In March 2024, we reported on the release of the very unique Sun Audio Purified 4 Modular Speaker. Now, as a follow-up, Sun Audio has released a smaller version designed for desktop use simply called Purified 4 Desktop.
The Purified 4 Desktop is a complete table-top audio solution which combines a pair of speakers, a Nord DSP-DAC NCAS500MP Amplifier, and Atohm 9 passive subwoofer.
Purified 4 Speaker (Desktop Version)
The desktop version of the Purified 4 is similar to the floor stander we reported on previously, except for the tripod stand, which is much smaller so that it can be placed on a typical desk or credenza.
The Purified 4 Desktop is available in four variants with PURIFI 4-inch woofers and BlieSMa 25mm tweeters. Woofers are available in either fiber mix or aluminum, and its dome tweeter can be made of Aluminum-Magnesium Alloy or Beryllium. Every variant includes a crossover profile tuned for optimal tonal balance. The spherical-shaped mid-woofer enclosure enables an exceptional linear on- and off-axis response.
We were told the fiber mix woofer with Beryllium tweeter offers the most ‘organic and colorful’ sound which is especially good with world, baroque and various jazz. Although, Sun Audio also says the aluminum woofer and tweeter are more energetic or ‘electrifying’ for electronic and rock.
Tweeter Module
- Tweeter Material: BlieSMa Aluminum-Magnesium or Beryllium
- Enclosure Material: CNC machined solid aluminum
- Finish: Jet Black powder coated
- Dimensions: 178 mm diameter, 30 mm depth
- Wiring: QED OFC, with WBT push-on connectors and threaded protection cover
Woofer Module
- Surface Cover Options: Bloodwood solid wood or Black thermoplastic cover, sandwiched between a Jet Black powder-coated aluminum front and rear baffle
- Shape: Spherical outside, cylindrical inside
- Driver Options: PURIFI 4″ Ultra Low Distortion Extended Woofer (OEM), with PP-coated paper/fiber mix or aluminum cone
- Impedance: 4Ω
- Sensitivity (2.83Vrms/1m): 84dB
- Long-term Maximum Power: 200W
- Diameter: 222 mm
- Loudspeaker Terminals: WBT 703Cu & WBT 718 assembly
- Internal Wiring: QED OFC
Dimensions (Speaker w/Stand)
- Height: 409 mm (16.1 in)
- Width: 178 mm (7 in)
- Depth: 191 mm (7.5 in)
Atohm 9 Passive Subwoofer
The next model in the new line-up is the rather compact Atohm 9 (9-inch) passive subwoofer. The subwoofer incorporates a sealed aluminum enclosure with an internal volume of only 8.5 liters. With a minimal industrial look and black powder-coated finish, it is designed to blend into most interiors.
For more audio output, users can stack multiple subs. Since the subs are passive, depending on the capacity of the amplifier used, two to three units can be configured in parallel. With an ANSI/CEA2010-B rating, the Atohm 9 has an SPL rating of 110dB (1m), and an 82dB sensitivity. The Atohm 9 can handle a peak power of 1200 watts. The Atohm 9 is sold in pairs.
Atohm 9 Specifications
- Shape: Cylindrical
- Enclosure Material: Aluminum
- Surface Finish: Powder coating Jet Black (RAL 9005)
- Driver: 9 inch ATOHM® LD230 TDR 08M
- Impedance: 8Ω
- Power Handling: 300W RMS
- Peak Power: 1200W
- Sensitivity @ 2.83V: 82dB [1M]
- Diameter (cylinder): 260 mm
- Front & Rear Baffle: 30 mm
- External Net Volume: 16 liter
- Internal Volume (Vb): 8.5 liter
- Feet: Isolating Screw-in rubber feet (M8)
- Grill: Acoustically transparent fabric
- Connection Terminals: WBT 703Cu & WBT 718 assembly
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 296 x 290 x 270 mm (11.65 x 11.40 x 10.6 in)
- Weight: 18.3 kg (40 lbs 5 oz)
Nord DSP-DAC NCAS500MP Amplifier
To round out the system, Sun Audio has introduced the Nord DSP-DAC NCAS500MP Amplifier. This is a Hypex NCore amplifier with an onboard Hypex DSP engine and DAC is built in cooperation with UK-based Nord Acoustics.
The DSP profile for the Purified 4 loudspeakers is pre-loaded into the Nord making the combination easy to set up and use. The Nord DSP-DAC NCAS500MP provides digital and analog inputs, powered outputs for the tweeters and mid-woofers, and subwoofer outputs (RCA).
Nord DSP-DAC NCAS500MP Specifications
- Technology: NCORE®, Hypex NCore® NCAS500MP two-channel module
- DSP Engine: Hypex DSP3-213
- DSP Profiles: 3 Pre-installed presets).
- Outputs: 3 (tweeter, mid-woofer, and subwoofer on RCA)
- Analog Inputs: XLR and RCA
- Digital Inputs: XLR and Optical
- Power Output (4Ω): 440W (mid-woofer) + 120W (tweeter)
- Impedance: 47K Ohms Input Impedance, low output impedance
- Efficiency: 92%
- THD: 0.007% + 0.005%
- S/N Ratio: 119dB + 113dB
- Voltage Gain: 26dB
- Input Sensitivity: 2.3Vrms
- Master – Slave operation: Yes
- PSU (Power Supply Unit): 650W
- Binding Posts: WBT-0703 Cu nextgen™
- Color: Black
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 240 x 280 x 102 mm (9.4 x 11 x 5 in)
- Weight 6Kg (13 lbs 4 oz)
Tip: A remote control is included in the package.
Initial Impressions
There’s no denying Sun Audio’s all-in-one desktop speaker system offers impressive specifications and a unique design. And with 4 ways to mix-and-match drivers, audiophiles are more likely to find a combination to meet their taste. However, given its high asking price, we wonder how it competes with active studio monitor setups in the same price range.
Pricing & Availability
Purified Speakers and related components are available directly through Sun Audio. All products are shipping in all variations and all are built upon order:
- 4XP25A Purified 4 Desktop Loudspeaker: $2,947 – $3,964/pair
- Atohm 9 Passive Subwoofer: $2,302/pair
- Nord DSP-DAC NCAS500MP Amplifier: $2,310
Tip: The approximate total cost for the entire system is listed at $7,559 to $8,576.
Related Reading
