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

@stephendunn Congrats on the outcome. I’d also be interested in how the SIT-1s would sound driven by a high quality tube (6sn7 or dht) preamp (perhaps you’ve already tried this?). I love Pass labs, but have read some mixed reviews of their preamps and wonder how much of what you’re hearing is from the preamp stage of the VR.

(Edit, I just looked up the VR and see they talk extensively about the - dht- tube typology used in the preamp gain stage!)

(Edit 2, and now I see the VR has a preamp output so you can actually try running the SITs with the VR front-end and see exactly how much you like each of its parts. That's great.)

Yet another example of why nothing substitutes for direct listening in your system (When possible). Some have had unimpressive results with high DF amplifiers  and some excellent results.  The Nenuphar designer and builder favors low DF amplifiers for these speakers.  So while DF is a factor to be aware of there are obviously other variables that are impactful as well. This is what makes high end audio interesting,  fun and sometimes mysterious. Listening trumps all.
Charles 

Cal,
Good observation. It would be most interesting to see how the DHT preamp section  of the VR mates with the S.I.T.-1 My suspicion is very well and quite likely to surpass the Pass Labs preamp in this scenario.   Fun stuff.
Charles

Cal and Charles,

Yes, it is definitely on my list to audition with the L2i acting solely as a DHT pre amp driving the SIT-1s.  I have a hunch about it but won't say because as Charles says you just don't know until you listen.

The problem is tearing myself away from what's coming forth from the integrated.  Oh, my.  And my apologies, it's Rossi duh not Rossie.

Good points. Adding to Cal’s suggestion, if the Rossi allows for it (I haven’t checked)...I recommend running the Pass XP32 as Pre and the Rossi as Amp.