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

I've also read through this thread and watched Youtube reviews and videos about the Nenuphar Mini's. What really got me interested is Peter Breuninger's reviews. Peter sometimes gushes on and on, but I know Peter has listened to almost everything and when he is as enthusiastic about something to the degree he has been about these it says something to me, and his enthusiasm did not seem like typical hyperbole. Not to mention all the glowing reviews from the comments here. I have been extremely fortunate this year, which is odd during such difficult times, but I decided to get a pair of Nenuphar Mini's because life is short and if I'm going to spend more time inside I better make the most of it. I had been wanting a pair of Spatial X5's, but I think they're too big for my space so I decided to get a pair of Nenuphar Mini's. Currently a pair finished in walnut are headed over and I'm putting a deposit on them. I can't wait to get them. I recently picked up a small Tektron EL-84 push pull integrated to start with the Cube's. I've been using it in my office this week and its a sweet little integrated. I plan on playing around with different tube amps and possible some First Watt models over the next couple years.

My only concern with the Cube's is how they handle voices. One of my favorite speakers uses a RAAL ribbon tweeter and I love the extension and air without harshness. I know the Nenuphar's won't get that extension, but I'm hoping the texture, tone, detail, imaging, dynamics, etc. all make up for it. Has anyone here compared the Nenuphar to a ribbon or berylium tweeter? Thank you all for your insights.

@greenhorn20  Welcome to the Nenuphar thread, to Audiogon and to the hobby. Thanks for sharing your journey and your system. 

Congratulations on your recent successful audition and acquisition of the Nenuphars. I've been curious about driving my Nenuphars with 845 Output tubes for some time now, and Viva is a top option.

As Charles pointed out in his post, I also expect the Solistino - Nenuphar pairing to be terrific. 

Perhaps your dealer can loan you the appropriate Aries Cerat and Jadis amps, for comparison purposes?

As for getting "carried away," isn't that what this hobby is all about? I hope you continue to be "transported" to happy places with your system! 

@abd1 I agree with your assessment of Peter Brueninger’s reviews. You are spot on.

They are mostly very positive. Which, as with so many reviewers, requires the reader to be familiar with a reviewer’s review history and patterns AND to carefully "read between [and past] the lines." In his reviews of the Nenuphar and the Mini Nenuphar, he was clearly in a very different and very special place. Srajan Ebaen was as well. Add Mike Girardi to that list.

Congratulations on your purchase of the Walnut Nenuphar Minis. Can you share photographs of them? I’d love to see how they look in that particular finish. Thanks.

@abd1 I cannot think of a single post from a Nenuphar owner that voices concern over voice! : )

Mike Girardi’s Stereo Times review discusses the performance of Herbie Hancock’s ’Gershwin’s World’ in depth and makes a particular point with Joni Mitchell’s vocals on the recording.

This statement from Mike should allay any concerns you have:

Once you listen to vocals on the Cubes, it’s "Game over" for most multidriver loudspeakers.

My Jim Jordan’s Vaughn Loudspeakers utilized a RAAL ribbon to extend his widebander’s performance. I totally get what you are saying about how RAAL implementations sound. Based on my memory of my own RAAL based speakers (as well as others I have heard), I don’t believe you have anything to be concerned about. BTW, I had the same concern... prior to purchasing the Nenuphars.

My only concern with the Cube’s is how they handle voices. One of my favorite speakers uses a RAAL ribbon tweeter and I love the extension and air without harshness. I know the Nenuphar’s won’t get that extension, but I’m hoping the texture, tone, detail, imaging, dynamics, etc. all make up for it. Has anyone here compared the Nenuphar to a ribbon or berylium tweeter?

Hi David,
At one time I gave serious consideration to Vaughn speakers (RAAL ribbon/Fostex 8" wide range driver) and the Tonian Lab Classic 12.1 (Which utilized the legendary French 12" PHY wide range driver) to pair with my 300b mono blocks. I didn’t know you had a direct listening experience with the Vaughn. Very interesting. David what amplifier were you using with them ?

In my opinion it is very high praise indeed to say you prefer the Nenuphar to the Vaughn with RAAL ribbon tweeter for human voice reproduction. Midrange and vocals were said to be a strength of the Classic 12.1. as well.
Charles