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

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.