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

Good to know the Raven works well. Ive got a Reflection MK2 laying around. Im sure its not as good as the Mono's but as long as its in the ballpark.

Many of our posts have focused on amplification. Adding an anecdote that illustrates that everything is important and can contribute to overall performance and sonic results.

I updated and upgraded my Router and Satellite (Mesh Network) yesterday.

The Satellite serves as the beginning / entry point component in the audio system (other than power / power cables).

Wireless in, then wired ethernet to my server.

The update and upgrade was not made for sonic reasons. I am very impressed with the resulting sound quality enhancement.

@eric5kim  Thanks. Congratulations on the results!!!

Yes, everything is important and can contribute to better sound.  I can send one  Nenuphar owner (who is looking for better sound).....a free pair of my Music Purifiers....that mount on the speaker terminals (takes one minute to install).  They are an rf filter in the lineage of Enacom, Walker HDL and Stein Music.......done with my 45 years of tweaking ability and selling for very little ($125).  Pretty amazing....what they do.  One of my beta testers is using a full range 10 inch Lii driver to great success.  This is a one time offer.  You must contact me through my website address or email.  So, who will be the lucky guy?  First one gets it....free, no strings attached.....of course, if you like it I hope you tell everyone here about your experience.

Blessings and Love.

I recently changed the internal wires (which is like 20awg ?) of the Nenuphars with Vhaudio. I am using KLE banana plugs on the speaker end but after break-in the sound is just so much better and fuller. My rest of the system produces very detailed and lively sound (due to Lampizator DAC) and hence some recordings that has stridency or hard edges present has mellowed down without loosing anything. All in all, the upgrade proved every bit worthwhile. While the VHAudio upgraded wire with ofc copper conductor sounds as good as it does, I am tempted now to upgrade to even better wire, maybe silver. It looks like the internal wire might be the greatest weak point of this speaker depending on the rest of the system.

@ricevs I would love to try some of those purifiers….

If you really want to get a big boost then you need to solder the internal wire directly to the voice coil wire......and bypass the banana connection altogether......costs you nothing. Mundorf has some new wire called Angelique.....that I will be playing with.....it is an alloy of copper, silver and gold that they have been working on for a long time. Probably sounds great inside the Nenuphar and soldered directly to the voice coil wire.....of course, for those even more experimental....you will eliminate the WBT binding posts and clamp the wire from the voice coil wire directly to your speaker wire using Nylon hardware. I will have nylon hardware for sale real cheap on my site soon for this purpose.

The one time free pair of Muisc Purifiiers is gone.....the person who got them knows who they are.....sorry for you slow pokes....he he.

Anyone can "try" these Music Purifiers......I give you 30 day money back.....and in fact, if you do not like them and want to return them for full refund (including shipping)........I will also send you $10 to mail them back.....so you lose not one cent.

Debjit I did used solid core siltech wire to replace the internAl wire of  my Norh Speakers. The improvement is so huge.

@ricevs i wasn’t looking for a free pair. I would really like to try it out if they aren’t exorbitantly expensive (I don’t really know what they the cost). Anyway, I could have easily hardwired the wire straight to the voice coil but didn’t do it for two reasons

1. I want to first evaluate the best wire and experiment before soldering/desoldering things. I don’t really like hit iron touching the voice coil often.

2. I have been contemplating v2 driver upgrade.

btw, I am aware of the Mundrof’s new Angelique series. I went to Partscon couple of days back to get the 15.5awg Mundrof Silver/Gold for a power supply project where I saw those.

@jayctoy thanks for the feedback. Where do I buy the Siltech from ? Any link ?

http://tweakaudio.com/EVS-2/EVS_Music_Purifier.html

@ricevs check your email.

Debjit I used to have extra speaker cables it’s too long , my friend cut it and terminate it, and the extra wire I used it to replace the Norh internal wire. It’s a solid core siltech. Gold and silver mix.I don’t know where you can buy their wire.

@debjit_g  Debjit, have you reached out to Grzegorz regarding their recommendation for type(s) of wiring (metal / mix)? If so, can you share their feedback? Thanks.

I am tempted now to upgrade to even better wire, maybe silver.

@david_ten David, no I have not reached out to Grzegorz. In a hindsight I should have but most of the time these types of mods are not encouraged by manufacturers as it indicates a weakness in their products. Now that you mention, I will write to him and report back if I get an answer. Thanks for the suggestion.

@debjit_g  Debjit, I think he will be open and helpful. I would not be surprised if one (likely more) of their clients has provided feedback on wiring choices. You never know... something you happen upon might find application on their end.

They are probably at the High End Munich 2022 Show...in other words, it may take longer than usual for a response.

@debjit_g eager to hear what you think of the "music purifiers" and also very interested in your changing out the internal wire.  Want to hear more about optimum wire before making the leap.

To add to the wire discussion: I bought a pair of Silversmith Audio's Fidelium speaker cables on a 30 day home audition.  I only have about half the burn in hours they recommend (50), but I have to say they clearly leave my Shunyata Alpha V2 cables in the dust.  Clarity, detail, layering, depth, and maybe most surprisingly bass have all taken an engaging, totally musical leap forward.  They are 1/4 the price of the Shunyata Alphas--pretty shocking really.  Number of reviews out there.

I have the Fidelium as well. Clarity of this wire is in spades. I will also be trying some DIY cables out of pure copper (ofc/occ) after I have some understanding from Grzegorz (per David's suggestion). The good part is due to the low power requirement the Nenuphars don't need too much heavier gauge to sound good.

Here is the before and after

@debjit_g  I cannot see / can't access the photos / links in your last post. 

@david_ten David, not sure what's going on but I can see them from my browser. I am not very familiar posting images here. I simply linked those images from an external site using the "Image" icon and suspect I might not have done it properly. Do others also have the same issue ?

I can’t see it either…

Neither can I.

Will likely work if you use the 'Link' icon to the right of the smiley.

Trying again...Let me know if it works this time.

Before and after image

Excellent. It does. Thanks, debjit.

Having been tubular for some time now, I've decided to sell my FirstWatt SIT-2. I figure there may be someone here who would appreciate it. If that's you, send me a PM. $3K, original box.

 - Robert

Hi Robert ,

Just sent you a PM

David

I've listed the amp on AudioMart. Check there if you are interested. They're not making any more of them. :-)

Cube Audio Jazzon from High End Munich 2022 (courtesy of Cube Audio):

Jazzon High End Munich 2022

Cube Audio Jazzon / Tektron Room High End Munich 2022. Close up video of the components and room. Posted by Cube Audio.

Cube Audio / Tektron / Lampizator Room at High End Munich 2022

I'd like to welcome and congratulate Dave ( member @dlcockrum ) as a new owner of the Nenuphar V2s. 

Thank you David for both the warm introduction and your patient guidance in selecting and sourcing the Nenuphar V2s.

It has taken quite a bit longer than I originally planned to get the all new system in place. First was Axpona 2022 delaying the shipment of the new Nenuphars. Best laid plans and all that…

Then, my first choice for amplification, a NAT Audio Single HPS integrated amp failed to operate properly during testing at the distributor and is currently stranded with the hood up awaiting parts. Fortunately @rwpollock posted here a few days ago that he was parting with his First Watt SIT-2 and I snatched it up (thanks Bob!). Very fortuitous, except that I have no appropriate external preamp solution at present (since the NAT Audio integrated needed none), so I am temporarily limited to driving the SIT-2 directly from the single ended outputs of the Meitner MA3, also new to me, using its (reportedly excellent) VControl digital volume control.

The SIT-2 arrived this afternoon and I am now listening to the rig for the first time as I write. First thing that strikes me is the very satisfying bass performance from the Nenuphars. Next is the enormous soundstage and the sense of true depth and proportionate spatial relationship between instruments and performers.

Not all is peachy yet of course. The V2 drivers, being brand spanking new, are still way tight, lack top end airiness/open-ness and overall dynamics, especially in the treble region, sounding overly polite thus lacking essential sparkle. I am expecting some improvement in these areas as the drivers loosen up and everything settles in, but I am thinking that a true active preamp addition to drive the SIT-2 is already proving mandatory.

I have my old Ayre K-1xe preamp in storage but really wish to employ tubes this time around. Suggestions anyone?

<<The V2 drivers, being brand spanking new, are still way tight, lack top end airiness/open-ness and overall dynamics, especially in the treble region, sounding overly polite thus lacking essential sparkle. I am expecting some improvement in these areas as the drivers loosen up and everything settles in...>>

My V1s took awhile; the sound improved after about 50 hours, and the magic happened at 95 hours.

@rwpollock Gotcha. Later last night I found that the sound is considerably better with the polarity reversed at the SIT-2s output terminals. Nelson touches on this in the manual but I found the wording ambiguous, perhaps encouraging experimentation.

@dlcockrum

Congratulations on acquiring the Nenuphars and the First Watt S.I.T. amplifier. In my opinion you have established an excellent foundation to build an audio system around (I believe the NAT audio amplifier an equally good option as well). I have zero doubt that your sound quality will only improve with accumulation of playing time hours. I’m very interested to know how you find this direction compared to your former Thiel speakers-Classe Audio amplifier based audio system. Polar ends of the audio component spectrum.☺

Charles

Built at least 100 full-range driver speakers. While I do prefer multiway horns with compression drivers a true full-range in proper cabinets has a certain something that's hard to ignore. What I use now is a pair of ultra-rare Fostex fe208 sol special editions in massive bottom-firing blh these can play pipe organ with authority and have bass tested to 30hz. It's wonderful having true full-range performance out of 1 driver. Not a weak thin sound like many full-range systems produce. But the ability to play any music type inc bass-heavy at loud SPL levels without breakup. This is something that eludes most all full-range driver loudspeakers.

Not a weak thin sound like many full-range systems produce. But the ability to play any music type inc bass-heavy at loud SPL levels without breakup. This is something that eludes most all full-range driver loudspeakers.

This would explain the universal satisfaction and happiness of Cube Audio Nenuphar owners. As they (Nenuphars)  successfully conquered these pervasive shortcomings of many single driver /full range designs.

Charles

@charles1dad Re: why the drastic change in direction from my Thiel rig, great question. Part of it is the old “been there done that” idiom. Having spent over 20 years with the CS5i’s (which initially were challenging to please), I feel as though I reached somewhat of a pinnacle with that system, at least within my financial means. Newer high-power SS gear has become very pricey. Second, during 20+ years of continuous improvement with the Thiel system, I never could get the speakers to “wake up” at low (or even moderately conservative) volume. On balance, they did achieve a pretty awesome result IMO when listening at higher volume. Lastly, I have always longed to experience the wetter and more harmonically natural tube sound. The CS5i’s are 87 db efficient and dip to nearly 2 ohms in the lower frequencies. Amp killer. I never felt tube amplifiers were viable with them (although I remain convinced that they would benefit greatly from what good tubes bring sonically). I must say I never experienced reliability issues with robust SS amplifiers (Krell and early-gen Classe Audio). As an aside, I clearly recall listening (alone) in just my underwear when I had the Class A-biased Krell FPB 600c in the rig due to the incredible heat that amp generates.

Hopefully the NAT Audio integrated will soon be healthy to begin my tube journey. In the meantime, the SIT-2, being a known entity with the Nenuphars, should provide me with a baseline to ground my exploration into tubes driving the V2’s.

One of the reasons I prefer the compression driver front horn design over the full range is the ability to play at very low levels while still sounding articulate and powerful. The full ranges still are better than most low eff dynamic designs in their ability to sound good at low levels. If wanting low power amplification with all its benefits but its limits in output a full range or horn or both can really produce synergy with such. After all, it's a system we listen to and synergy is the goal.

@johnk “After all, it's a system we listen to and synergy is the goal.” 
 

Very true.

@dlcockrum 

Your NAT Audio HPS amplifier is very intriguing. NAT has a reputation for their own in house high quality output transformers. Their electronics are highly regarded. Your amplifier to my understanding is 50 watt SET via the GM 70 tube but can be switched to 15 watt power mode. I'm very curious as to which power mode you'll find to sound better with the Nenuphar. NAT is a proven audio product beyond any shadow of doubt. I think that you are in store for quite an exceptional musical journey.

Charles

@charles1dad i would love to know too lol

Here's Steve Huff's review of the Enleum 23R.  You have to appreciate his enthusiasm especially if you've heard this imp of an amp drive the Nenuphars.  Everything he says applies.  

@stephendunn Steve: Fleetwood Deville SQs in your near future??? :)

Thanks for sharing the review.

david_ten  LOL. You've got my number.  If I could audition them in my room for 14 days, then yes, they might be in my future.  But I suffer not with the Nens and I have a feeling the two speakers have a lot in common despite vastly different technologies. 

@dspringham I noticed that you have your Nenuphars for sale on USAudiomart. Looks like you have moved on to the Harbeth 40.3's.  Would very much like to hear reasons for the change: specifically what you feel are the Harbeth's advantages over the Nenuhpars.  I have never heard any Harbeth model but certainly have read many positive reviews.  Thanks. 

Another video from Cube Audio. Nenuphars with Aries Cerat. 

KlangLoft München listening studio: Aries Cerat and Nenuphars

Thanks David.😊

Charles

Has anyone tried 2A3 amplifiers? I've tried a lot of different gear over the years but only heard a full Audio Note system before that was SET. 

The OP uses 2A3 amps I believe