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

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/a-member-in-need-of-support
Charles 

A reminder......the Neo 10 drivers are $6500 the pair directly from the US distributor. You can build an even better box for way cheap. However, if you mounted it on a four foot high by 2 foot wide open baffle....with four foot by one foot wings going straight back on each side......you would have even better sound......and you would still get flat to 40hz bass. You could buy some 13 ply baltic birch three quarter inch plywood and use three layers with green glue in between each layer.....pretty darn dead.

For even better sound (whether in a box or open baffle). You can hardwire some great sounding wire directly to the voice coil wire (the point where the voice coil wire is soldered to the banana jack). Then you solder that wire (either hanging out of the box.....or dangling off the driver in open baffle) directly to your speaker wire......so there would be no speaker connectors what so ever......this will blow your mind. You an also solder a Ground Enhancer directly on the negative voice coil wire, as well for even more info. WAY, WAY more transparent. or you can keep your speaker stock and enjoy the veiled sound.....he he. You can do what I suggest and put it all back to stock later on when you sell the speaker (if ever).

You guys have never heard your speaker......you do the above and you will cry and weep it will be so good.  One of you wants to do it.  One of you is not a sheep.  One of you wants to get sound to die for.....all it takes is one person willing to do it.....costs really nothing to hardwire.......just some labor.....and you can put it all back to stock without anyone ever knowing.  Don't be a wimp.....he he.  You can do it.  I will talk you though it on the phone, if you like....really.  I want you guys to weep with joy over your sound.

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.

No, do not own Cube speakers nor know anyone who does.  No one in the world has done what I suggest......you could be the first!  I do know someone who has done this to his $1200 a pair Lii Silver 10 speakers (mounted on the open baffle described above).  Yes, I have done this to many speakers and make my own speakers and have since the mid 70s.  I have modded and manufactured gear since the late 70s.  I bean around the block.  People will argue all day about what is the worlds greatest hook up wire.  I really don't know.  But any great wire will work fantastic in the scenario described.  It is the removing of the banana jack, the banana plug, the WBT connector and (if possible) your spade on your speaker wire that will make the most difference.  Of course, you want great wire....here are some suggestions:

Parallel single strand PCOCC Chris Venhaus wire
Parallel silver gold Mundorf wire.
Neotech copper litz braid wire....parallel several 20 gauges or get some 14 gauge from Zen Wave.

I like the tempo electric solid core silver in Teflon (and use VH audio solid core silver in my interconnects and components).

For Nenuphar (reg or mini) owners, how far apart are your speakers and do you tow them in? I have minis and I just moved. My new room is bigger than the one before. I’m working on setting up the speakers and they’re very “beamy” at this point where the sound seems to coming right from the drivers. I just moved them further apart with almost no toe in and it’s better but still a bit beamy. Maybe I’ll move a bit further still. Just wondering how everyone else is set up. Thanks. 

@abd1

Rough (and general) numbers for my system with the Nenuphars:

~ 9.5 ft from the front wall (to the front of the speakers)

~ 7.5 ft apart (center of driver to center of driver)

~ 7 ft from the listening position

~ 15 to 20 degree toe in

Room size: 26 by 19 by 9

@abd1  Re-enforcing what you already know. Since you are in a new room, with different dimensions, etc. etc. experimentation will take time but you will find the sweet spot!!!

Let us know what ends up working best for you. All owners posting here have slightly different position setups specific to their rooms and needs.

Thanks David, hope you’re well. 
I’m going to try and get the speakers further apart. I’m sitting 11’ away and they’re about 8.5’ apart. Then I’ll try toing in. I’ll report back as I experiment. 

@abd1  Things are slowly moving along. The downed tree is scheduled to be removed on Tuesday. After that the collapsed chimney and major debris from the side of the house will be removed. There is a section on the inside of the house that will need to be sealed for protection from dampness and mold, etc. This is just the start. 

On a very positive note, I have beautiful music. 

There is a gentleman interested in my Pass XA 30.8 amp. I powered it up yesterday and have it playing music via the Nenuphars for about 2 hours now.

Have to say it is holding its own. Very good... in fact quite good!

Scott's new 2A3 amps have 80 hours of playtime on them since being re-powered up (once the electricity was restored, post Ida).  I'll post more about how they are performing, in a day or two.

Sounds like an awful experience but glad it’s just material damage and you’re able to be in the home. 
I’ve never heard a 2a3 tube. I’m using 300b SET monoblocks right now from Sophia Electric. Beautiful mids and highs but I’m not getting the bass I like. I have an Alan Eaton 45amp and I really like the sound it produces. Not quite as refined but the bass is more alive, punchy. Thinking about trying a Primaluna Evo300 amp as I really like my old Dialogue series and love the EL34. Not sure if anyone has tried Primaluna with Nenuphars. 

Alan is building me a set of his 45 mono as well.  Which 45 tube are you using?

I actually don’t know. This is the amp I have:

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649763529-alan-eaton-45-set-amplifier-class-a-and-built-with-tam...

They’re labeled as radiotron but that’s all I know. 

@abd1,
I'm impressed with the use of Tamura power and output transformers.  This builder was serious about pursuing very high quality sound. I bet this amplifier sounds beautiful driving your Nenuphars. 
Charles 

@abd1 looks like RCA 45, and RCA 6sn7.  I have not heard RCA 45, yet, but my experience with RCA 6sn7 is that they are very dull sounding and not as musical as other 6sn7 out there.  I really like Brimar cv1988 6sn7 but they are pretty much unobtainium now a day.  Other NOS tubes I like is the Tungsol black glass, get the cheaper 6f8g with adapter, they sound the same as their 6sn7 counter parts.  I also like the new production tubes like the black treasure.  

I have the Brimar, Tungsol and JJ will report back when I get I get the chance to try them.  Alan mentioned it will take him 2 weeks to build.

I have an Alan Eaton 45 albeit with Omega Speakers. It's a wonderfully musical amp. Those transformers are magical. The SRPP stage is great as it has lots of low impedance "grunt" to drive triode finals. A very dynamic 1.5 watts! I like the RCA 6sn7. They are certainly more chill sounding than VT-231. Hitachi 6sn7gtb are really good too. I use shoulder, globes, and EML - I like them all. I can see why a lot of people would gravitate to the EML as it sounds like a more powerful amp. Down the road consider swapping the coupling caps, volume pots, and removing the little .1 caps coming off the RCA. They aren't necessary unless you have noisy sources. It sounds very nice in stock form but the mods bump the fidelity up a notch or two. 

Nice, glad to hear consistent reports for Alan's amp.  I did asked Alan to remove the volume control in my copy, hoping to gain a little resolution there.  Sorry didn't mean to dis the RCA 45, all my impressions were with Woo WA5 and headphones.  Looks like in Alan circuit they sound great, a good sign for a great designed amp.

no worries on the RCA, they are a little more bland, but in a good way. 
Definitely shoot us your impressions. I adore my little amp!

The fallen tree has been removed (mostly). The stump and root ball remain. They should be ground down sometime this week. The 23 ton crane / boom truck was unable to reach and remove it.

The significant debris from the chimney / side collapse has also been removed and taken to the dump. The Parish contracted service has picked up the debris that was by the curb (us as well as the neighbors). The immediate area is looking more ’normal’ except for the impacted ornamental trees along our property boundary. Slow progress, but progress nonetheless.

Scott’s Found Music 2A3 amps now have 210 hours of play time on them. This is since power was restored, post Ida.

On Scott’s recommendation, I installed a pair of Furutech GTX-D NCF(R) Duplexes; GTX Wall Frames; and 106-D NCF Outlet Covers. The Furutech duplexes replaced my Synergistic Research Blue Duplexes. The SR duplexes remain for ancillary use. All duplexes are on a common ground.

I have 121 hours of draw-through time on the duplexes.

I have also re-introduced the T+A PA 3100 HV integrated amplifier into the system. I am bypassing it’s pre...and using the T+A SDV’s pre.

More on this amp driving the Nenuphars at a later date.

I will be comparing Scott’s amps direct into the Furutech duplexes against the amps being powered via my SR PowerCell, after the Furutech duplexes have at least 250 hours on them.

Scott’s amps have been powered via the SR PowerCell since I received them. All of my listening has been in this configuration.

@david_ten glad to hear clean up is going well. Can’t wait to hear impressions on the FM 2a3’s. 

Is there a website I can do to to explore Found Music amps?  I am having trouble finding it through Google searches.

@khragon  I believe Scott is having his site rebuilt and is moving to another hosting service. If you would like his contact info, PM me.

It is live. Here it is.

Found Music:  https://foundmusic.info/

Thanks David

Another data point in our continuing, vaguely perverse, search for solid state amps that play well with Nenuphars -- SPEC RSA-M3EX from Japan (the EX stands for export model). Jeff Day at Positive Feedback wrote a lengthy review back in 2015 with the backstory. Mr. Yazaki and his friends wanted to re-create the sound of the classic post-WW2 amplifiers.
https://positive-feedback.com/Issue78/spec_realsound.htm

Well, they succeeded. There was one for sale on Audio Mart back in August and have been enjoying it since. The amp isn't about that bump in the upper mid-bass; the focus is on tone. Instead of listening with my forebrain I find myself listening a little deeper. Turn off your mind, relax and float downstream.

Originally I paired the SPEC with my Boenicke W8 speakers as they appreciate Class D amplification as Sven himself uses. It made for an ambiance-rich pairing. Paired with my Nenuphars, the SPEC was in the upper echelon, keeping company with my SIT-2 and Vinnie Rossie integrated. While the SPEC is an integrated amp it has a preamp bypass switch so you can mix with your favorite preamp flavors. Currently I am listening using the excellent icOn passive pre.

So, if you get a chance to catch the RSA-M3 it is recommended.

Robert

Funny, I was talking about SPEC CORP the other day with the U.K. dealer friend of mine and he rated them. Thanks for the information.

"Funny, I was talking about SPEC CORP the other day with the U.K. dealer friend of mine and he rated them."

Rated or hated?

Rated or hated?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I rate the Voxativ AC1A, very low, = No points, So yeah, i hated them. 
Not sure about these Cube things. 
10 inch??
nah, I'll stay with my DLVX8. 

Rated or hated? 😂  He liked them.

@rwpollock   Robert, thanks for sharing your experience with the SPEC integrated amp and congratulations on finding another successful and satisfying pairing for your Nenuphars.

Paired with my Nenuphars, the SPEC was in the upper echelon, keeping company with my SIT-2 and Vinnie Rossi integrated.

Mr. Shirokazu Yazaki's (and his design team's) efforts have been on my radar, for some time now, because of what you eloquently concluded:

"The amp isn't about that bump in the upper mid-bass; the focus is on tone. Instead of listening with my forebrain I find myself listening a little deeper."

I encourage those curious about SPEC to read Jeff Day's Positive Feedback review, which Robert linked in his post. It is thorough and complete...wish more reviews were as well done.

Some might find the SPEC to not be incisive enough. If so, that can be cured by pairing it with your favorite preamp....

DB2

An update that's a non-update. : )

The comparison of the Found Music 2A3 amps directly into the Furutech wall outlets to the 2A3 amps direct into the SR PowerCell is taking longer than I expected. 

Both 'powering chains' are resulting in beautiful music. Many more similarities than differences. No clear preference. At this time.

I've chosen not to complicate things by introducing the T+A amp into the mix. I'll wait until I've reached a conclusion and/or choice regarding the 2A3 amps directly into the wall OR into the SR PowerCell.

I consider/find the 2A3 amps to be fully run in now. They have over 1200 hours of active play time on them. They have been stable in my system, post hurricane Ida electricity restoration and the Furutech install, for over 350 hours.

I also believe the Furutech outlets are run in to my satisfaction. They have over 200 hours of active play time. And over 340 hours drawing current. [Note: this is contrary to what many report].

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...

dspringham  Your post is scarily prescient regarding my own curiosity over pairing a Decware SET with the Nens fronted by the L2iSE as pre. In fact, I just recently queried a new Cube Audio dealer in California who says he also represents Decware (whatever that means since they sell direct) about whether he had heard the 25th Anniversary Zen Triode with the Nens.  He hadn't but had heard from others it was a killer combo--as I suspected and you just confirmed.  Interesting that you find the bass much improved, but that probably has to do with higher output impedance of the VR L2iSE, which for what it's worth, I now prefer with the Takatsuki 300bs having run both the Elrogs and the Linlai 2A3 previously.  Congrats on your set up and new purchase of the Nenuphars.  I assume you are using the 8ohm speaker taps on the Super Zen.  Now all you have to do to utterly satisfy my musings is to try two of those Decware wonders!

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.

dspringham  Glad making the blind leap to the Nenuphars worked out.  I think many on this thread had to do the same, as did I.

The best option for matching the Decware triode SETs using the VR L2iSE as DHT pre is not exactly clear to me.  Since I prefer the balanced output,  two apparent options are A) the SE84UFO25 with the 
SBIT balanced to single end converter or B) a pair of the SE84UFO2 with XLR inputs and the Anniversary upgrades.  I have an email into Steve to
see which might be preferable.  And yes re lead time I took a gander at his build list and it is over 400 orders long!

@dspringham  Congratulations!!!

Would love to see the finish you chose. Can you link to a photo?

Nenuphar in Smoked Eucalyptus (piano gloss finish)

I'm also curious about your component chain ahead of the Vinnie Rossi?  Thanks.

you gotta love speakers like this that bring out everything that this mighty 2 watts has to offer

Highlighting the important point Dave ( @dspringham ) makes.

This despite Nenuphar specs, which suggest otherwise.

@david_ten,

"This despite Nenuphar specs, which suggest otherwise" 

Good point but only if one relies exclusively on specs and numbers on printed paper and ignore the actual words uttered by Grzegorz  Rulka. He will with patience and conviction explain precisely why the Nenuphars preform brilliantly with low power tube amplifiers (Of suitable quality)  with zero NFB and high output impedance.  Just ask him😊.

The added bonus of the Nenuphar is it is capable of performing very well with amplifiers that do not fit those clearly stated parameters. Grzegorz has been very open about the design and targeted amplification for his speaker. I readily acknowledge that there are people driving the Nenuphars with solid state amplifiers quite successfully. 
Charles 

They work well with low-powered amps because they sound extremely lively and engaging at lower volume levels.  Unlike most contemporary speakers, you don't have to crank them up to get your toes tapping.  I am a fan of that kind of sound, whether from full-range/wide range drivers or from horn-based systems.

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.

@dspringham Thanks for posting your photos. Gorgeous. Can’t wait for the close-ups!!!

What base are you using for the front spikes?

Thanks also for sharing your system chain. What are your thoughts on the K30 server/player?

Here’s additional clarification re. my post on performance ~ sound volume ~ vis a vis low output power amps. In this case, my Found Music 2A3s.

My reference is the normal volumes I listen to music. A majority of my listening generally falls in the mid to high 70 dB (average) SPL range at my listening position (common room/area reasons). I will listen in the low to mid 80 dB (average) SPL range when I’m by myself. These numbers are for acoustic Jazz...not, repeat not EDM, which I play at higher volumes when I’m by myself.

Note: Average SPLs are measured with mobile apps...not accurate of course, but in the ballpark.

@dspringham,
"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."

Very well described! As much as I enjoyed my prior solid state amplifier and then some very fine class A/B push-pull tube amplifiers, the class A lower watt SET was just more "alive" sounding and emotionally connecting. In a nutshell more "breath of life" realness and tactile. Obviously not everyone will agree but @dspringham I relate to your listening comparison experience/evolution .

@dspringham I love the finish on your cube’s. I have mini’s in matte walnut and my wife says I can’t get new speakers anymore because she loves the look, and sound. Like that you’re using a relatively inexpensive amp with very (IMO) speakers and front end. I’m currently using an Alan Eaton 45 amp that I got for around $900 with my Nenuphar Mini’s. I also have a pair of 300b SET monoblocks. The mono’s paint a more vivid, clear and detailed picture but the 45 amp is just more engaging to listen. I get stuck listening to it whereas I don’t get as drawn in with the mono’s. It’s also only about 1.5 wpc but it never seems flat or not enough. Rest of the chain is an Auralic G1 streamer to Berkeley Alpha Reference DAC1 to Don Sachs preamp to amp, all powered by a psaudio p12 regenerator. Guess it goes to show how versatile these speakers can be that you can pair them with inexpensive tube amps and still sound great.