NuForce vs Red Wine

My system:

APL Denon 3910 with latest AKM DACs and tube output stage, run directly to amps
Nuforce Reference 9.02 V2 monoblocks
Von Schweikert VR4jr
Ridge Street Audio Poiema III shotgun speaker cables
Ridge Street Audio Poiema III Balanced ICs
Ridge Street Audio Poiema III Signature PC
TG Audio 688 power cables for the Nuforce Amps
Audience Adept Response AR12
Oyaide R-1 outlet

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.

Vicdamone,

I asked my question to solicit multiple opinions on the differences between the two amps, independent of system, fully aware that component synergy does make a difference. I did not list my system only because I thought it unlikely that someone would have the same setup as mine, let alone my room, room treatments, power supply, ICs, ears, etc. But, who knows, maybe someone does have a system SIMILAR (objectively?) to mine:

Fully Balanced-
Marantz SA-11S1
NuForce Ref9 V2
PLC Sonic Euphoria or Placette RVC
AZ Adagios
PS Audio Quintet
Dedicated AC Circuit
Van den hul & PS Audio PCs and ICs
AP Oval 9 Speaker
Small Room (11x13)
Mature ears

It has recently been mentioned to me that my system would benefit more by replacing my passive preamps with a good tube preamp than making the upgrade to either the SE version of NuForce Ref9V2 or the RWA .2s. Could this be true?

Thanks to all for great feedback!

John

Tvad,

I wonder why that is so?. I have used several SS preamps with my NuForce amps, but none have come close (IMHO) to the smooth and detailed sound of the passives. In my system they present the dynamics of the recording as well as the actives. The only downside that I have perceived with the passive units is that they are slightly, (very, very slightly) rounded on the leading attack. But neither do they have that accompanying snap glare that I have sometimes heard accompanying the attack with the SS units. Has anyone compared passives with tube pres with the NuForce amps?

Thanks.

John