LKV Veros PWR+ power amplifier Measurements

Sidebar 3: Measurements

A much-touted benefit of an amplifier with a class-D output stage is that it can be smaller and much lighter than a conventional amplifier for a given power. I was surprised, therefore, when I unpacked LKV's Veros PWR+ to find that it was both large and heavy. This is because the amplifier uses a linear power supply with three hefty transformers rather than a switch-mode supply (footnote 1).

I measured the Veros PWR+ using my Audio Precision SYS2722 system (see the January 2008 "As We See It"). As the LKV has a class-D output stage, it wasn't necessary to precondition the amplifier by using it to drive a 1kHz tone at one-third power into 8 ohms. Nevertheless, before doing any testing I ran it for an hour at a moderate power level, following which the top panel was warm, at 93.9°F/34.4°C. Because class-D amplifiers emit relatively high levels of ultrasonic noise that would drive my analyzer's input into slew-rate limiting, all measurements were taken with an Audio Precision auxiliary AUX-0025 passive low-pass filter, which eliminates noise above 200kHz. Without the filter, 218mV of ultrasonic noise was present at the loudspeaker terminals.

The voltage gain at 1kHz into 8 ohms was 27dB from both the balanced and single-ended inputs, and the amplifier preserved absolute polarity (ie, was noninverting) with both inputs. The single-ended input impedance was a commendably high 165k ohms at low and middle frequencies, dropping to a still-high 84k ohms at the top of the audioband. The balanced input impedance was more than twice these values, at 358k ohms at 20Hz, 334k ohms at 1kHz, and 268k ohms at 20kHz.

The LKV's output impedance, including the series impedance of 6' of loudspeaker cable, was a very low 0.07 ohm at 20Hz and 1kHz. It increased very slightly to 0.09 ohm at 20kHz. The modulation of the amplifier's frequency response due to the Ohm's law interaction between this source impedance and the impedance of our standard simulated loudspeaker was therefore negligible at less than ±0.1dB (fig.1, gray trace). The response into resistive loads was flat to 20kHz into 8 ohms but rolled off rapidly above the audioband, reaching –3dB at 60kHz (fig.1, blue and red traces). These responses were taken with the balanced inputs; the unbalanced inputs behaved identically. The restricted ultrasonic response is responsible for slightly lengthened risetimes with the amplifier's reproduction of a 10kHz squarewave (fig.2). There is also a small amount of overshoot with the squarewave reproduction, with one critically damped cycle of ringing. Presumably, this is mainly due to the class-D output stage's integral low-pass filter.

820LKVfig01

Fig.1 LKV Veros PWR+, frequency response at 2.83V into: simulated loudspeaker load (gray), 8 ohms (left channel blue, right red), 4 ohms (left cyan, right magenta), 2 ohms (green) (0.5dB/vertical div.).

820LKVfig02

Fig.2 LKV Veros PWR+, small-signal, 10kHz squarewave into 8 ohms.

Channel separation was excellent in the L–R direction, at >90dB below 3kHz, but was up to 20dB worse in the R–L direction. Measured with the Audio Precision ultrasonic filter and the unbalanced inputs shorted to ground, the wideband, unweighted signal/noise ratio (ref. 2.83V into 8 ohms) measured an excellent 80.6dB in the left channel and 79.9dB in the right. Restricting the measurement bandwidth to 22kHz increased the ratios to 91.6dB, left, and 86.3dB, right, and an A-weighting filter increased them further, to 94.8dB, left, and 91.5dB, right. Spectral analysis of the LKV amplifier's low-frequency noise floor (fig.3) revealed that spuriae related to the AC power-line frequency were very low in level but were a little higher in the right channel (red trace) than the left (blue).

820LKVfig03

Fig.3 LKV Veros PWR+, spectrum of 1kHz sinewave, DC–1kHz, at 1W into 8 ohms (left channel blue, right red; linear frequency scale).

The Veros PWR+ is specified as delivering 200Wpc into 8 ohms and 400Wpc into 4 ohms, both equivalent to 23dBW. At our usual definition of clipping, which is when the THD+noise reaches 1%, the LKV amplifier with both channels driven exceeded its specified power into 8 ohms, clipping at 221Wpc (fig.4, 23.3dBW). It clipped at 400Wpc into 4 ohms (fig.5, 23dBW), and with one channel driven, I measured a clipping power of 505W into 2 ohms (fig.6, 21dBW). This contrasts with the specified maximum 2 ohm power of 220W into 2 ohms (17.4dBW) (footnote 2).

820LKVfig04

Fig.4 LKV Veros PWR+, distortion (%) vs 1kHz continuous output power into 8 ohms.

820LKVfig05

Fig.5 LKV Veros PWR+, distortion (%) vs 1kHz continuous output power into 4 ohms.

820LKVfig06

Fig.6 LKV Veros PWR+, distortion (%) vs 1kHz continuous output power into 2 ohms.

Distortion levels were very low (fig.7), but less so in the right channel (red and magenta traces) than the left channel (blue, cyan, and gray traces) even into 2 ohms (gray trace). However, the level of the THD declined above 10kHz, perhaps due to the output stage's low-pass filter. The shape of the THD+N spuriae waveform at a moderate power into 8 ohms (fig.8, bottom trace) suggests that the distortion signature is predominantly third-harmonic in nature. This was confirmed by spectral analysis (fig.9), though at a moderate power into 4 ohms, the third harmonic was higher in the right channel (fig.10, red trace) than it was in the left (blue trace). Intermodulation distortion with an equal mix of 19kHz and 20kHz tones was also very low in level (fig.11).

820LKVfig07

Fig.7 LKV Veros PWR+, THD+N (%) vs frequency at 15.5V into: 8 ohms (left channel blue, right red), 4 ohms (left cyan, right magenta), and 2 ohms (gray).

820LKVfig08

Fig.8 LKV Veros PWR+, 1kHz waveform at 30W into 8 ohms, 0.0074% THD+N (top); distortion and noise waveform with fundamental notched out (bottom, not to scale).

820LKVfig09

Fig.9 LKV Veros PWR+, spectrum of 50Hz sinewave, DC–1kHz, at 30Wpc into 8 ohms (left channel blue, right red; linear frequency scale).

820LKVfig10

Fig.10 LKV Veros PWR+, spectrum of 50Hz sinewave, DC–1kHz, at 60Wpc into 4 ohms (left channel blue, right red; linear frequency scale).

820LKVfig11

Fig.11 LKV Veros PWR+, HF intermodulation spectrum, DC–30kHz, 19+20kHz at 60Wpc peak into 4 ohms (left channel blue, right red; linear frequency scale).

The LKV Veros PWR+ turned in excellent measured performance.—John Atkinson


Footnote 1: See, for example, Tom Gibbs's review of the Bel Canto e1X amplifier in June 2020.

Footnote 2: In an email, Bill Hutchins wrote "John noted that the max output power into 2 ohms (505W with one channel driven) contrasts with our spec of 220W into 2 ohms (both channels driven). Because the amp's maximum power output is current-limited into 2 ohms, John's 505W measurement converts to about 250W if both channels are driven with the same sinewave signal. Thus, his measurement and our spec are in rough agreement."

COMPANY INFO
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19 Randall Farm Rd.
North Conway, NH 03860
(603) 730-7400
ARTICLE CONTENTS

COMMENTS
Bogolu Haranath's picture

May be HR could also review the new PS Audio Stellar M1200 mono-blocks, hybrid tube/class-D amps, $6.000/pair :-) ........

dashendorf's picture

Class D suffers from power pumping. The cure is for the left and right channels TO SHARE the power supply. In other words, beautiful dual monoblocks are SUBOPTIMAL! Yes, heresy, but it is what it is.

Bogolu Haranath's picture

PS Audio another class-D mono-blocks, Stellar M700 are Stereophile Class-A rated ....... Bel Canto class-D mono-blocks, REF 600M and Black system are Stereophile Class-A rated :-) .......

a.wayne's picture

How is sharing the same supply gonna improve “ power pumping “ or is it pimping ..? :)

Ric Schultz's picture

How about a 3000 watt power supply for each channel.....choice of discrete input amp, Air core inductor on Purifi module....and tons of other tweaks.....including binding post bypass system. However, the air core coil is what is really something new. All class D amps till now used ferrite core inductors.....You would never use a ferrite core inductor in a xover of a speaker for the midrange and tweeter......this is common knowledge...it would wreck the sound. How come all class D amps have a ferrite core inductor on the output?.....for practical reasons....not sonic ones. Read more here:

http://tweakaudio.com/EVS-2/Purifi_amp_mods.html

I was reviewed July 1990 in Stereophile Mag. by Robert Harley.....my shunt attenuators were class A rated for 7 years.....so I bean around the block.

Bogolu Haranath's picture

The new NAD M33 uses Purifi modules ...... I don't know whether NAD uses 'ferrite core' inductors or not :-) ........

Several class-D, stereo and mono-block amps are in the Stereophile Class-A list :-) .......

Michael Fremer's picture

Five minutes ago

Bogolu Haranath's picture

Objectivists are Apollonian and subjectivists are Dionysian :-) .......

Lars Bo's picture

Maybe they're really both "subjectivists"? That's my understanding.

As an aesthetic pattern of "an accent" to sound and musicality, Apollonian and Dionysian "accents" both seem to clash with an objectivist-ideology of no "personality" in sound, verifiable by numbers, and, I gather, if so, musical honesty.

In any event, I applaud Herb for using these concepts (thanks, Herb).

Bogolu Haranath's picture

There is an interesting article, recently published in TAS about objectivism vs subjectivism (point/counterpoint) :-) ........

Ortofan's picture

... one of the amps from Nord Acoustics which also use the Purifi 1ET400A modules.
https://www.nordacoustics.co.uk/purifi1et400aamplifiers
Their prices seems to be on the order of one-fourth of the price of this amp.

Is it Nextel binding posts, or should it be WBT nextgen binding posts?
http://www.wbtusa.com/pages/binding_posts.html
http://www.wbtusa.com/pages/0703cu.html
http://www.wbtusa.com/pages/0703ag.html
Isn't Nextel that faux suede finish once used on various speakers?

Is the predominance of third harmonic distortion an artifact of the Purifi amp module itself or is it generated by the input/gain/driver stage that LKV adds?

Bogolu Haranath's picture

Third harmonic distortion almost similar to Krell K-300i? :-) ........

Bogolu Haranath's picture

One more ..... Similar to PS Audio Stellar M700? :-) ......

Bogolu Haranath's picture

One more again ...... Similar to Classe Delta monos? :-) .......

BillNH's picture

The distortion is, as JA observed, very low. The third order character is an intended characteristic of the LKV line level circuitry we have spent 8 years perfecting through seemingly endless listening and measuring sessions and innumerable circuit modifications. That circuitry is, I believe, largely responsible for the character of the sound Herb appears to have liked and found to be somewhat class A-like. The Purifi module does its job (principally current amplification) without adding or subtracting (almost) anything at all to or from the signal it is sent. It is simply the best, most accurate way I know of to get the signal from the line level circuitry to the speaker with the appropriately high level of power.

[[Bill Hutchins is chief designer at LKV Research--Editor]]

Thanks for adding that. I was about to do so.

Ortofan's picture

... LKV line level (input) circuitry, did you ever consider a design that might have its distortion characteristics dominated by the second harmonic, rather than the third?

If so, what made you choose the version with predominantly third harmonic distortion?
Or, if not, why not?

For that matter, and given that you're using the Purifi amp modules, why not develop a line/input stage with as little distortion as possible?
Would that approach result in an amplifier whose sound quality was somehow less "musically accurate"?

BillNH's picture

Yes, in developing the design for the phono/line level circuitry used in most of our designs, including the PWR+, we considered, tested and listened (almost to the point of distraction) to numerous circuits and topologies, including some that produce predominantly second order harmonic distortion. There were several goals we wanted to achieve, including very low noise, very low distortion (harmonic and slewing induced) throughout the whole audio frequency range (20-20KHz), natural sounding detail and dynamics. And, beyond everything else, we wanted reproduced sound that was as close to the sound of real voices and instruments as possible. Ultimately the circuit that gave us the best balance (at least to my ears) of these somewhat conflicting goals was a class A folded cascode, differential (balanced) amplification topology executed with hand-matched jfets, stiff current sources and no loop feedback (local or overall). As I you know, the 3rd order harmonic distortion is characteristic of the differential amplification. I hope this answers your question.

Bogolu Haranath's picture

JA1 compares the sound quality of JC1+ with Classe Delta monos, in his review of Classe Delta ...... JA1 says JC1+ has more 'tube like' sound quality ....... JC1+ has 2nd harmonic distortion and Delta monos have 3rd harmonic distortion :-) .......

Bogolu Haranath's picture

Seems like KR also likes the sound of 2nd harmonic distortion in the Parasound A21+ ....... Surprise, surprise, even the mighty Benchmark AHB2 has mild 3rd harmonic distortion :-) ........

dashendorf's picture

Ortofan's questions are very appropriate. The extra cost in the PWR+ versus other systems using Purifi or Hypex or ICE modules is due to using Class A, zero-feedback, matched components in the input circuits and using custom linear power supplies.

LKV's competitors are the 20 k$ & 30 k$ amplifiers, not the 2.5 to 3 k$ amps which use switch-mode power supplies and off-the-shelf input circuits.

Audiophiles generally seek the best quality and adjust for cost. The words "best value" are tricky. Best value? How about your phone connected to a pair of self-powered speakers? Claiming that other companies offer better value creates snickers from non-audiophiles (most of your friends and my friends): "3 k$ for an amp? What a moron. 10 k$? Yikes."

Bill Hutchins in an audiophile. He would claim: "The PWR+ offers BETTER quality at a LOWER cost than dual-mono blocks."

As for binding posts, Bill is an electronic designer primarily. He didn't hear the alleged differences. I do know that when a customer asks for WBT, for a small-charge he's installed them. Not a real issue.

Ortofan's picture

... various configurations, including mono-block, stereo with a single power supply and dual-mono stereo.
https://www.nordacoustics.co.uk/purifi1et400aamplifiers

Also, they offer a choice of input stage op-amps, including a discrete class-A version.
https://www.nordacoustics.co.uk/upopampchoice

dashendorf's picture

I know of many Class D amps. I know of $130 models that are good. LKV Research doesn't use opamps (many internal feedback loops), but does use differential Class A circuits and zero-feedback. Read the review. The sound is natural. LKV thinks of the PWR+ as Class A+D. The 1ET400 provides excellent output circuitry, LKV addresses other issues. Great sound results.

Bogolu Haranath's picture

As an industry veteran said it, 'the increasing importance of smaller differences' :-) ........

Ortofan's picture

... in the input/driver stage is somehow detrimental, do you hold that same position regarding the use of feedback in the Purifi power amp module?

dashendorf's picture

Ortofan, Again, a great question. The output stage requires a great deal of feedback - speakers are very physical and current demands are high. Getting the signal from a source to the output stage at the correct level while minimizing noise and distortion is the value of AZF Circuits, but the output stage is an entirely different animal.

Bogolu Haranath's picture

One could probably get the same results by using tubes in the input stage ...... See, Rogue Audio Sphinx V3 tube/class-D integrated amp measurements :-) ........

dashendorf's picture

Dear Bogolu,

Bill expects CLASS A tube amps to use Class D output. Obviously Rogue is. LKV expects the future of audiophile amps to Class A+D. LKV wasn't the first Class A+D, but Bill would believe he offers the best Class A input circuit. People can debate that. It's fun being an audiophile.

The second issue is adopting the Purifi 1ET400. It's quite simply the best Class D output. Not much debate.

Bogolu Haranath's picture

By using the Rogue RP-7 tube pre-amp, HR is getting some of that tube sound anyway :-) ........

Ortofan's picture

... whose circuitry does not employ any feedback?

dashendorf's picture

The Class A signal circuits in Bill Hutchins's designs employ zero-feedback which requires matched components. He believes this helps minimize a SOURCE of distortion. Many agree.

Ortofan's picture

... misunderstood.

What source(s) - such as a pre-amplifier , digital or analog disc player, tuner, recorder or streamer - are you connecting to this power amplifier whose circuitry does not already employ any feedback?

Or, are you possibly suggesting that the circuitry in this amplifier somehow reduces the distortion in signals from devices that are connected to its input?

In regard to the comment that "many agree", who are these "many"?
What quantity of these amplifiers has been built and sold?
Where would one go to audition this amplifier?

tonykaz's picture

Sound Engineers like Bob Katz, who is a real world perfectionist, favors Class D amplification.

Class D has had a successful future for some time already.

Personally, I love and admire Tubes from Russia despite them being fragile and having a rather short Half-life. Outstanding Solid State devices can seemingly last forever ( according to Nelson Pass ).

Tony in Venice

Ortofan's picture

... whatever happened to the Komuro 845 tube amplifiers?

Herb Reichert's picture

Komuro is an old friend
I gave those PP 845 monos back so he could sell them

He is still building triode amps at the leading edge of what is possible.

hr

Ortofan's picture

... the Icon Audio MB845 MkII Mono, which is a push-pull 845 type tube power amp:
https://iconaudio.com/mb845-mkii-super-845-mono-blocks-mb845-mkii-m-

Alternatively, there is their Stereo 845 push-pull integrated amp:
https://iconaudio.com/stereo-845-integrated-845-pp-amplifier-stereo-845pp

Bogolu Haranath's picture

May be HR could also include the new Harbeth P3ESR XD speakers in the short list of products to review :-) .........

dashendorf's picture

tonykaz. Bill Hutchins has had a c-j tube power amp for decades. Loves it, but wanted to do better. He had to wait for a great Class D.

On the other hand, Class A amplification at low power with highly sensitive speakers remains wonderful. See: https://lkvresearch.substack.com/p/power-amplifier-choices

tonykaz's picture

Low power with sensitive transducers is glorious.

I'm rather niche in my agreement with your statements.

I have felt the immenseness of powerful amplifications and tri-amping capable transducer systems, like being used in large theatres for iMax type installations.

One of my finest Music Systems fits in my shirt pocket and plays beautifully on any park-bench, Gulf Coast Beach, Air Travel seating. ( even during 20 mile bicycle rides )

Tony in Venice

Bogolu Haranath's picture

Please don't steal any mail-boxes, while during those bicycle rides ...... Just kidding ...... Just kidding :-) .....

a.wayne's picture

Hello ,

Maybe you can offer an explanation as to why Class D is so squarewave adverse , how is this instability overcome in music operation and as it should be audible is this possibly the class D sound most have an issue with ..?

Regards

tonykaz's picture

I can't offer any sort of design insights.

Personally, I'm at the point of embracing these efficient designs but not at the point of debating their limitations which seem rather minor.

There are a wide range of Analog lover's complaints.

Functionally, music reproduction advancements ( my opinion ) enable improved access to the dopamine that great music triggers the release of. We no longer need to sit square in front of a well tuned record playing set of planer loudspeakers and Class A tube gear.

How do Square-waves fit into our needs ?, I think I'm missing something from your question.

Philosophically considering, I suspect that electronic design and development is now in accelerated modes. I keep feeling that this next Decade will transition us to....??? . I recall being at RMAF2011 and having the feeling that the Audio Industry was mostly unrecognisable compared to the Audio Industry I participated in the 1980s with this last 10 years bringing amazing advancements i.e. iPhone11 ( for example ).

Fortunately, a person can still own and enjoy a beautiful traditional Tube based, VPI Koetsu Audio System and a state of the Art shirt-pocket traveling High End Audio System w/SD memory of zillions of music. All that wonderful Audio Research & Conrad-Johnson gear is still out there and widely available on eBay.

Wishing you well,

Tony in Venice

tonykaz's picture

Once again, this reviewer paints beautiful pictures.

I can see how a used book store will have a curious youth browsing (in the year 2075 ) this issue of Stereophile, stumbling across and reading this review taking him back to Mr.HR's Bunker Listening room and reliving this review experience.

Mr.HR creates amazingly wonderful art.

Thank You!

Tony in Venice

Kursun's picture

Herb,
When you gaze at the pond and feel something is missing, it is distortion that is missing. The horrible crossover distortion that class AB amplifiers produce...

Class D is only second compared to Class A

JHL's picture

...a random commenter has graciously delivered the kernel of wisdom and insight our motley reviewer's ears and decades of acute experience had missed.

Why thank you random internet commenter. You have saved audio from hearing and indeed from ourselves.

michelesurdi's picture

stereophile is reviewing diy products now?

AaronGarrett's picture

The amp under review and the Bel Canto use different Class D modules. Isn't the difference in sound more likely due to the difference in the modules -- the newer Purifi module being touted by Putzey as much superior to the NCore -- than its particular, expensive implementation in this amp? But maybe that is what Herb is suggesting. Anyway thanks for the tip on the Nana Vasconcelos record! Great music! And the beautifully written review.

dashendorf's picture

AaronGarrett, you hit one of the main reasons:

  • Purifi provides better linearity above 15 kHz than competitors.
  • Linear Power Supply designed to prevent power pumping
  • Class A, Zero Feedback Differential Input Circuits
  • Matched components

There are many great designers. Bruno Putzeys may be the best. Bill Hutchins has leveraged Bruno's genius better than others.

thethanimal's picture

I thought a manufacturer was required to maintain a minimum number of distributors in order to be reviewed in Stereophile? Was this policy change in step with PS Audio’s change in business model? Regardless, it’s a change for the better in the age of internet direct sales. With this policy now changed I can’t think of a better product for Herb to review than the Decware Super Zen Triode SE84UFO, maybe to go along with those Cube Audio full range drivers he’s loved at audio shows.

Jim Austin's picture

Stereophile has long reviewed products from companies that sell direct, with appropriate return policy, as long as they can demonstrate the ability to provide satisfactory after-sales support.

Jim Austin, Editor
Stereophile

thethanimal's picture

My apologies; I have misunderstood the policy then. But I believe by all accounts Decware meets the criteria you have laid out for a review, and I believe such handmade, point to point wired, single ended tube amplifiers they offer would be right up Herb’s, or the late Art Dudley’s, ally. With much love given to Shindo over the years it’d be interesting to hear how an American competitor (or kindred spirit) would compare.

To the review at hand, an electrical engineer coworker insists to me that FET transistors behave in the same way as tubes; perhaps that’s part of the reason this amplifier (and some Pass-designed solid state amps) tickle Herb’s fancy the way they do. I can only offer up that comment for consideration by others without further detail, having gained only cursory knowledge during my own electronics courses while pursuing a degree in another engineering field.

Herb Reichert's picture

and I am preparing to write about Decware now. . . . stay tuned!

hr

Bogolu Haranath's picture

If and when HR gets a pair of floor-standing multi-driver speakers, he could review the Rogue Audio Apollo Dark mono-block amps :-) ......

Bogolu Haranath's picture

May be HR could review the Rogue Audio DragoN, tube/class-D hybrid power amp ($4,000), and compare it with the LKV PWR+ :-) ........

JRT's picture

The listed specifications seem to have an error in the units of measure, "Input impedance: 200 ohms (single-ended), 400 ohms (balanced)."

I suspect that those values should be 0.2 megohms and 0.4 megohms, or equivalent impedance in other units of measure. No?

John Atkinson's picture
JRT wrote:
The listed specifications seem to have an error in the units of measure, "Input impedance: 200 ohms (single-ended), 400 ohms (balanced)."

You are right. I have corrected the input impedances on the Specifications page.

John Atkinson
Technical Editor, Stereophile

Glotz's picture

If I had the dosh, I'd check it out fer sure.

The Denafrips reviews were stellar as well. I want to check out their line more in depth. The Ares 2 looks like an excellent value and might prevent my purchase of a Benchmark DAC3B.

BillNH's picture

I should have said that I am the designer of the Veros PWR+.

Bogolu Haranath's picture

Mr.Bill Hutchins could consider a 5, 7, 9 and 11 multi-channel class-D amp :-) ......

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