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

@david_ten I guess I'm looking for something that's going to maximize the qualities of the speakers. Sounds like SET amps with zero feedback and great matches with these speakers. I've had Primaluna and Line Magentic tube amps in the past. I liked both. The LM was the LM-508 and it was the best sounding amp I've had. 48wpc Class A SET. However, it was a beast (hot and huge), had a bit of hum that never went away. The Primaluna was the older Dialogue One and it also sounded great, was really silent and was a bargain. I currently have a Tektron EL-84 that I could use. It's a push pull at about 10wpc and sounds really good. I know Tektron shows with Cube often. I also had an LTA Ultralinear and wish I hadn't sold it. It wasn't a good match with my speakers at the time but I wasn't planning on changing speakers so I sold it. Had I known I was going to be able to get these speakers I would've kept it. However, I would still like to try their REF40 amp. I guess I'm looking for anything that has that tube magic (texture, tone, imaging, dynamics), but also good control. Since these speakers are fairly efficient I'm open to whatever is going to deliver. I've also thought about looking for an Ayon Spitfire or Crossfire. I do have a Sachs tube preamp so I could just go with an amp, but if it's an integrated that could be ok too. A couple caveats... it has to look good as it's going in my living room and my wife needs to be happy too, and it can't be a huge monster that's nuclear hot (I have limited space). Some heat is to be expected but I want to be able to use it in the summer too. Anyway, any directions to point me in would be great. Thanks!

Hi abd1,
One thing to keep in mind is you don’t require a lot of power to very effectively drive your Nenuphars. The Line Magnetic 508ia is definitely going to generate heat. The 805 is a high power DHT output tube that demands a very high voltage (1000V) power supply. 48 watts pure class A circuit is by necessity going to create some heat, that’s unavoidable.

Your current el 84 push pull amplifier should be a very good match. If interested in a SET I’d look for a really good quality 2A3, PX 25 or 3000b. The Nenuphar doesn’t require an amplifier with negative feedback (NFB) due to the very damped driver.

Compared to your current amplifier a good SET may likely provide more of the tone and texture you desire. It can possibly be more holographic and tactile in presentation as well.

These lower power DHT SETs don’t generate much heat output either. If ever there’s a good time to explore a SET amplifier you have an excellent opportunity via your Nenuphars. They are designed specifically for these SET amplifiers even though they work well with other amplifier types for certain.  
Charles

I’m looking for something that’s going to maximize the qualities of the speakers

@abd1 I’d start by learning how your system sounds with the Tektron EL-84s driving your Nenuphars. That may (will) help inform next steps...

If you have regrets letting your LTA amp go, I suggest bringing in a new unit to test with the Nenuphars, after the Nenuphars have 200+ hours on them. I’m not encouraging you to do so, but LTA has a generous return policy should you need to use it.

Don Sachs’ preamps are very well regarded, therefore going amplifier only (versus an integrated) is certainly an option. An integrated option is totally fine as well.

The Ayon Audio Crossfire PA Stereo amplifier is one of my own top choices to tease out how a higher power output design (30 watts) compares to my 2A3 amps (3.5 watts).

Member @mikeg used the Ayon Odin III amp in his review and is familiar with the Ayon line. I suggest reaching out to him for insight and advice, if Ayon is an option.

I concur with the entirety of Charles’ preceding post. To reinforce one point, lower output amps do not generate much heat. My solid state class A amps have been the worst offenders, when it comes to heat generation.

Final point: consider your system as a whole (panel box forward through to your room)... not just the amplifier - speaker pairing... to inform and guide your choices.

Based on reading through your posts, it’s clear you know what you are doing. Trust yourself.

Thanks for the info, I'm open to all suggestions. In terms of damping factor, I've been reading that I should look for an amp with little to no damping and 0 negative feedback. One amp I am considering is the Canary Audio M-90. It's a push/pull 300b, 24 wpc (which seems like plenty), but the damping factor is rated at 10. Is that low enough for the Nenuphars? I'm definitely not set on this amp, or any, just trying to refine a list of options so trying to determine if this amp should go on the list. Thanks.

The damping factor is rated at 10. Is that low enough for the Nenuphars?

Yes, it is low enough. Quite good, actually.