VERA-FI Audio A40 Class-A Solid State Power Amplifier. First Look!

[@clarencehoover6748]

I’ve been enjoying Class A for the last thirty years. Previously I wasn’t satisfied sonically with other topologies, regardless of specs.

[@toneaudio178]

Agreed. I have to say this is my favorite. I love tubes, but this is 96% of the tube-y goodness without having to buy tubes!

[@uncola6028]

Nice hat 😂. I was hoping to see the vu meter needles bouncing

[@toneaudio178]

Hahaha. Sorry, KZbin is so fussy with copywrited music, I just was playing on the side of caution! Thanks for watching!

[@uncola6028]

@@toneaudio178 would you say it took 2 years for verafi to whip this amp into shape? :)

[@toneaudio178]

@@uncola6028 That's hard to say for sure from my end. The entire industry still has a few supply issues here and there, and I know that shipping has nearly tripled in the last few years, which sometimes forces manufacturers to wait to place bigger parts orders than they might not usually do, to cut down on shipping. And I can speak from experience, the last few years, communication with EVERYONE takes longer than it used to, so I wouldn't be surprised at any of this. Five years ago I'd say they were pulling your leg, but today? I can't tell you how many mfrs I know have gotten bad parts, chassis improperly machined, etc etc etc. The good news if this is the droid you want it's here. Hope that helps!

[@CarlVanDoren61]

Bring over Ampzilla ll & Coda v3 😊

[@clarencehoover6748]

The Vera-Fi site states “product is released on Feb 09 2025.” Do you have any additional feedback from the manufacturer on the availability of this amplifier? I presume you received a prototype or beta test unit for your evaluation? Thanks.

[@toneaudio178]

I did receive a final production model. They managed to build the first 50 - which are the ones offered at the intro price (I'm not sure how many are left. I think in terms of being safe, they are saying Feb for when the first major batch arrive. From what Mark Schifter has told me, he'd rather err on the side of being safe and saying "guess what they're here" in Oct or Nov than saying "sorry they aren't here yet" in December. I have to give him credit for that. But the amplifier I reviewed is final production.

[@clarencehoover6748]

@@toneaudio178Thank you for the detailed explanation. Much appreciated!

[@MarkSchifter-o4r]

In production now - thank you

[@toneaudio178]

@@MarkSchifter-o4r thanks for the reply!

[@De132an]

Any idea on input impedance? Any chance is tube preamp friendly at ~100K?

[@toneaudio178]

Don't know that exactly, however, I did use it with a vintage Conrad Johnson tube preamp, a new PrimaLuna tube preamp, and a new BAT preamp I have in for review, so I'd say not only are you safe, but it's a really nice combination. When I get my A40, I am going to look for another CJ PV12 or ARC SP9 to pair it up with. I sent a note to Mark at Vera-Fi and will report back asap!

[@johnbravo7542]

I need it to not be Chinesium