Finally got a chance to compare these ampfliers today! A quick summary, pardon me not very good with describing how it went, but will try my best as below base on my memory today.
There were 4 of us present, we just tested it for Stereo. In a nutshell, the China Clone Purifi is a Stereo amp coming in at approx SGD850 landed, The apollon monoblock purifi 1ET400 cost SGD1.8k at time of purchase, x2 will be $3.6k. At today’s price, the Apollon cost $2.4k landed/monoblock. Finally, we have the Nuprime Evo 2 coming in at MSRP SGD5.5k/mono (today’s price)
We tested various different types of music, instruments, chinese instruments, female vocals - Susan Wong, male vocals - Zhao Peng, Wang Fei’s 'Tian Kong" unplugged, Zhou Hua Jian’s Peng You and other songs, Carpenters, and another San Guo drum/flute music. We were playing between -5 to -12 MV depending on type of song. No problem driving the MA GX300 speakers
It wasn’t really necessary to do a blind test because it was pretty easy to differentiate all 3 amps. They all sound vastly different. Nothing changed except the amp. We used the same speaker cables, interconnects, power cord and speakers. Just plain simple 2 channel stereo. So we rinse and repeat the same track to get a feel of how they each sound.
Clone Purifi
1st impression was really good. The clone purifi was clear, detailed and had a signature very close to the purifi amps. The difference lies in the energy levels, (somewhat lacking), the music was flat and a bit more laid back. This is expected when energy levels are lower. it also lacked the contour and layers and Rhtyhm from music. But for the price and the details and clarity it provided, it is probably worth a consideration using these for Atmos duties. Great Value for the quality, bang for buck type of amp.
Apollon 1ET400
Ive been using this amp for some years now. So very familiar with its signature. Its highly reviewed on ASR and couple number of other folks are using it too. Energy levels and Dynamics were better with purifi with the Nuprime coming behind second.
Nuprime Evo 2
When we first tried this, immediately a few different areas were obvious. The first thing we noticed was the contour and layers to the music was so good. The strings from the guitar was so layered and detailed it had so much Rhythm to it. We do get this on the Purifi amps, but the Nuprime was on another level all together. It was smooth sounding non fatiguing and non piercing. Also with the Wang Fei Tiang Kong music, the instrument decay was in such a way it decayed off in layers, had that gradual roll off and so pleasing. With the purifi, you could not hear this gradual decay, it was like instant roll off/cut off. The separation for details was so good with the Nuprime. At this stage, we were like, if we didnt do a A B Test, we would not know what the differences were. it was quite a difference. All 3 amps were good, clean detailed sounding. But as we play through different sound tracks, certain things, ie instruments, breath, separation, saliva tarik, dynamics, energy levels, becomes a lot more apparent. Although the Nuprime isnt as aggresive as the Purifis, it excelled in control. The transients were very fast and precise with the instruments. Very very fast layered type of transients i really enjoyed the ribbon tweeters with the Nuprime. When they played the bamboo flute, the notes sounded clearer on Nuprime whereas the purifi sounded more like someone blowing air (using more energy and breath) into the flute. The imaging and separation was very good and controlled and the Purifi though having the energy, produced somewhat less controlled kind of sound. a bit like messy with too much energy when comparing the two. When we came to Zhao Peng male vocals (this guy has got very low voice), it didnt sound as deep. The purifi produced that deeper male voice. So its quite interesting.
Overall, they all had their pros and cons. One thing is for sure, in deciding which amps to use for your speakers, its good to understand the characteristics of the speakers and go with a matching amp. Also , some may prefer a more aggressive forward sounding system whilst others might prefer a laid back relaxing type of signature. It all depends on each individual. Whilst i do visit ASR to have a look at measurements of these amps, Ive come to realise one thing,nothing beats home demo pairing amp with the speaker of your choice. They are just so vastly different . I believe that unless you had an opportunity to AB them side by side, its just as good as guessing… Measurements helps, in telling certain things, like distortion, clarity etc… but certain things, energy levels, separation, imaging, layering, contour, warm/bright sounding… you cant see this in the measurements. The only way, is to listen…i didnt realise that the Purifi 1E400 Class D Amp from Apollon with Sonic Imagery, is on the agrressive side until today… i always thought class D has a lot more laid back type of sound…
It was a fun day today!!
Quote from Nuprime web site
The Evolution TWO sound characteristics can be described as:
- Wider and deeper soundstage with no loss of clarity at the greatest depth. With large-scale orchestral recordings, you will be able to have a clear image of the last rows of percussion and wind, even the subtle pedal sounds! Such details are presented in a truthful manner without artificial enhancements.
- Faster dynamics with greater range and powerful full frequency range.
- Natural and pure due to ultra-low distortion
- Cleaner background that provides greater detail and nuances
- Class-A like warmth
above is very accurate description as we have tested it today…
on top the chasis , it will not be drawn to it
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