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

My first comparison was between the Electro Harmonix 300b that came with the amp and an EH 2a3 set. I preferred the 2a3 as the 300b tubes were 'slower' even though they had a richer sound. That trade-off was solver with a set of Takatsuki 300b -- the best of both worlds and my current favorite. I do have some KR Audio T-100 DHT on order. I will keep you posted.

In the meantime, I have tried some NOS tubes: 71A and 112a (Most the old tubes seem to run at 5V). The 71A were a bit lean, but the 112a Cunninghams are now in second place after the (pricey) Takas.

Fun days and an embarrassment of riches....

Robert
 

Re the different solid state amps:
I wanted to note that the main difference for me was that the FirstWatt amps had a bit more of the mid-range-icity that is a major attraction of tube SETs.

Robert

I realize that the 300b tube is being discussed in the context of utilization for preamplifier section duty. I've only used them as output tubes in power amplifiers.  I do believe that to get the best from this splendid (My opinion) tube you have to use the premium level options which admittedly are expensive (But worth it).

Elrog, EML,KR, Takatsuki,  these are going to yield exceptionally good sound quality. Worth the cost if you have the level of audio systems/components under discussion here. The Nenuphars will easily reveal the improvement these higher tier 300b tubes provide. I wouldn't cut corners. 
Charles 

Thanks Robert for the reply.

Currently I’m using the Bakoon 13R with a Bakoon dac, which is out of production. We should see a new dac from them at some point.

Since we’ve been discussing amps...here are two short clips of the Nenuphar being driven by Absolare’s Hybrid Integrated SE. Posting since I don’t recall mention of an Absolare pairing in this thread. Please correct me if that isn’t the case.

Courtesy of Dükkan Hifi, a dealer in Turkey. Note the use of Townshend Audio Supertweeters. There is a comment regarding their negative impact on sound quality, though Dukkan mentions in-person listening for a better / correct evaluation. I personally don’t see [hear] the need for the addition of supertweeters. Curious, nonetheless...Anyone using them with Cube Audio speakers?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0bLmC5rkig

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ti2iJ7tXuqQ