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

Nenuphar journey, part 3.

Now that the Nens were broken in, it was time to try different amplifiers. I had been using the LTA Z10 integrated. It sounded fine but lacked enthusiasm, a certain jump factor. Time to explore my FirstWatt collection.

First up was the J2, which actually exceeded my expectations. It sounded clearer than the Z10. The bass was fine, but the soundstage only average. Perhaps a pre would expand the soundstage. PRaT was good, restoring the jump factor. All in all, a decent match, so if you have a J2 don't throw it away. :-)

To be continued....

Opinion Poll

Hi all, I'm new to audiogon and new to this post.

It's been a very enjoyable read so far if not a little long winded and time consuming, but can now feel proud to have finally managed to make it through to the end.

Just wondering if those that have actually listened to both the Nenuphar 10 inch and 8 inch could give there preference just to see which one is ultimately the preferred choice.

A couple of setup changes that might be of interest....

I had an audio friend visit this past weekend. He has broad experience listening to and problem solving for his audio clients, primarily for analog and speaker setups in systems that reach into the stratosphere.

After spending two evenings listening to my system, his primary recommendation was to remove the Nenuphars from the Townshend Platforms.

This relates to @onhwy61  's question regarding driver vs. cabinet contribution and also to @charles1dad  's response to onhwy61 (both posts from a previous page). 

For transmission line designs, my friend finds the floor and room interface and their relationship and interaction with the driver critical to sound quality. 

The results were spectacular. Even he was surprised by the degree of difference. As he put it, greater than a component upgrade.

The speakers were positioned the same as when on the platforms. They remain on Eden Sound Spikes. They are on a suspended hardwood floor. 

After he left, I decided to use the Townshend Platforms for my 2A3 mono blocks. I removed the GAIA footers from the amps and the Timbernation Maple block with brass spikes and Herbie's isolation pucks.

I had to remove the bottom plate on each amp since the screw heads extend beyond the wood chassis. The reason for doing this was to have a completely flat amplifier surface when on the Townshend metal platform. The Townshend Platform has a center perforation; airflow is preserved.

To my ears, removing the Nenuphars from the platforms resulted in a two step gain. The amps on the platforms a three-quarter step gain. Combined synergy, a three step gain. Significant; an understatement.

toetapaudio
Thanks for the recommendation.  Just ordered them--they are certainly a better resistor than the one I'm using (which Vinnie probably suggested since we didn't know whether it would work).  We'll see if they make a difference.  

david_ten
This is heresy!  But I'm going to try it--even the part about putting my VR on the Townsend platform, although I think it is too light for the weight load range of the platform springs.  Have to check.

When I first put the Nenuphars on the platforms I noticed a big change to the sound.  Sometimes one is lead to believe that means a change all for the better, which is obviously not always the case.  We'll see.  Thanks for passing on what you found.

@Yorkshireman, we have both the 10 inch and 8 inch available to demo at home so you can decide. In an average size room I think most people would be happy with the 8 inch. It would be interesting to hear from others that have auditioned both. AVS on YouTube recently reviewed the 8 inch version, worth checking out if you haven’t already. Their initial review was for the 10 inch. Personally I feel the 8 inch produces enough bass but you should try both to be satisfied.