Bruno Putzey the designer of the Purifi IET400A power amplifer module has spent his career designing and perfecting Class-D amplifers. From his pioneering days at Phillips, then to Hypex where enormous volumes were shipped. At Purify he achieved the goal of making something incredibly complex simple.
The “Eigentakt” IET400A is one of the lowest distorting amplifers ever made: THD+N of 0.00017% a signal to noise ratio of 131dB. With a power output of 227W into 8 ohms, 425W into 4 ohms. With a damping factor of over 4000. Volume price: €297 per module.
The unit is only 110mm x 80mm and has very few components. Indeed, the genius of the design is as much in the software implementation of the design’s feedback loops.
There are almost no-peers at this performance level. Audio Science this in the top 3 best amplifers ever tested.
This module is the basis of many commercial projects such as the NAD M33 and a number of integrators, combining two modules with a simple buffer board and switching power supply (also Putzey designed).
I have the Audiophonics version. This has RCA and XLR inputs, switchable gain and remote power control.
Sound Quality
What did John Curl say was the goal for an amplifier: “a wire with gain” No question this amp meets this. The first thing I noticed was the grip on the woofers – the bass was effortless, even and totally natural. Across the spectrum the sound is open clear and utterly transparent. For those that like warmth or “musicality” – pair this amp with a tube preamp. The soundstage is wide and utterly unvarnished – the recording or concert hall is rendered just as the producer wanted.
Another famous quote is also apt: “It does what it says on the tin”. A truly stunning power amplifer that will drive complex loads and deliver a spectacular music experience.
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