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

Cal,
Absolutely right about the non Commercial DIY offerings. A few years ago Nelson Pass designed a push pull version of the of the stereo S.I.T. 2 at 35 watts pure class A circuit. A generous Audiogon member loaned me his for a period of 3 weeks.

This was a really good sounding amplifier and actually one of the best transistor amplifiers I’ve heard. Just terrific with my Coincident speakers. Directly compared to my Frankenstein MK II 300b SET there were very similar characteristics. Switched the amplifiers twice over the 3 week period for direct listening comparisons.

I could have lived contently (very) with the D.I.Y. S.I.T. 2 amplifier.
But when the SET is put back in the audio system there’s just more 3 dimensional tactile- reach out and touch aura. A bit richer tonality and fuller more fleshed out vibe is present. Ultimately more emotionally engaging . The basic stuff I find that SET simply does better. I know however that some listeners would prefer the other excellent amplifier.

@toetapaudio I’ve never heard the Bakoon amplifier but reviews and word of mouth say they’re quite splendid. I don’t doubt they could go toe to toe with the First Watt (F.W.) No question the F.W. built by the esteemed Nelson Pass are far more known within the High End audio community and thus mentioned more often.
Charles

I agree--have read only superlative things about the Bakoon13R no matter what it drives.

But I have heard the following amps driving my Nenuphars (listed in order of preference):

1. FW SIT-1 
2. FW SIT-3
3. Tektron One 2A3

All with both the Shindo Giscours and Pass Labs X-32 pre amps.

And what bested all of these by a long chalk? The Vinnie Rossi L2i-se Integrated with the Elrog 300b as DHT in pre amp stage.  I know I've said it before, but since I don't see anyone considering this amp as a Nenuphar driver, I had to put my two cents back in.  Yes, it is $18K but you get both pre and amp end-gamers (for me anyway).  The synergy got even better with a Shunyata Sigma V2 power cord with the L2i-se and then my most recent addition of Shunyata Alpha V2 speaker cables.  VR now offers 30 day auditions from what I understand.

Upcoming: audition of a Shunyata Alpha V2 XLR interconnect from my TotalDac to the L2i-se.

What sets the VR apart from say the FW SIT-1, which I thought was out of this world and was happy to settle down with permanently?  The VR is more life like, with a big open natural presence that is highly detailed and rich without calling attention to those attributes.  It is a sum-bigger-than-its-parts type component, which I also found true of Shindo amps.(Cortese and GM70).  But it does not have Shindo's undeniable coloration, a subtle sunniness that pervades like a filter.  Nor does the VR have the slightly dark tonal richness of the SIT-1.  It has a natural richness that is even more engaging and a natural timbre that I keep trying to find fault with but can't. People have told me that I'm trying to describe something that takes the best of tubes and merges it with the best of SS.  But no, the combination is better than either and a thing apart.  From biting trumpets to compelling cellos it simply disappears as an electronic component adding no coloration or flavor that I can hear (of course the Nenuphars have a lot to do with this neutrality).  I have often been impressed initially by a component only after extended listening to say, "Ok, it's doing that to the mid-range or this to the bass or this other to highs."  I might like it and live with it for quite awhile.  But it ultimately grows tiresome, adding a sameness to the music.  

Ok, that was more than two cents.
 

My 2 Cents on Bakoon has nothing to do with performance. Their is no dealer network to speak of so you have to pay Full MSRP or VERY close to it. Re-sale value (supply/demand) is horrible based on past "attempted" sales.  The guy in AZ who I think is the importer is a total RICHARD in my book.  So if you look at your audio gear as an "investment" and you dont want to get killed when you eventually flip it the Bakoon is dead in the water.  PASS Labs you can buy new with a 20-30% discount if you know what your doing and you MIGHT lose 10-15% when you ditch it which is acceptable.  50% Loss or more is not.

Well if that's the case in regard to Bakoon , that's quite a handicap to deal with in a highly competitive High End audio marketplace.  Too bad, as I noted above based solely on sound quality criteria it is considered to be  exceptionally good. It seems that the Bakoon deserves a better fate. 
Charles 

Hi Stephen,
Your VR integrated has outperformed formidable competition in your system in direct comparison.  There's no better way to  determine what's best other than actual listening experiences. You've found outstanding synergy in your amplifier and Nenuphar pairing. I think that's fantastic!

Through personal experience I know how superb the Elrog 300b sounds. 
The VR offers easy switching of various DHT tubes. Are you tempted to experiment with other tubes or is the Elrrog so good that you'll leave well enough alone?
Charles