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

New owner here... Nenuphar in Smoked Eucalyptus (piano gloss finish). Coming from Harbeth 40.1 and Raidho D1.1. Very impressed with this speaker. All the accolades as already mentioned in this thread.

Began use with Vinnie Rossi L2iSE (Elrog 300B and Linlai Global E-2A3). Very nice sound per other users here - HOWEVER - took a chance an a preowned purchase of a Decware Super Zen SE84UFO2 (V-Caps). Wasn’t sure if 2-watts would do it but holy cow! Using the Rossi as DHT preamp feeding the Decware proved to be quite a surprise. With Decware silver interconnects and speaker cable the sound is strong (at my conservative listening levels) with impressive detail, depth, separation and wonderful tonality.

I think this configuration drips with tube goodness. Not lush, solid state fast, really good frequency extension at both ends of the spectrum. Believe the bass sounds stronger with the Decware than with the 100 w/channel Rossi output ss output section (once again, at moderate SPL’s). Maybe something to do with damping - bass just sounds more full and resonant (maybe less tight and controlled but more realistic with my acoustic and jazz music preferences). Highs are airy and crisp. Steel guitar strings have that "bronzy" sheen. Vocals (ie Mark Knopfler) are gripping and gravely as they should be

So, seems like nice match with the Cube’s. This little Decware is impressive but you gotta love speakers like this that bring out everything that this mighty 2 watts has to offer with it’s short, bare-bones signal path.

Regarding DHT tubes, I prefer the Linlai 2A3’s with the Rossi’s internal FET amp and the Elrogs with the Rossi in preamp only duty with the Decware.

Cheers...

I would have to think the 25 Anniversary Zen would be perfect or these;
https://www.decware.com/newsite/SE84UFO3.html

As I had mentioned, the bass may give the illusion of being "better" but I thinks it's actually just more full, resonant and natural sounding. Some people may prefer a tighter more concise representation. Upright double bass on the "Nens" with the "Zens" sounds great.

Actually Stephen, I must give you the credit for my purchase of the Nenuphars based on your review and pairing with the VR L2iSE. Since I already a VR in place, I thought your prior experience with this amp and speaker combo made the decision somewhat less risky (since I was buying without prior audition).

The challenge with Decware is finding used pieces is somewhat rare and new production is way backed up.

I'v posted a few photos under a quickly assembled systems page (dspringham's System). I'll have to some close up to showcase the Nenuphar cabinets - really quite gorgeous - the high gloss piano finish is elegant.

Signal chain;
Ansuz C2 Power Distributor and power cables > Antipodes K30 Digital Player/Server with local SS drive storage > USB > Vinnie Rossi L2iSE w/DAC module (currently used as preamp with Elrog 300B or Linlai Global 2A3 tubes) > single ended Decware Silver interconnects > Decware Super Zen SE84UFO2 (V-Caps, Decware Silver power cable) > Decware silver plated speaker cables > Cube Audio Nenuphar.

Additional recent listening has reinforced the attributes of the "little" Decware. Can't get over how well this measly 2 watts propels the Nenuphars. The Zen has top deck hi/low output transformer selector (2-8/8-16) switches but I don't detect much difference switching between the two.

The other cool thing about the Zen is the tube rolling possibilities with rectifier, output and driver tubes options. Already drooling over the prospect of the Anniversary rendition, however the backlog for new builds is too lengthy. Preowned - good luck.

Honestly, I though the VR L2iSE did sound just fine with it's built-in single device JFET output stage but the Zen just adds that last bit of air, righteous tone and life-breathing liveliness that takes favourite tunes a higher plane. By the way, the Zen is absolutely quiet at idle.

If anybody’s interested, just put up some more photos on my virtual system page with better views of the speaker cabinet finish.

Continue to be impressed with the sound of the Decware - just amazing clarity. I’m thinking... Nenuphar with direct wire to driver (no crossover) plus simple signal path of the Decware (one V-cap capacitor and two resistors) = absolute signal purity.

Also, Vinnie Rossi L2iSE in preamp only mode - directly heated triodes (DHT) run in a dual-mono, class-A with zero feedback, Belleson super regulators for ultra-quiet linear voltage regulation of the triodes, no coupling transformers, internal DAC with (inches) short signal path to preamp stage, discrete, 64-step resistor ladder volume control using Pickering England silent signal relays.

Minimalist approach brings out the absolute best in the Nens.

rwpollock - which model Ansuz cables are you referring to that you place as your first preference.

I have C2 level Mainz Power Distributor and C2 Mainz power cables. Have always been tempted by their speaker cables but seem to think (from what I've read and researched) that their power products are the sweet spot in their lineup.

As an update, I just posted this in speaker related another thread;

"I put one of these Zen amps on my Cube Audio Nenuphars and it sounds unearthly good. Using a Vinnie Rossi L2iSE with Elrog 300B’s for DAC and preamp duties. With these speakers the Zen sound amazingly natural and open - wide soundstage, wonderful clarity and tonality with great separation of instruments and voices. Bass is strong and deep. Within it’s power parameters I prefer the Zen sound to that of the Rossi’s own built-in Mosfet output stage (@100w/ch). All in all a surprising outcome - I’m sure the crossoverless Nenuphar FRD has a lot to do with the end result."

I think the one thing that most keeps impressing regarding the Zen/Nen combo is the "presence". Everything just sounds so vivid and alive. I should add that my Zen has CuTF V-Caps.

Already lusting for the Zen 25th Anniversary but the backlog at Decware is just too long for the impatient.

I see there’s a few reports of dealers getting in their Enleum’s in stock. Would love to compare the 23R vis-a-vis the Zen.

Also, just bought a Shunyata Omega USB cable to step up the information perspective from the K30.

Tried Gallo TR1 sub (sealed 10 incher) in the setup. Took it out right away - granted, not the last word in high-end sub sophistication but in my mind all it did was muddy the low end. Much prefer the Cube's "naked" - plenty of bass foundation in my room. All the Gallo did was replicate home theatre type bass in place of the pure texture and tonality of the Cube 10 incher. As always, YMMV.

@stephendunn 

Had you ever tried the DAC2 module in your VR L2iSE?

I was on the hunt for an external DAC upgrade thinking I was missing something with the VR DAC 2 in my own L2iSE. The recently referenced review on Audiophile Style comparing the Rossi L2iSE (DAC2) with the likes of Chord Dave convinced me to end my search. Seems that there may be limited or minimal improvement by throwing multiples of the cost of the VR DAC2 for an external solution. 

I agree with the review that the combination of the internal DAC2 with DHT tubes and internal Mosfet amp creates a synergistic solution that eliminates costly additional peripheral interconnect and power cabling. I'm feeding my L2SEi DAC2 via USB from the Antipodes K30 server. I did find, however a noticeable improvement upon the addition of a Shunyata Omega USB cable. Also, I do have a costly power system consisting of Ansuz C2 level power distibutor and cables.

At this moment I'm enjoying and appreciating this system as the Nenuphars (with additional run time) continue to reveal more and more musical nuances. I would be interested in trying some Silversmith Fidellium cables. Anyone experience these on the Nenuphars?

Dave

Still enjoying the Nenuphars but missing the rich, full bottom end of my previous Harbeth 40.1. Looking at subs here in Canada, the Cube Sub 10 lists for CAN$7400. Gulpl!!! They must perform extraordinarily for that sticker price.

I’m sure there are lower cost alternatives, however as an experiment I pulled out a pair of Anthony Gallo TR-1 subs. The experiment lasted around five minutes as they simply muddied the bottom end and became an unblended distraction. I realize these Gallos’ are not the last word in high performance but I assumed they would be fast as they are in sealed enclosures. It makes me wonder about the feasibility of trying to integrate "off brand" subs with the Nens.

Anyone have direct experience comparing the Cube subs to other brands. Do the Cube subs performance justify the entry fee?