Description
VTV Amplifier Custom Hypex Input Buffer made for the Hypex NC500, NC1200, NC2K or Purifi 1ET400A and 1ET6525SA . It also is an excellent choice for the Purifi-Audio 1ET400A and connects flawlessly to the module.The stock input buffer for the Hypex amplifiers uses the very good 4562 or 1612 IC. Both the NCx500OEM and NC1200 are designed so that the factory 4562 or 1612 IC can be bypassed so that other input buffer options can be installed. The NC2K being direct coupled can also benefit from an input buffer.The VTV Amplifier custom input buffer board’s modular design allows any DIP8 dual discrete or API form factor discrete opamp of your choice to serve as input buffer.Features:–Designed by Andrew Sparks of Sparkos Labs–Available high quality discrete Class A opamps in this listing . They provide significant increase in detail and soundstage. It is as if a veil is removed from the sound. Class A warmth with no lack of detail. You can research all of these industry standard opamps on various electronic forums. The gold plated Mill-Max connectors make changing the API opamps very simple and the connections made are very secure.—The factory gain for the Hypex buffer is 14db…..too high for many systems. This board has a default gain of 7db. You can restore the factory gain by simply adding a jumper.–Careful selection of resistors and other components ensure the highest fidelity.–Dimensions 84mm x 89mm–A buffer is only as good as its power supply. The VTV AMPLIFIER Input Buffer uses the SPARKOS SS78xx and SS79XX Discrete Voltage regulators. This is a no-holds barred regulator found in many high-end brands and a huge improvement to the IC 7815 and 7915 installed by HYPEX. Specs for these discrete regulators:SPARKOS Engineering datasheet here
Instructions Click HereThe VTV Amplifier Input Buffer for Hypex is a very cost effective way to improve your HYPEX system.
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Rich G. –
I purchased a pair of the VTV input buffer boards for my NC500
amps using the Sparkos SS2590 opamps and WOW.
I must add that I have been using the Nord RevD buffers and before that the Bellissimo Audio buffers. I had tried the SS3602 and preferred the SS2590 in each case. After installing the VTV buffers in low output configuration I was blown away. The amp was more cohesive with smoother overall performance and finer details also better bass.
My source is digital with a PS Audio Directstream DAC through a network bridge connected to an iMac I7. The preamp is a Wyred4Sound ST-P mod 2 with the Vishay Z-foil resistor ladder.
Speakers are B&W 804 and all Teflon/pure silver balanced cabling.
I also have the Hypex Ncore NC2K amps and and can’t wait to try the buffers on them but will need a larger chassis.
I was told that these buffers spec higher grade more stable parts
and the results show that.
Thanks.
Pete –
VTV Custom Input Buffer
I was using the Purifi amps with Hypex factory buffer for the last 6 months.
It was time to try the Andrew Sparks influenced VTV Input buffer.
The improvement is profound. The music is just there ,at any volume level, hanging in space.
I remember reading an interview with Peter Lyngdorf. He stated the aim was to make “the best” a commodity. I’d say this has been achieved. Well done to VTV for playing their part is offering this buffer, improving the already great at a price any music lover can afford.
Tony (verified owner) –
Purchased these buffers with the SS2590 Pro opamps. Previously I was using the Purifi EVAL1 with the gain stage activated (OPA1612) which are pretty decent. Recently changed DAC and found the 10k input stage of the EVAL1 was holding things back a little, so finally decided to try these.
These with a 50k input impedance & 21db gain have much more effortless drive across all volume levels (something I was struggling with a little with EVAL1, which came alive at much higher levels db wise), whilst remaining natural sounding and non-fatiguing at very high levels. In particular I was surprised by how effortless transient response is with these buffers + SS2590 Pros.
No brainer, wish I had started with these to begin with to be honest.
Victor (verified owner) –
My Purifi amplifier was disconnected for some time while the SS2590 Op Amps were added. I find that Class-D amplifiers sound best when fully powered up 24/7. After the Op Amps were installed the bass control and detail were still there but not much overall difference. Two weeks later there was an “A-Ha” moment!
The VTV and the OP amps obviously need time to break-in and that took two weeks. Now instruments and vocals were better placed in the sound stage with a more natural sound. I can describe the sound as having better connective tissue.
I am now tempted to get into the rabbit-hole of swapping Op Amps with maybe the Sonic Imagery next and possibly the Staccato products.
Son (verified owner) –
Very nice buffer board. Also find it more cohesive than the Nord Rev D and just as cohesive as Nord Rev C, but can use more Op-Amp options.
Work well with the Sonic Imagery 990 enh and Weiss Op-2. Sonic Imagery has more low end and the Weiss is more open with better sound stage and clarity. About 5-10% difference in my system.