Partial comparison:
Owned NuForce IA7 (original 50w version). Verdict was similar to what many have already said... sounded impressive esp given the price, but something seemed 'off'.
Then RWA Signature 30 (not .2). Very impressive, great detail and texture, soundstaging and warmth. Ultmately thought it was a little too laid back and uninvolving. (BTW I thought this of another highly reviewed amp, nameless for now as I have my reasons, that was also supposed to sound like SET. I have heard tubes in my system and love them but cannot deal with the downsides so SS is what it must be).
Now NuForce 8.5V2. With these, I do not feel any of that 'weirdness' that I felt with the IA7 v1. Both I and my wife, with better ears and who really likes tubes, feel that it is **very** close to tube-sounding. Perhaps there could be just a bit more refinement, which I am sure the 9 delivers. Not to say it is unrefined... just in comparison with the best I have heard, it is a small step behind.
As my budget expands I am fairly sure a Ref9SEV2 is in my future. I would definitely be interested in trying the Sig 30.2 although the reviews I have read so far do not persuade me that the sonic signature is that different from the original, just that it has more refinement, bass, etc. I would love to be corrected by those who can make a clear case after having heard both.
Owned NuForce IA7 (original 50w version). Verdict was similar to what many have already said... sounded impressive esp given the price, but something seemed 'off'.
Then RWA Signature 30 (not .2). Very impressive, great detail and texture, soundstaging and warmth. Ultmately thought it was a little too laid back and uninvolving. (BTW I thought this of another highly reviewed amp, nameless for now as I have my reasons, that was also supposed to sound like SET. I have heard tubes in my system and love them but cannot deal with the downsides so SS is what it must be).
Now NuForce 8.5V2. With these, I do not feel any of that 'weirdness' that I felt with the IA7 v1. Both I and my wife, with better ears and who really likes tubes, feel that it is **very** close to tube-sounding. Perhaps there could be just a bit more refinement, which I am sure the 9 delivers. Not to say it is unrefined... just in comparison with the best I have heard, it is a small step behind.
As my budget expands I am fairly sure a Ref9SEV2 is in my future. I would definitely be interested in trying the Sig 30.2 although the reviews I have read so far do not persuade me that the sonic signature is that different from the original, just that it has more refinement, bass, etc. I would love to be corrected by those who can make a clear case after having heard both.