifi amp, or tube buffers and maybe direct connected to the dac? Thanks, H. Hokland, Denmark

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I would always prefer to have a preamp in the chain. In this case, a tube preamp + this vtv class D amp = great.

[@bouboisse]

Hi Thomas ! Great video as always. I have a question for you. Is the VTV Purifi better than the Willsenton R8 in therms of bass control, airiness, holographic and weight of the midrange ? See, I have the Martin Logan Request (bought from Denis thanks to you) and I want to add some warmth (and the caracteristics just mentionned). I currently run them with the Crown xls2502 (because I don't have a warp core!), Cambridge Audio 840a as pre-amp and Topping D90. I just wanted to have your wisdom on that. Tahnk you !

[@ThomasAndStereo]

For me the ML are holographic enough that I don't know if a tube amp is the best choice. With the Quad 2905, tubes doesn't really add as much to the sound stage when compared to a normal speaker. If you are in Montreal, email me and perhaps you can borrow my amp to try. [e-mail]

[@franky2shoes660]

Ha! You took idea, and ran with it....I ran2 mini 12be6 radio tubes as 1st stage and some kind of 80w x2 (ya right) TDA classed power stage. BTW I'm listening on my home brew 3 stage SE class A ultra linear tube amp. Complement as follows 6J1 (pre/1) 7C5E (interstage) E34l (revamped EL34) power, all tubes are ultra linear mode pentodes.

[@steverees1936]

Hi Thomas. This subject is very much a great interest to me for quite some time. I've been looking at a very similar idea with combining a Primaluna preamp to class D monoblocks. Would that give the same outcome as your idea? It is still connecting the smooth sounding tubes with class D amps. Thanks for this video and have a great Christmas and New year.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

If the synergy is good, yes.