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

Great points Steve. Thanks so much.  

Charles, the output impedance is not ideal, but all other aspects are. I need to do more research as I think I can add a nice resistor to fix that issue.  

Nenuphar 8 or 10

These speakers really intrigue me. I hope to hear them at Axpona. David and other owners, would you say these these speakers are fussy or finicky of the recording quality? Do they make average to below average sounding recordings sound less enjoyable or possibly bad? I realize most all good speakers reveal the source, but I am wondering if the incredible resolution somehow heightens this reality making it more fussy?

Secondly, does this speaker have good mid bass response avoiding the tendency to sound lean or thin at times? I assume closer placement to the wall behind them would help develop this mid bass body.

I would be pairing the Nenuphar with a Class A Clayton Audio S40  SS amp with current upgrades. The Audiophile’s Wife approves the aesthetics of the Nenuphar.  Most important! 

Thanks David. You make some great points which I understand completely and will take to heart. My system seems to be dialed in for this particular speaker with the possible exception of the amp. I am waiting on the builder to get back to me on some questions. I know it is a zero feedback design, however I am not 100% sure about the damping and output impedance specs.

As far as Srajan’s review, I must say I find his reviews hard to read and confess I did not read it closely. His style just grates at my patience and mind. Not my favorite reviewer, but understand how others, like yourself, enjoy him.

I look forward to hearing the Mini Basis model at Axpona. I have visited with Jon at Refined Audio and he shared the ideal amplifier specs for the speaker.

I guess I assumed the parties planning the room used electronics known to have good synergy. @larryi please let us know the amp paired with the speaker. I assumed First Watt SIT3. 

This speaker is said to break out of the typical mold you refer to? Owners and reviewers certainly don’t hear the same sonic traits you mention. Perhaps the show was not an ideal venue to hear these and it could be the speakers were young in play hours? Very different take on this speaker compared to what I have been reading and learning.

It always amazes me how gear with little play time is often used to showcase at shows. This is not putting your best foot forward in terms of sales and marketing strategy. Cannot help but think this was at play here.

Good to read your comments as all perspectives are helpful.

Buying a commercial unit.   I am not good with woodworking! I am thinking of the new Mini Basis due to the better bass response. 

Great posts all! Thanks all! 

Which size Townshend platform do you use? In addition, the Star Sound line of platforms are also very good.

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.

The Vcap Odams are great in speaker crossovers. Vibrant and so very open. They are also easy to fit due to their relatively small size. However, I would say they are my 2nd choice in this particular speaker. The best choice, if you can afford them, would be the Duelund SnCu CAST caps. This is their tinned copper foil cap. The richness, realism and natural tone of this cap would be a better match in this speaker. I think this speaker would benefit from the body, richness and meat of this cap. The Odam may deliver more perceived air and liveliness, but I just don’t think this speaker is asking for “more” of these attributes. Just my opinion.

If these are too costly, then the Jupiter copper foil cap is also a great choice. Keep in mind the size of both the Jupiter and Duelund can be quite large depending on the value you need.

I am making an assumption these speakers don’t currently have a top tier copper foil cap in them. If they do,  then wonderful and leave them be 🙂.

 

 

 

 

@david_ten 

 

Sorry, yes I am referring to the video.  

@ricevs 

 

That is what I thought! An owner posted he wanted to try Vcap Odams in his set? I started thinking perhaps the driver was concentric. Most sorry for my confusion. 

@larryi 

 

Have you heard the latest version of the Horning Aristotle Ellipse PM65. Spectacular! Love to compare it to the Cube Audio offerings. No resistors or inductors in the Horning.  Only one cap on the tweeter. True full range performance with outstanding speed and dynamics.  

I happen to have the Thoress full function super preamp available if someone is interested.  Thoress is a very interesting company making hand crafted point to point wired gear with great build quality. Seems very few tube pieces are made this way anymore. 

I listened to the line stage portion only, as I don’t own a turntable, and it sounded so engaging and fun.  Their amplifiers  must sound beautiful! 

They look very similar to the Wolf Von Langa line of speakers.  So similar that WVL should take notice.  The WVL line uses field coil midrange and woofers however.  WVL makes fantastic sounding speakers.  While they look similar it seems both companies use some different approaches in design and drivers beyond the shared Mundorf tweeter.