Cube Audio Nenuphar Single Driver Speaker (10 inch) TQWT Enclosure

@debjit_g You are welcome.

For me, the two week downtime (which is mainly due to shipping the drivers back and forth) is about as reasonable as it gets.

Jon will only proceed once he has the new driver materials on hand for each request.

[Note: this applies for U.S. / North American customers]

As the OP, I've asked once and now I'm asking again. Both have been polite requests. I do not want to engage Admin and have multiple posts deleted.

As @toetapaudio  and @larryi have suggested, and I have requested...it is easy to start a thread on open baffle speakers and other full range speakers. 

Thank you.

 

@eric5kim  Thanks. Congratulations on the results!!!

Here is one approach, taken by Parmenter Sound, using Cube Audio’s Nenuphar speakers:

 

"A Very Special Sound System" posted by Mono and Stereo

@stephendunn  Stephen, terrific impressions and results regarding the Linlai 2A3 tubes in your specific application. Your feedback seals it for me...I'll plan on ordering a pair for my new amps at a later date.

Curious: Are you listing your VR integrated? If so, what are your plans for a replacement?

the Nenuphars are front to fifth row or in the club or studio. Something very live about how they position you to the music

+1, Stephen.

I came across a listing and assumed it was yours. Good to hear you are holding steadfast with the VR integrated.

I cannot offer any suggestions in direct comparison to your TotalDAC.

If you get the opportunity to audition T+A’s SD 3100 HV (their reference streaming DAC), I encourage you to do so.

@stephendunn  If the T+A unit is a serious contender for you, reach out to me via PM. A home audition is doable.

Re.:  "Not sure if I could finagle a home audition though and I no longer buy anything without."

@milhomes   Welcome to the thread.

Hope others also post responses to your questions.

1. I recommend you consider the V2 driver given your focus on Rock Music. They go a bit lower and are easier to pair with a wider array of amps. Solid state amps may be easier to pair and may work more favorably in meeting your preferences with the rock genre. Your prior reference will be a factor.

Placement is easy enough to experiment with...go with what works best for your room and your preferences.

2. I have not had any of the other speakers you are considering in my own room. They are all well implemented designs and have great owner and reviewer feedback AND will likely meet your needs. They will be different, given their design, than Cube Audio's Nenuphar.

I have heard the Rockport Cygnus in a friend's system. He's down the street from me. If you heard his system and mine, back to back, you might be very surprised by what's possible from a single driver speaker.

3. Both are 10 inch full range drivers. The Nenuphars use the top of the line F10 Neo; the Jazzon uses the F10 Select. There is a significant price difference between the two drivers.

4. The V2 is slightly less efficient than the V1 driver. Unless you are using very low output power single ended amplifiers, I do not see you running into any issues driving the V2s. Reach out to Grzegorz at Cube Audio for more specifics. The quality of the amp is a significant factor here, much more than the output rating.

5. I don't know where the F15 Neo effort is, currently. Another question worth asking Grzegorz. I have heard whispers of a flagship effort at a higher price point than the Nenuphars.

Let us know if you have other questions. All the best.

Posting this for those who may be interested in utilizing Cube Audio drivers in a DIY setting. 

@realworldaudio  sometimes posts within the general forum. I find what he shares thoughtful and helpful.  He recently installed the Fc8 driver in his Voigt Pipe cabinets. He has a YouTube channel and this video covers his Fc8 driver impressions, immediately after the install.

 

Cube Audio Fc8 driver in Voigt Pipe speaker cabinets

@toetapaudio and @charles1dad Thanks!

For those that have listened to this YouTube video, what are your takes in terms of differences and preferences? [I haven’t listened, yet.]

@toetapaudio Robert, I find listening to YouTube "audiophile" videos better served via an external USB DAC / Amp and decent headphones.

In my case, though I have other options, my easiest/simplest go to is iFi Audio’s iDSD Signature DAC/Headphone Amp into Beyerdynamic Xelento IEMs.

Much, much better sound quality than via a laptop / tablet / phone.

Minimally, use easy to drive headphones/IEMs via the laptop’s 3.5mm output...this is a significant step up from via the laptop / tablet / phone direct (i.e. on it’s own). Adding a DAC/AMP into the chain makes things even better.

On the other end of the spectrum, as an example:

Cast...or...YouTube via TV and my main system.

In this case, listen to the Nenuphars through my Nenuphars. : )

TV is connected via eARC to the T+A SDV 3100 HV.

Reposting Cube Audio’s Nenuphar V2 versus the V1 Driver comparison...so it’s at the top of the page. From YouTube:

 

Cube Audio Nenuphar V2 vs V1 Full Range Loudspeakers

@grannyring  Bill, for clarification; I assume you are referring to the video, correct?

 

I love the sound of both versions! Really wonderful sounding speakers. I found a slight preference for the V2 which sounded a bit more complete to me. However, I would need to be in that room listening to be sure.

@jonwatches1  Jon, I have not heard Voxativ in direct comparison. I strongly considered Voxativ when deciding on a single driver full range speaker; Holger Adler of Voxativ was a pleasure to engage with and was very helpful. 

In a recent post, @stephendunn makes reference to something that bothered him about Voxativ...perhaps he can comment or you can reach out to him via PM. He has extensive experience with the Nenuphars.

All the best in your choice.

Question: does anyone have experience comparing Voxativ with Cube? What were your impressions?  Thanks!

@ricevs  Please note this thread is specific to Cube Audio and the Nenuphar. You are free to start your own thread regarding another speaker. Thank you.

@jonwatches1  You are welcome!  Keep us posted on what you choose. Reach out, should you have additional questions.

@stephendunn Any further updates?

Should have my Blue Nenuphar Mini’s by the end of the month.

@riaa  Great news!!! 

@stephendunn  Thanks for the update. Interesting findings!

@sim_audio_nerd Wonderful to hear the thread has been helpful!!!

Yes, regarding: "Given my room dimensions, will the Nenuphars work?"

No, regarding: "Do I have to get a tube amp for the Nenuphars?" However, [in my personal opinion] tube amplification is the way to go with respect the Nenuphars.

There are trade-offs with either approach. Matching YOUR needs and preferences should take priority.

@sim_audio_nerd  Checking in to see if the responses were helpful and if you had any additional questions? - David.

@sim_audio_nerd  Thanks for the update. Looking forward to hearing more about your "impressions" and your comparative take (between the two amps AND versus your current system chain) from the audition. 

I agree with RIAA on what he shared in his post.

The XA 25, based on feedback, is bested by Pass’ First Watt options he mentioned [for this specific amplifier-speaker pairing].

Bakoon amp. Wow! I am VERY impressed with this amp.

@toetapaudio has been consistent in his feedback of the synergy of the Bakoon with the Nenuphars, as have others.

@wyan001 I haven’t been able to, yet.

Hi, has anyone got the chance to compare Voxativ vs Cube top model?

I would like to as I’m interested in what Voxativ offers. BTW, I was actively considering Voxativ but chose to go with Cube Audio.

You probably know this, but in case you do not: Srajan Ebaen of 6Moons has extensive experience / exposure with Voxativ and yet the Nenuphars moved him in a significant way.

No speaker does it all and [certainly] they do it differently for each one of us. I cannot see going wrong with either choice.

@sim_audio_nerd  Thanks so much for sharing your impressions from the audition at your dealer. Following what you hear and want for your system is the correct way forward. 

I look forward to hearing what you decide on for a tube amp paired to your Coincident speakers. Reach out to @charles1dad who will be a terrific resource in this area.

A reminder that this thread is for the Cube Audio Neuphar speaker. Thanks.

@riaa  Are your Nenuphar Mini speakers in system? 

@riaa  Thanks for the update. I was frustrated with the wait for mine, in standard finish. @charles1dad  was instrumental in my not walking away. It will be well worth the wait. It certainly was for me.

@glory   Hi. 

I did not demo the Nenuphars before purchase.

I've owned a number of speakers. I did take an 8 year break from speaker based 2 Ch audio (headphones during that time). Immediately prior to the Nenuphars, I had the Tekton SEs, Chario Academy Sonnets, and Gemme Tanto V2s. Prior to those my primary speakers were Vaughn and Totem Winds. I'm probably missing a few.

You are welcome to demo them in my home. 

Dawid Gryzb / HiFi Knights review of the Cube Audio Nenuphar Mini:

http://hifiknights.com/reviews/speakers/cube-audio-nenuphar-mini/

Since we’ve been discussing amps...here are two short clips of the Nenuphar being driven by Absolare’s Hybrid Integrated SE. Posting since I don’t recall mention of an Absolare pairing in this thread. Please correct me if that isn’t the case.

Courtesy of Dükkan Hifi, a dealer in Turkey. Note the use of Townshend Audio Supertweeters. There is a comment regarding their negative impact on sound quality, though Dukkan mentions in-person listening for a better / correct evaluation. I personally don’t see [hear] the need for the addition of supertweeters. Curious, nonetheless...Anyone using them with Cube Audio speakers?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0bLmC5rkig

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ti2iJ7tXuqQ

For those of you who have the Nenuphar Mini speakers, here is a longer (mix) clip from Dükkan Hifi .

Driven by the Aesthetix Mimas Integrated Amplifier.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpM_9NfTL6U

Note: For all videos, the dealer recommends listening via headphones.

Same here. In full agreement with Charles’ post.

I can’t recall a single mention of a 300b SET amplifier and Nenuphar pairing. I believe that it would be as successful as the 2A3 SET amplifier.

Stephen, I explored various 300B options but, as you know, doubled down on the 2A3.

Going by gut feel from having the Nenuphars for two and a half years, I believe the ~8 watts from a high quality 300B amp is the "goldilocks zone" for power (in terms of driving the Nenuphars with a SET amp).

There are far more quality 300B amps (relative to the other SETs) including stereo versions; and greater availability / choice in the used marketplace. It’s interesting and surprising that we don’t have mention of 300B - Nenuphar pairings.

@rwpollock  Robert, good point and on the money. Srajan Ebaen's initial review also shined a bright light on the SIT amps, and then Bakoon.

As Charles mentions, it is perhaps incongruous that few on this thread have followed the designer / builder's lead with 45 and 2A3 pairings. 

I received very strong pushback on going the 2A3 route, from many, since they were highly skeptical of the ability of 3.5 watts to properly drive a 92dB / 6 Ohm rated speaker. 

Charles was steadfast on the pairing and I'm so glad I followed his advice. Once again: Thank You Charles.

A strong recommendation for using headphones / earphones / IEMs for the video playback.

The comparisons between audio output via my laptop speakers vs. the 3.5mm laptop analog out vs. the Audioquest Dragonfly Red DAC/Pre/Headamp to Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones and Noble Audio 4C IEMs are (obviously) vastly different.

I'll try playback via USB Audio Pro / eXtream Software Development (The Netherlands) next.

Sony leash is stock. Custom Linum / Estron (Denmark) leash for the Noble 4C.

I'm not in my audio home base, for the time being, and cannot access my primary headphone systems.

@yorkshireman In addition to Charles' excellent advice, some things to consider:

- I believe Srajan used Allnic amplification components with the Nenuphars. Might be worth revisiting those sections of his reviews specific to the Nenuphars AND specific to Allnic, to get a better feel for the pairings and synergy. Those reviews are from 2+ years ago.

- If you are still considering a new integrated I'd keep an eye out for those that allow for negative feedback control.

- I've been revisiting Peter Breuninger's Nenuphar Mini review for evaluating laptop based headphone listening purposes and the sound quality of that setup stands out. I believe the component used was the 'Tektron Stratosphere TK2A3 300BPSE i Ref' which allows for use of multiple output tube types. This would allow you to go with 300Bs as well as lower power tubes. I believe Tektron is fairly priced and may be within your budget.

All the best in your search and let us know how it all comes together with your Allnic T1500 or another amplification route.

@yorkshireman You are welcome. If you are still considering options...please know that I’m not trying to dissuade you from the Allnic T1500...here are a couple of avenues that may be worth exploring.

Audion Audio’s (UK; with France based office) Silver Night integrated line. Their entry level utilizes a PCB, but are point to point hardwired above that level. Known for their 300B version. Used upper levels units may be within your budget.

If you want to specify the build and parts, then look into Ken Uesugi of Sound Gate / Otomon Laboratory (Japan). Vintage chassis / looks, if that’s okay with you. He sometimes lists on Audiogon. He should be able to deliver within your budget.

And a +1 to @cal3713 ’s post.

@yorkshireman  Do you have any updates?

Came across a strong recommendation and stellar pairing synergy for the Bakoon AMP-13- and HiFiMan's flagship Susvara planar magnetic headphone. I own a previous flagship, the HE1000. Mentioning this because it gives me insight into the Bakoon - Nenuphar synergy.

FYI, both the 13R and Susvara retail for around USD 6K, each.

@khragon  I replaced the rear rubber feet with edenSound regular brass hemispikes. These are NOT threaded (they have a flat surface). I used double sided adhesive discs.

I don't recommend using isoAcoustic GAIA for the front since it's important to maintain the angle (and height) that Cube's designers/builders chose. You can play with both the height and angle, should you choose to experiment, however results will vary.

I used Townshend Audio's Seismic Isolation Platforms specific to the Nenuphar's weight and size (footprint). I ended up removing them. Others, I believe, continue to use them. Mentioning this as your results may vary based on a number of factors.

If you search for Eden Sound and Townshend within this thread, you will find posts and discussion regarding isolation.

@khragon No harm in trying since you already have them.

My reason for not recommending the GAIA footers is because of the soft rubber base...which will bend and result in only a portion of the GAIA to be in contact with the floor due to the design of the Nenuphars. This will be exacerbated due to the tilt of speaker. GAIA footers are effective when they are evenly compressed and fully in contact with the floor surface.

AND their height, which introduces another variable.

BTW, I have GAIA footers.

Looking forward to hearing how it goes.

@pulinap All three are excellent options.

I believe Srajan Ebaen of 6Moons, given his exposure to all three brands (as well as the models), may be able to help. I recommend sending him an email through his site. There are options for the communication being Private or being ’Published.’

Given your previous exposure to Rethm and Voxativ, and understanding of both, a personal audition of the Nenuphar / Nenuphar Mini makes even more sense. 

Let us know what you find out and which one you decide to go with!

Has anyone had the opportunity to listen to the Nenuphars driven by the Thöress EHT monoblock amps?

Here is Srajan Ebaen’s review from Dec. 2018, in which he discusses the Thöress - Nenuphar pairing in detail.

https://6moons.com/audioreview_articles/thoress2/

@jollytinker  Thanks! Any updates from your post in March? Changes in the positioning of your Nenuphars, comparisons with amps other than with your SIT 3s, etc.?   Thank you. - David.

@charles1dad  Charles, thanks for reposting Jolly's initial feedback. 

@khargon Thanks for sharing your findings using IsoAcoustics’ GAIAs and for the photographs. The photos really help!!!

Can you share the height at the bottom of the Nenuphar cabinet (front and rear)? Thanks. - David.

@kevn  Thanks for your post!  Looking forward to your results as you upgrade and tweak your Nenuphar based system.

@totetapaudio  Richard, have you compared your approach against Townshend's options? If so, your findings? Thanks. - David.

@jollytinker  Thanks for the additional detailed findings driving the Nenuphars with your EHT monoblocks!!! Looking forward to the EHT - Teresonic pairing and comparisons between your two systems. - David.