Robert,
The resistors were connected between the positive output of the amp and positive speaker cable connector. So I wound one end around the WBT positive terminal of the VR and the other end I wound around the banana plug of the speaker cable. When I asked Vinnie if he suggested soldering the connection to the banana plug, which is probably not a good idea considering possible damage or visual marring of the banana plug he replied:
"It might be a good idea to make that resistor connection better. Maybe a male banana on one end (to the L2) and female banana jack on the other end (to your speaker cable)."
As to your question about whether the resistors are in series or parallel, I am not technical enough to answer, although my guess is since there is only one resister per channel they are definitely not in series.
BTW I checked out your room. Beautiful space and great set up. Despite the height of your ceiling, I think you'll be surprised how the Nenuphars will fill the space. When I went to this catty corner speaker set up I was shocked how much more height there was to the soundstage. Listening to Cohen Live In London my room took on the dimensions of that enormous hall where the concert took place. I thought this was strange considering the ceiling height (14') hadn't changed from my previous set up with speakers 3' out from the long wall.
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Yes, I meant podiums not platforms.
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Happy New Year everyone! I just want to say that this thread has been a bright spot over the last two not all together bright years and continues to engage, amuse and enlighten. David has done a great job keeping us on task and sharing our discoveries. Now we are in the throws of deciding if there truly is a Santa Claus in the second version of our beloved 10 inch driver. I’ve got some new tricks up my sleeve to report on in the coming year (not including upgrading? to V2) which are the result of conversations with vinpic. Cheers!
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At the risk of straying too far afield from the subject of this thread-- although really isn’t the subject the Nenuphar speakers and how to optimize them?--I want to report on an optimizer that’s a little further down the chain of the typical pairing of amps and/or pre amps. Just to remind folks I drive my N’s with the Vinnie Rossi L2i-SE (which bested by a surprising margin the LTA Ultralinear and First Watt SIT-3 and SIT-1 amps) and remain impressed if not overwhelmed by the synergy. (I see some folks here considering pre and amp combo’s that are about the price of the VR and would just say to put it on your radar.) In fact I was in that happy state of "it can’t get better than this" (a state where you should drop all your audiophile acquaintances and vendor relationships if you want to preserve it), when a friend brought over a power cable he said I had to hear. It was a Shunyata Omega QR 15 amp power cord as thick as a summer sausage. And it retails for $7.5K! This thing which is both a power conditioner and cable incorporating a bunch of technologies I thoroughly don’t understand, immediately raised the optimization bar of the Nenuphar’s by--I don’t know how to put it, a component, a mile, by more than anything except adding the VR? Even then I’m not sure, it was like adding another VR, just made everything BETTER BY A BUNCH. Bring out all the superlatives in the audiophile handbook (including where the bottom part of your face hits the floor) and add in something uncanny that had to do with speed and pace that focused my interest with a life like quality I’d never heard before. How good are the Nenuphar speakers? So good that changing that 6 feet of wire between your wall outlet and your amp could make them sound even bigger, more alive and life-like than you had heretofore thought possible. So far the Nenuphars have followed my dream and my pocket book as far as the two might take them.
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abd1...The Shunyata Omega replaced an Audience AU24 power chord, a David and Goliath match up. This all came about because my audiophile friend insisted my old Audience cable wasn't good enough for the VR. I insisted that there was technology in the VR that made the power cord less important. But I will say when my friend replaced another Audience AU24 cable with another very high end Shunyata pc (I think it was a Sigma NR V2) on my Totaldac, we could clearly hear improvements by degree but not the quantum leap the Omega gave us on the VR.
I have been a cable believer up to a point, thinking they were the classic example of diminishing returns in hi end audio. But sometimes $7.5 grand really buys you that much of "better", especially if you're replacing an older technology. I would have to sell another chunk of my Blue Note collection to afford it, so the jury's still out.
How did my old cable sound when I put it back in? I don't know, I told my buddy I needed another week with the Omega to make sure I wasn't hearing things. (<:
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Mike
i would be very interested in hearing how the SIT-1s sounded in relation to your Ayon amplifiers. Two very divergent design philosophies, both of which the Nenuphars work well with. |
Happy to report that I've been successful in my quest to acquire a used Decware Zen Triode 25th Anniversary amp (about six months old) and the Enleum 23R amp (new). The Decware should be here in a few days and the Enleum will leave Korea shortly. Will be careful to break in Enleum for 200-300 hours before going to battle. Honestly, after reading about the synergy these two amps have with the Nens, I'm totally lost as to which might emerge the winner or if that might even be discernible--the differences boiling down to a matter of taste. There's a third amp in the mix--well a fourth if you count my "reference" Vinnie Rossi L2iSE. All I'll say about it now is that it's a highly regarded SEP with about double the output of the Zen. This should be interesting.
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David, yes I will be evaluating headphone performance as well especially since the mystery amp, a Decware Taboo MK IV, is actually a headphone amp that is also designed to drive speakers. My current long time headphone amp is a Melos SHA 1 which, despite its age (mid ’90’s), fixed power cord and single tube circuit, has held pride of place against all challengers, most recently the VR L2iSE (which admittedly is not designed as a headphone amp). My headphones are Hifiman HE1000se.
Despite my curiosity to hear the V2 driver, I’m approaching the decision not to upgrade simply on the basis of the new driver’s 3db loss of sensitivity. Even if one of the solid state amps wins the up coming shoot out, I think I would still want the original driver’s 93db sensitivity to check out other lower watt tube amps in the future. One of the great attributes of the original Nen driver IMHO is that it behaves as if it has much higher sensitivity, say 96 or 98db, probably because its load doesn’t dip below 4 ohms. I know Vinpic is happy with the upgrade and its pairing with the Enleum 23R, so if that amp emerges head and shoulders above the rest, I might reconsider. We’ll see.
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Hi Charles,
That is a good question and one that begs the premise of my post: that the L2i-se has uncanny neutrality since but has a DHT tube pre and what tube is truly neutral? But to answer your question, I first what to point out that there is scripture on this subject written by Srajan in his review of the VR Signature L2 se pre amp where he thoroughly compares various tubes in DHT mode. From reading this, the tube I would want to try is a vintage WE 300b--which I think was Srajan's overall preference followed closely by the WE VT52, the Elrog 300b and the EH 50. Since a pair of WE 300b's go for about the price of the component, I would like to try the WE VT52 and the EH 50 which Srajan said had an "hallucinate" sound stage. I want to know what that means. I like big sound stages. Vinnie's favorite tube is the Takatsuki 300b.
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I agree--have read only superlative things about the Bakoon13R no matter what it drives.
But I have heard the following amps driving my Nenuphars (listed in order of preference):
1. FW SIT-1
2. FW SIT-3
3. Tektron One 2A3
All with both the Shindo Giscours and Pass Labs X-32 pre amps.
And what bested all of these by a long chalk? The Vinnie Rossi L2i-se Integrated with the Elrog 300b as DHT in pre amp stage. I know I've said it before, but since I don't see anyone considering this amp as a Nenuphar driver, I had to put my two cents back in. Yes, it is $18K but you get both pre and amp end-gamers (for me anyway). The synergy got even better with a Shunyata Sigma V2 power cord with the L2i-se and then my most recent addition of Shunyata Alpha V2 speaker cables. VR now offers 30 day auditions from what I understand.
Upcoming: audition of a Shunyata Alpha V2 XLR interconnect from my TotalDac to the L2i-se.
What sets the VR apart from say the FW SIT-1, which I thought was out of this world and was happy to settle down with permanently? The VR is more life like, with a big open natural presence that is highly detailed and rich without calling attention to those attributes. It is a sum-bigger-than-its-parts type component, which I also found true of Shindo amps.(Cortese and GM70). But it does not have Shindo's undeniable coloration, a subtle sunniness that pervades like a filter. Nor does the VR have the slightly dark tonal richness of the SIT-1. It has a natural richness that is even more engaging and a natural timbre that I keep trying to find fault with but can't. People have told me that I'm trying to describe something that takes the best of tubes and merges it with the best of SS. But no, the combination is better than either and a thing apart. From biting trumpets to compelling cellos it simply disappears as an electronic component adding no coloration or flavor that I can hear (of course the Nenuphars have a lot to do with this neutrality). I have often been impressed initially by a component only after extended listening to say, "Ok, it's doing that to the mid-range or this to the bass or this other to highs." I might like it and live with it for quite awhile. But it ultimately grows tiresome, adding a sameness to the music.
Ok, that was more than two cents.
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David_ten. Thanks for posting that link. I will keep you posted if I decide to try the Lanlai 2A3–which I probably will.
I’ve also have been thinking about your taking the Nenuphars off the Townshend Podiums and putting them back on the floor. Do you think the not subtle improvements you heard were partly attributable to lowering driver to a plane closer or exactly ear height? And—pardon if you’ve mentioned this before—is your floor carpeted, wood or other?
Also appreciate your gentle shepherding to keep this thread on track and still informative to its followers. |
charles1dad
Just a reminder that I use 1 ohm resistors per VR's advice between L2i-SE and positive speaker cable to lower damping factor to 2 which seems to be right in the Nenuphar's sweet spot. And how sweet it is.
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Charles,
Yes, your memory serves you well. Straight up the VR L2i-SE was a step above every other pre+amp combo I'd tried with the Nenuphars. Adding the resistors improved the bass and added more presence and air. As so often the case in this hobby, you can't imagine the improvement until you hear it.
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vinpic Vinnie suggested the jantzen-audio 1.0-ohm audio grade superes resistor (bought from Parts ConneXion) which I initially installed by fastening one of its wires to the positive WBT speaker posts on my L2i-SE with the other end of wire wrapped around banana plugs of positive speaker cables. We agreed that the banana plug connection needed to be improved, so I bought two WBT terminals, the resistor wire now being screwed down securely with the banana plugs inserted into the WBT. At the suggestion of someone--I can't remember--I changed out the janzten audio resistors for a pair of 1RO +/-5% 10W Silver/Graphite Dueland resistors which provided the deep satisfaction of having spent more $ and improving aesthetics but to little if any noticeable improvement in SQ over the janzten resistors. Someone else said that the top of the line Mundorf resistor would be even better but I haven't pursued that possibility. FWIW my L2i-SE runs Elrog 300b tubes as its DHTs. I have been superbly happy with these, but just to scratch the phantom itch have ordered Linlai 2A3 tubes (on back order), which beat out Srajan's preferred tube in his VR L2 pre amp. Although the VR L2i-SE was handily my preference over the SIT-3 and SIT-1 amplifiers with my Nenuphars based on overall SQ and likeness to live music, it has the added benefit of playing better at low volumes than the two First Watters. I'm wondering if you've noticed this too? Maybe has to do with increased power? Don't know enough about the chemistry of what makes a good low volume amp/speaker set up.
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This is an amber alert regarding using resistors between positive side of speaker cables and the VR L2iSE output terminals. I just removed my Dueland 1ohm resistors--put in place to lower dampen factor--and realized a big jump in sound quality, specifically in the highs which improved imaging, depth and detail. This was not a subtle change. When I originally installed the resistors I was using Synergistic Foundation speaker cables and the improvements the resistors made was tangible, easy to hear. But when I replaced those cables with Shunyata Alpha NR2 cables I simply installed them with the resistors assuming the same benefits would apply. I was very wrong. For whatever reason, the Alpha's increased resistance, the different technology Shunyata uses, whatever, the resistors actually hurt the SQ. So vinpic and others who might be considering using resistors in this manner, please be aware that the improvement may heavily depend on the type of speaker cable you are using. When I installed the Alpha speaker cables at first with the resistors I heard so many changes/improvements that I didn't think to try them without the resistors. I only removed them now out of simple curiosity to be able to talk about their benefits.
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For the past several weeks I've been listening to two extraordinary amplifiers, the Enleum 23R and the Decware Super Zen 25th Anniversary Edition, both achieving the most engaging synergy with the the Nenuphars I've experienced yet. These amps elevate the Nen's performance to a new level, surpassing even the VR L2iSE (whose Achilles heel is it's output impedance which creates a relatively high damping factor) which bested (to my ears) the First Watt SIT 1, SIT 3, Pass Labs INT-25 and a Triode Labs 2A3 Classic. dspringham has called the Zen Triode "unearthly good" and vinpic has enthused over the Enleum 23R driving his Nen's with the new version of the 10 inch drivers and toetapaudio has posted how well the Bakoon 13R (precursor to the Enleum 23R) drives the Nens, so I can't claim I've summited any new peaks, but I have had the privilege of comparing these two amps side by side. And you know what? I find it very hard to tell them apart, especially their uncanny portrayal of "ensemble" music--small jazz groups, chamber music, "girl and guitar", etc. It is only when you go large, orchestra or rock say, that you might hear the Enleum 23R have slightly better bass definition, slightly better separation, slightly faster speed overall. But the two share engrossing detail, tonal accuracy, harmonic richness, holographic imaging, immense dynamics and life-like ambient air that I have never heard from any other amplifiers. Considering the two very different technologies of the these amps, this surprises me. What they do share, technically, are three things we know the Nens love: zero feedback, damping factor of 1 and pure signal path--although the Enleum's purity is achieved not through minimal circuitry as is the case with the Zen Triode but through a proprietary biasing arrangement that Soo In Chae calls JET2, which converts the analog signal to digital then back to analog again. The difference in output--the Zen at 2.3 watts per channel, the Enleum at 35 watts into 8 ohms--never manifest itself in my listening. At high levels they maintained their control, openness and air. Even pushing beyond tolerable levels I could hear no compression and the Zen never showed signs of clipping.
So which one will I live with? Tough question. Wouldn't have to change tubes with the Enleum, but then again I might enjoy rolling a few tubes in the Zen (I did replace the stock rectifier with the Sophia Electric Aqua 247b to nice effect). I do like to listen to big music, so I'm leaning towards the Enleum, but maybe the Zen is a little more present with voices? I go back and forth and sometimes I have to look up and see which one I've got playing to know for sure.
BTW, I vastly prefer both amps without the VR L2iSE as DHT pre (with Takatsuki tubes). Running through the pre seems to add a smoothing veil which detracts from the wonderful detail and texture these two amps have in spades.
Also, I've listened to the Enleum 23R headphone output. It is every bit as exciting as listening to the beautiful little beast drive the Nens.
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@jollytinker I'd be interested in hearing about your room treatments. I have a smallish room and have been researching same. Thanks.
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@vinpic
Yes, I think the Cube Audio sub is the next step, although I'm thinking of the 10" since my room is slightly smaller than yours. Right now I'm using a KEF KC62--a mini sub that does a credible job.
@david_ten
I prefer both the Enleum and the Zen Triode without a pre.
I'm not tempted to try mono block Zen Triodes since 1) I don't feel the single Zen needs more head room--although the monos might offer other benefits as well, just twice as many tubes to maintain 2) I think the Enleum may end up in the system the lion's share of the time. It plays better at lower volumes than the Zen, although that might have more to do with controlling volume through the TotalDAC instead of the Zen dual volume controls. I'll have to experiment.
I sent the iFi Pro iDSD back--a great a value but fell short of the TotalDAC D-1 Dual.
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@david_ten
I will be auditioning a Playback Designs MPD-8 Dream DAC in March.
And sometime April/May I will audition the Magnepan LRS speakers driven by the VR L2iSE.
I’ll also be adding some room treatments in incremental stages.
And I’ll continue to work with the Decware Zen Triode 25th Anniversary Edition, rolling a few more tubes and experimenting with it’s various settings.
And, as mentioned, I will probably add a Cube Audio 10" woofer.
But mostly, as always, discover new music. Such as Jan Lisiecki’s Chopin’s Nocturnes (DG) reviewed by Alex Ross in this week’s New Yorker. Listening now through the Enleum 23R. Delicious.
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Robert
I did listen to the VR L2i SE driving the SIT-1's though its DHT preamp stage with the ELROG 300bs. It improved the SIT's soundstage and it's lower mid-range very slightly from the PL XP-32 which I thought was heaven with the SIT-1s. But the L2i-SE straight up beat out the XP-32/SIT-1 combo with more extended and open highs, a more detailed lower mid-range and more powerful and tuneful bass (I took notes.) Overall it sounded more present and dynamic, closer to live music. It was not a difference you had to A/B to get the gist of. I was shocked, thinking I was doing my dealer friend a favor by giving the VR a spin with the Nenuphar's. He was just curious.
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@david_ten
Congrats on adding Taiko server. What DAC will you use with it?
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@onsionsi
Thanks for posting review of Enleum 23R as headphone amp.
Here's a review with detailed analysis of Enleum driving SoundKaos speakers:
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Have about fifty hours on my new Linlai 2A3 tubes running in the DHT pre-amp section of my Vinnie Rossi L2i-SE integrated. While there may still be break in improvements to come, I feel confident in saying that these are remarkable tubes that easily beat out the Elrog 300bs I had been running. I agree with Srajan's assessment of their particular qualities in his review, but would like to add two dimensions of their character that he didn't mention. First, the Linlai 2A3 give acoustically recorded music a tactile quality I've never heard before. The sensation of fingers on strings and frets, fingers on keyboards, drumsticks on drum skins, etc. is both delicate and pronounced, which helps put the music more 3 dimensionally in the room. Second, tonal accuracy along with depth and purity is the most engrossing I've encountered with any tube. But without cloying euphonics. As a side note, the tube's output is substantially greater than that of the ER 300bs, at least in terms of where the volume control now likes to sit. Lots of other good qualities but I would just be paraphrasing what Srajan has already said.
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David, not sure how I gave the impression I was moving on from the VR L2i-SE. Have zero plans for replacement especially after installing the Linlai 2A3 tubes. It's position is almost as steadfast as that of the Nenuphar's, especially after auditioning some very impressive Stenheim 3 Way Speakers at my local dealers. They were great speakers, don't get me wrong, but their perspective was mid row orchestra while the Nenuphars are front to fifth row or in the club or studio. Something very live about how they position you to the music which the Stenheims couldn't duplicate. So, no, the only change I might consider is upgrading my Totaldac d-1 dual. But so far the four or five contenders I've had in the listening room couldn't beat it. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
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David, thanks for tip on T+A's SD 3100HV.
cal3713 Have certainly read impressive things about the Aries-cerat new dac. Not sure if I could finagle a home audition though and I no longer buy anything without.
I have researched the SW1X dacs and have come close to ordering the SW1X Dac 3 Balanced (they do have a return policy) but have hesitated because of it's lack of DSD processing. Probably wouldn't miss it.
My local dealer is now representing Analog Domain, so their dac maybe my next audition when he gets it in. Some say it was as good as the MSB Select at a recent audio show.
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@ricevs I’ve been thinking about your detailed suggestion for rewiring the Nenuphars and wonder why you wouldn’t just procure enough of the wire you are using internally to go from voice coil to amp, skipping "speaker cable" altogether?
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@milhomes My one addition to David's thorough response is that you consider adding a subwoofer to the Nenuphars--either the Cube Audio 10" or 12" especially if you want to keep the Nens away from the front wall to maximize sound staging. And it will add that extra foundation to the bass and mid-bass when playing rock. When I added my KEF KC62 mini sub it brought the speakers to a new level of enjoyment. Good luck.
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David
yorkshireman
Thanks for your input. Right now my plate runneth over: I'm awaiting the arrival of the latest Concert Fidelity Dac as well as the Analog Domain Dac1.
But my latest addition of the Innuos PhoenixNet conditioning the Ethernet signal between wall and Antipodes DX has bumped streaming and even file playback (I know that doesn't make sense at first) a fair level. I've never had anything between my workaday modem/router and the DX and it shows.
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@ricevs My apologies for the mistaken identity and appreciate your understanding.
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@debjit_g Nuts it is. And pls report if purple SR fuse is the ticket.
@riaa_award_collectors_on_facebook I have heard the higher powered Enleums don't have the magic of the 23R but I'm sure it's speaker dependent. Was your buddy driving Cube Audio speakers?
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@debjit_g I too have been experimenting with the Carbon Tuning discs. The purple ones placed on my Shunyata Alpha V2 speaker cables brought the highs more forward, irritatingly so for some recordings. (I've certainly forgotten about irritating highs with the Nenuphars, something much more common with the Voxativs I've auditioned). But on some recordings I kind of like the forward highs. Be interested to know if you find another application that makes an overall positive impression.
And I'd like to add a follow up to my comparison of the Enleum 23R and the Decware Zen Triode 25th Anniversary amps. It seems that the 23R was not burned in all the way when I wrote my original review. It has opened up considerably more since my last report, better dynamics, even more detail, especially in the mid range and mid bass, and more air. And richer tone. To my ears it clearly bests the Decware Zen with every type of music I play. And especially, as I mentioned before, with big orchestral works which expand the walls of my listening room as if I'm inside some virtual reality headset. It is hard to believe it all comes out of that tiny box.
@ricevs One has to take what you say with more than a grain of salt. Your High Fidelity cables are living proof of your expertise.
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The higher powered Enleums have been discussed by the designer but not released--unless there are some betas out there. So not sure where I got the impression they sounded different than the 23R. My bad.
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@jonwatches1 I auditioned the Voxativ Hagen speakers with a Voxativ sub driven by a Voxativ tube amp on three occasions--separate listening sessions at the same dealer, same set up. This was maybe 4 years ago, long before I had ever heard the Nenuphars, so it is obviously not a comparison. What bothered me at the time was an initially very attractive sound that I found fatiguing after about 20 minutes or so. I brought my own material in to play, same result. I found the highs to be forward and irritating on a lot of material. Could have been the digital front end (I don’t remember what that was), room, cables, etc.
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Hi David. I'm still waiting on delivery of those dacs to audition. I'm hoping at least one arrives before I take off June 1 for a couple of months.
But I did have the chance to audition the Pass Labs INT 25 in my system. As many know, this is a highly touted integrated that some believe, with the right speakers, can deliver audio-nervosa-curing sound. Steve Huff, who said he would never get rid of this VR L2i-SE actually did sell it after deciding the INT 25 was his new desert island amp (driving the Heresy IV's). Not to make a long story of a short audition, the INT 25 sounded terrible with the Nenuphar's. I would go so far as to say it sounded broken. The bass was only there at higher volumes, the mid range was dead flat and, worst of all, the high end sounded metallic and completely airless. Ouch. I had done a little homework about the INT 25's specs and although I failed to locate its output impedance, I did find an interview with Nelson Pass where he said it had low output impedance, which sounded hopeful. But it does have a unique form of feedback (which I don't understand) that might be the culprit. The one positive thing I can say about the amp is that you could hear its much admired detail. Horses for courses, since I don't doubt this is a wonderful, even magic amp with the right speakers.
But another amp I am curious about, which might be a better technical match, is the 50w Gryphon Essence. I have zero qualms with my VR L2i-SE (especially with the new LinLai 2A3 tubes) but I am always curious.
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Thanks Charles, I too enjoy your input, which reflects a lot more accumulated knowledge than I have about our hobby (I almost said sport, moving/auditioning a lot of equipment can give it that edge).
And yes, riaa_award, I think you're spot on regarding Huff (he did sell the VR to help finance a move) and every other month comes a once in a lifetime component. However, I'm a sucker for his enthusiasm and no doubt heart-felt certainty he's just stumbled on sliced bread. I read too many reviews where I'm at a loss whether the item reviewed even elicited an emotional response (the purpose of music think some). If I'm left wondering, probably not. |
rwpollock
Always nice to hear one's ears corroborated--although I auditioned the FirstWatt SIT-1s not the 2s and did not audition the Bakoon 13-R or the LTA Z10--although did audition the LTA Ultralinear.
I am curious how the L2iSE would stack up against some of the better lower watt SETs out there but none have found their way through my door.
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Robert Please share your findings with tube trials in the VR L2iSE. I have only tried Electro Harmonix and Elrog 300bs and the Linlai 2A3.
The latter was a clear winner, I mentioned it's attributes in an earlier post and Srajan has a very positive review. Like to hear what you're rolling. The Nenuphars obviously love tubes and are a great lens of their different qualities.
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Robert Thanks for update on tubes. I believe the Takatsuki are VR's preferred DHT's for the L2iSE.
Charles I wish I knew the 300b better as a driver. Wondering in fact if there's anyone on the thread who is driving the Nens with the 300bs, can't recall. Would love to hear their impressions.
David From specs and reviews I think the Absolare Hybrid Integrated would be a terrific match and the audio I hear confirms. BTW I did try using my Townshend super tweeters with my Nenuphars and honestly could not hear that they contributed to sound quality. Could it be amp dependent?
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khragon Thanks for posting about your use of the Apherion supertweeter. I’m curious about how you have them installed. If they sit on top of the speaker, the rake would make them point far over the listener’s head at the front. My understanding is supertweeters are highly directional. Or do you have them propped so they fire straight ahead? Maybe the Apherion drivers provide more dispersion. Insights into installation would be appreciated.
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khragon Impressive set up! Thanks for sending photos. Rare to see the Nens with the grills. Don't think mine even came with. More importantly I see how you've installed the Apherions (and subs) and I'm thinking I will try the supertweeters given they have an in-home audition period. I have had speakers in the past that benefited from forward only firing super tweeters, but think the dual design is the way to go, adding depth and probably air to soundstage. I am in a relatively small room and although width of ss does not seemed cramped, depth does. With the SIT-2s in place, along with the help at either end of the spectrum, I bet your Nens sing.
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khragon Meant to ask what pre you have in front of the SIT-2?
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The EHTs totally missed my radar. SE's review inspired poetic writing you rarely see from him and this together with what @jollytinker has added has whetted my curiosity. After some reading I'm very intrigued by the design of the EHT's and looked to see if any were around since they no longer appear on Thoress or their distributor's website. No history of a sale on HiFiShark even.
jollytinker do you know anything about availability? Special order from Thoress? And many thanks for sharing your experience with them and your set up. |
@jollytinker Thanks for your response. Reinhard Thoress just responded to my inquiry via their website, which he says is sorely out of date. He does offer the newer version of the EHT monos for 12.950 Euros and an integrated version for 8.950. I haven't inquired about in-home auditions.
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david_ten Yes, I am seriously considering the Thoress EHTs although more likely the integrated version which would allow me to sell the VR L2iSE and bank the difference towards an upgrade to a Totaldac D1 Direct. Reinhard did offer a 10 day in home audition. I am gathering info on the EHT integrated but have not been able to find anything beyond Hifi Knights review which was very positive. This is all a bit of a stretch since many of the qualities that SE enthuses over in his review of the EHT monos I feel like accurately describes the advantages the VR L2iSE had over the SIT 1s when I got to A/B them.
Look forward to hearing your impressions of your new 2A3 amp. BTW, I can’t recommend the Linlai 2A3 tube highly enough, although sad to say I blew the filaments in mine because I had the voltage switch on 5 Volts as opposed to 2.5 Volts. Must have inadvertently moved the switch dusting. Back in go the Elrog 300bs till a new set arrives. They’re great, just don’t have the delicacy and detail of the Linlai. |
@david_ten Thanks. Considering the amps that have been stepping stones leading up to the Enleum AMP 23R--LTA ZOTL Ultralinear, FW SIT 3, FW SIT 1, Tektron 2A3, Pass Labs 25 INT, Vinnie Rossi L2iSE, Decware 25th Anniversary Zen Triode--yes, I think this is "IT". It's been an interesting and enlightening journey.
But I’m always interested in what you or others have found to be your "this is IT amp" with the Nenuphars.
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ricevs Do you own speakers made with Cube Audio drivers or similar widebanders? Do you know anyone who owns complete (with cabinet) Cube Audio speakers who has replaced the wire as you suggest? Do you have a recommendation for "some great sounding wire" that would make us "guys weep with joy over your sound"? Pls suggest what would be the very best wire regardless of cost. We don't have to buy much and while my Nens do make me weep on occasion I could handle more.
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Darko Audio's review of the Enleum AMP 23R:
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Darko Audio's entertaining YouTube review of the Enleum AMP 23 is now online. He uses an interesting analogy--his uncle's go cart--to explain the amp's volume control. My only caveat is that he seems to think it's expensive for what it does. Considering my experience pairing amps with the Nens, I think it's a screaming bargain. And it's a great and I mean great headphone amp. Can't think of anything that holds a candle to it price/performance wise. But that's at the bottom of the list of why I like it so much.
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David,
At the top of my list of why I like the Enleum AMP 23R so much is:
Visualization
The closer to the real thing the audible information is, the more I "see" the music, performers, instruments, and recording space. And, consequently, the more engaging the listening experience is.
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