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

New owner here... Nenuphar in Smoked Eucalyptus (piano gloss finish). Coming from Harbeth 40.1 and Raidho D1.1. Very impressed with this speaker. All the accolades as already mentioned in this thread.

Began use with Vinnie Rossi L2iSE (Elrog 300B and Linlai Global E-2A3). Very nice sound per other users here - HOWEVER - took a chance an a preowned purchase of a Decware Super Zen SE84UFO2 (V-Caps). Wasn’t sure if 2-watts would do it but holy cow! Using the Rossi as DHT preamp feeding the Decware proved to be quite a surprise. With Decware silver interconnects and speaker cable the sound is strong (at my conservative listening levels) with impressive detail, depth, separation and wonderful tonality.

I think this configuration drips with tube goodness. Not lush, solid state fast, really good frequency extension at both ends of the spectrum. Believe the bass sounds stronger with the Decware than with the 100 w/channel Rossi output ss output section (once again, at moderate SPL’s). Maybe something to do with damping - bass just sounds more full and resonant (maybe less tight and controlled but more realistic with my acoustic and jazz music preferences). Highs are airy and crisp. Steel guitar strings have that "bronzy" sheen. Vocals (ie Mark Knopfler) are gripping and gravely as they should be

So, seems like nice match with the Cube’s. This little Decware is impressive but you gotta love speakers like this that bring out everything that this mighty 2 watts has to offer with it’s short, bare-bones signal path.

Regarding DHT tubes, I prefer the Linlai 2A3’s with the Rossi’s internal FET amp and the Elrogs with the Rossi in preamp only duty with the Decware.

Cheers...

dspringham  Your post is scarily prescient regarding my own curiosity over pairing a Decware SET with the Nens fronted by the L2iSE as pre. In fact, I just recently queried a new Cube Audio dealer in California who says he also represents Decware (whatever that means since they sell direct) about whether he had heard the 25th Anniversary Zen Triode with the Nens.  He hadn't but had heard from others it was a killer combo--as I suspected and you just confirmed.  Interesting that you find the bass much improved, but that probably has to do with higher output impedance of the VR L2iSE, which for what it's worth, I now prefer with the Takatsuki 300bs having run both the Elrogs and the Linlai 2A3 previously.  Congrats on your set up and new purchase of the Nenuphars.  I assume you are using the 8ohm speaker taps on the Super Zen.  Now all you have to do to utterly satisfy my musings is to try two of those Decware wonders!

I would have to think the 25 Anniversary Zen would be perfect or these;
https://www.decware.com/newsite/SE84UFO3.html

As I had mentioned, the bass may give the illusion of being "better" but I thinks it's actually just more full, resonant and natural sounding. Some people may prefer a tighter more concise representation. Upright double bass on the "Nens" with the "Zens" sounds great.

Actually Stephen, I must give you the credit for my purchase of the Nenuphars based on your review and pairing with the VR L2iSE. Since I already a VR in place, I thought your prior experience with this amp and speaker combo made the decision somewhat less risky (since I was buying without prior audition).

The challenge with Decware is finding used pieces is somewhat rare and new production is way backed up.

dspringham  Glad making the blind leap to the Nenuphars worked out.  I think many on this thread had to do the same, as did I.

The best option for matching the Decware triode SETs using the VR L2iSE as DHT pre is not exactly clear to me.  Since I prefer the balanced output,  two apparent options are A) the SE84UFO25 with the 
SBIT balanced to single end converter or B) a pair of the SE84UFO2 with XLR inputs and the Anniversary upgrades.  I have an email into Steve to
see which might be preferable.  And yes re lead time I took a gander at his build list and it is over 400 orders long!

@dspringham  Congratulations!!!

Would love to see the finish you chose. Can you link to a photo?

Nenuphar in Smoked Eucalyptus (piano gloss finish)

I'm also curious about your component chain ahead of the Vinnie Rossi?  Thanks.