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

The Enleum is also an amp that I'd consider, as well as LTA amps, which are tube based but don't get that hot.

I know the Cubes are supposed to sound better with low damped amps. I've tried a bunch of amps and have found these speakers sound great with all types. I tried a SIT-3 that everyone says pairs great and while I liked it I didn't find it that engaging and wound up selling it. I also tried an LSA GaNFET (with a tube pre) that was really inexpensive and I really liked it. It was a touch dry but also very detailed and transparent. I think what I've learned is some amps that on paper may not seem like a great match can sound excellent. One thing I love about these speakers is that they're transparent enough that it is fairly easy to hear almost any change in the system. That can be fun but also a little dangerous 😉

@dlcockrum

amplifier choice is very critical to achieving balanced tonality with the Cube full-range drivers, so choose an amplifier with higher output impedance (think ~ 0.8 ohms optimally) and thus a low damping factor (think 10 or so optimally). The Enleum 23R is said by many to work very well.

Absolutely right. Cube Audio very explicitly has made this point concerning low output impedance amplifiers ( High damping factor). Too much DF with their driver will be excessively damped, not good. I’d heed the guidance of the actual developers of this excellent speaker.

Charles

Great too see David Ten back on the thread!   Cheers.  

Great too see David Ten back on the thread!   Cheers

Agreed. 👍

Charles

What is too much damping?  The Cube Audio folks used solid state amps at a show I attended.  I assumed that they have a higher damping factor than most tube amps. If they do best with low damping factor, wouldn't they shine best with tube gear?