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

My "review" of the Nenuphar speakers has taken on a life of it's own. An ongoing (everlasting) holding pattern.  : )

Recent adjustments to my system have reaped significant benefits. This means the work continues. There are additional changes and approaches on the table. An evaluation by a very experienced set of ears, this coming week, will be telling and informative.

A shout out to @toetapaudio for his efforts, guidance and help in squeezing more out of these amazing speakers. Thank you very much, Robert.

Here are some of these recent changes. Most are to the very front end of the streaming chain.

Two Keces P8 ultra low noise linear power supplies to power the server (one unit) and the Netgear Orbi Pro satellite plus my Wyred 4 Sound Remedy reclocker (for TV/movie sound).

I replaced my Cox Router (cable modem/router/wifi/telephony) unit with an Arris Surfboard SB8200 cable modem (only).

I replaced my Google WiFi Mesh Network with the Netgear Orbi Pro Access Point and Satellite.

There were a number of network and network management reasons for choosing the Orbi Pro but standout ’audio-related’ features include it’s easily accessible ports (and with wider separation), stability, mounting flexibility, and standard 2.1mm by 5.5mm power input (this makes sourcing custom DC cables much easier).

The addition of an ADD-Powr Sorcer x4 power conditioner. This unit is in addition to the passive Akiko Audio Corelli already in system as well as the SR PowerCell 12 SE supply/conditioner and the PI Audio UberBUSS supply.

More information, including a link my early review of the Sorcer x4, in a thread I started:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/add-powr-by-coherence-systems-power-conditioning-products

I am also trying a different component isolation approach...doubling up on Herbie’s and Ingress Engineering solutions (prior to trying new products).

Finally, the new DSP board for my Denafrips Terminator DAC is enroute.

As David is aware, I have been evaluating the Cube Nenuphar’s mounted on Townshend’s Isolation Podiums over the last week. Could a really great speaker get even better? Here are my findings:

System set-up:
Cube Nenuphar’s, Mola Mola dac and amps, Fidata server, Sablon cabling, SteinMusic Harmonizers, Bybee Signal Enhancers fitted to dedicated mains consumer unit with separate spurs to each component, Ingress Engineering footers/slate platforms/air spring isolation on dedicated solid maple furniture fitted with Ingress cup and ball footers.
Music:
Local files stored on the Fidata server.
Carmen Gomes Sings the Blues DSF live recording
Arne Domnerus Jazz at the Pawn Shop DSF live recording
Leonard Cohen You Want it Darker FLAC
Rebecca Pigeon The Raven FLAC
The Los Angeles Percussion Quartet The Year Before Yesterday FLAC
Arvo Part Tabula Rasa Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra Keith Jarrett WAV

As we both know effective isolation brings big improvements in SQ. I knew from my experience with Boenicke speakers that have a Swing Base Isolation set up as an option, that isolating the speakers really helps. So many speaker manufacturers overlook this.

When I received the Cube Nenuphar’s I was really happy with the sound of them but felt that it would be good to try isolating them to hear if they could sound even better. Max Townshend’s Podiums seemed to be the obvious solution and I had seen them working very effectively at a show. I have known Max for a long while and we had a great chat about the benefits of isolation in general. The Cubes gave me the opportunity of trying out Max’s Podiums.

The Nenuphar’s as you know are a very open and natural sounding speaker already but mounted on the Podiums these attributes just increased. The live recordings just sounded more real and the space between the players was more clearly defined.

On the Los Angeles Percussion Quartet, the various bell sounds just sounded clearer, open and more natural. Bass drums on this recording sounded more real with me increased depth and timbre.

On Arvo Part, you could sense the body of the piano more.

Leonard Cohen’s voice sounded smoother, more open, less overblown but with increased texture.

Both live recordings really opened up further and sounded more live.

In summary: a worthwhile upgrade that brings the following improvements from my listening notes

Increased space around instruments

Music more absorbing and delicate

Increased transparency

Clearer top end

Improved transients

Greater harmonic structure to the music

Better cohesion

Increase in detail

Bass tighter more natural

Depth and openness increased

Notes last longer

I purchased the pair of white Nenuphar demoed at AXPONA.......having never seen or heard them. I trusted my gut and the return policy. I drove them with a 2A3 and with 2v input (CD) it was sublime. But I quickly discovered that my anemic phono stage signal was not cutting it with the 92db Nenuphar. I purchased a line/phono stage and ran square into HUM HELL. But only on phono, the CD player was better than ever. Several weeks later having tried every remedy known to man, including sending the new unit back for diagnostics......I gave up. The generous dealer took the linestage back for refund and I decided to change paradigms. I ordered a SIT 3 from Reno HiFi where they are still listed as available btw. I purchased Ed Schilling’s *The Truth* no gain buffered linestage. I found a used Manley Chinook in perfect condition. The SIT 3 is currently burning in. Schilling says The Truth doesnt need to. Simply enough I have reached the mountain top. The sound defies superlatives. With the right recording of course the 2A3 brought the musicians into my room. Beautiful and delicate yet dense imaging at the same time. Sometimes the Nenuphar created a forty foot wide stage in a 13’ wide room. Then the SIT 3. They are here bursts out into you are there with uncanny realism. I wish everyone equal joy with your systems. I’ve stumbled onto the grail. Nelson Pass, Ed Schilling....and the guys at Cube.......are wizards.

@mrubey  I completely get and relate to what you are experiencing. :)

I’ve stumbled onto the grail.

Congratulations!!!