NVA Review Archive from HFS - read only

[savvypaul]

A80 MkI experiences
Unread post by eagwok33 » Fri Sep 28, 2018 2:57 pm

Finally, here are my impressions of listening to music with the NVA A80 MkI amps, which I purchased from Richard this summer:

The A80 MkI monos look very elegant in their black MkI acrylic cases and are definitely quiet, when connected to my 98dB efficient horn ls system. That is a big plus!

In comparison, the NVA A20x in my system – as previously reported - produces a constant although low-level buzz, which can distract a bit from the musical enjoyment this little amp is capable of. During the day it is hardly noticeable, in the evenings though, when the noise level from the street and surroundings gets lower, the low-level buzz influences my musical enjoyment of the A20x.

A80 vs. A20x:
The A80 monos are overall in a different league with regard to their ability to reproduce recorded music. To my ears they are a marked step-up from the A20x in my enjoyment of my vinyl and CD collection. The A20x sounds more forward and nervous in my system in comparison and although very lively can’t connect me emotionally as much to the music played as the A80s do, when played at modest and higher volume levels (I come to this below). To be fair, when you consider the price difference (£1100 difference compared to a MkII pair), the - no longer made - A20x is definitely a very fine and entertaining amp and imo a big positive surprise for the money!

Back to the A80 monos: They present the music more effortless and with enjoyable rhythm and flow, which can trigger foot-tapping. (If you like African music and its rhythms, the LP of “Youssou NDour – Cheikh Lô Né La Thiass” will most likely cause it)

It is fun to listen to various kinds of music with the A80s in the system and just enjoy the music and the energetic performance of these amps. I often find myself listening to music louder than normal, as these amps shine in my system with the volume cranked up more. You know the kind of thing, when you start playing air-guitar listening to an awesome guitar solo

(Jeff Beck – Brush with the Blues from the CD “Who Else!” for example)

Due to this quality, I listen to more Rock, Reggae and African music as well as drum and guitar solos with modest and higher volume levels lately and enjoy the driving rhythms of this music. The amps also have a great way in portraying the reproduced music in my room, with a more wide than deep presentation. Well recorded acoustic instruments sound natural with a kind of 3D feel to them. Voices are – when the recording quality is at least decent – presented very clear and the text of songs is easy to follow. One way for me to tell if an amplifier has a special quality, is its ability to involve me in listening when sitting in an adjoining room (for example working on the computer) with the door to my music room closed. With the A80 monos in my system, reproduced music is enjoyable and has energy, also when I’m not directly in the room!

Interestingly, and I assume due to the high-efficient partnering speakers, the A80 monos perform less impressive, when I listen at lower to low volume levels, for example later at night (preamp used with the A80s is my NVA P50sa). Then the music played has less contrast, less “color”, is a bit “harsher” sounding and does not grab me emotionally as much as when the same songs are played with modest or higher volume through my system. It feels as if the amps are playing a bit out of their “comfort zone”, when the attenuation on the P50sa is used too much. Keep in mind, these amps have not been designed in the first place to be the perfect partner for a 98dB efficient full range horn ls-system. (Will be interesting what Richard has to say in this regard). After having them for some weeks now, powered up 24/7, the amps improved noticeably at the late night volume setting and are now very enjoyable during such listening sessions.

That said, for the ultimate low-level music enjoyment with my horn ls-system and in my room, I prefer the magic of my flea-powered SE 2A3 tube monos and of my solid state DIY First Watt M2 amp. Of these two, it is the M2 which speaks to my soul more when played at listening levels the A80 monos love. Reproduced music has – to my ears – more “intimacy” and “fullness.” I feel more connected to the music and touched by it, with my M2 clone amp in the system than with the excellent NVA monos. The M2 makes me hum more with the songs I love (Marc Cohn, “Ghost Train” from his debut LP for example). The differences are small, but noticeable, when you listen for a longer time with either amp in the system.

M2 and A80 monos have their own signatures. The A80 monos are a bit “cleaner” sounding, and acoustic instruments sound a bit dryer and less colorful compared to the M2. The verve and energy of music are portrayed excellently with the monos. The M2 reproduces music with more air around the instruments, which completely lets the speakers disappear, when you listen with your eyes closed. To put it differently, with the M2, I feel more relaxed enjoying my music.

Keep in mind, however, that most of the Nelson Pass designed First Watt amps cost in the range of $3,000 to $4,000 new. The A80 monos (a pair of the latest MkII version costs £1,400) are wonderful amplifiers with plenty of musical enjoyment factor, and they represent superb value for the money. I assume the more so when mated to less (standard) efficient loudspeakers.
Clearly, this does not come as a surprise to you here in this forum, as many of you experienced the musical qualities of NVA products long before I did.

Paired with my horn ls system, the M2 is more versatile as it works great with active preamps and passive ones like the NVA P50sa. The monos really shine partnered with a passive pre (in my case P50sa) as this is what they primarily were designed for. Going this way, you will save plenty of cash for buying more music on vinyl or CD or investing more in a computer-based music system. A nice extra bonus!

Thanks to Richard for producing such fine amplifiers for real down-to-earth prices.

Considering what I paid for this used pair (of the A80 MkI version), I am very happy with these amps. Besides, they are great amps for the summer time as they run pretty cool compared to what I’m used to. Most important though, they reproduce music in a great way and I tend to play them – apologies to my neighbors - loud!

Norbert

 

[savvypaul]

I've been meaning to do this for a while but after spending the morning just cranking stuff I thought i'd better.
System - 1210 with Audiomods Series V Micrometer arm and Cartridgeman Music Maker Classic, Lounge LCR iii Phono stage
- SSP Mk2 - P50SA - TIS Mk1 - A80's Mk1 - LS5 - Larsen Model 4 speakers

Apart from the SSP and arm everything has been bought pre-owned with the TIS arriving this morning. Support from Doc when it's been needed has been exemplary, so hats off.

LP's cranked today:
American Nightmare - self titled (2018)
Bars - Introducing (2005)
Snuff - Said (1989)
Jets to Brazil - Orange Rhyming Dictionary (1998)
Descendents - I don't wanna grow up (1985)This album is pretty much perfect with Tony Lombardo's bass playing just driving it along
Naked Raygun - Understand? (1989)

In my room today playing these LPs everything was just so cohesive, it all just gelled, vocals that in the past were difficult to decipher were clear, bass lines flowed and the whole band turned out to just knock their songs out of the park. Even where the production is dated - looking at you Descendents - everything just popped.

I'm looking forward to plowing through more stuff

 

[savvypaul]

Cubette speakers

I bought a P20 preamp last year to use with my AVI DM5 active speakers. These are in my bedroom and I have an AV system in the living room using AVI Neutron 3s as the main speakers. I've been perfectly happy with everything and never planned to buy anything else, especially some passive speakers!

To be honest I've never liked the look of the Cubes but then noticed the new acrylic Cubettes. I kept wondering what they would be like but thought it would just be too much hassle to try some. I then saw the speaker weekend sale announcement. I resisted it until about 9pm Sunday evening then thought what the hell. Unfortunately I couldn't log into paypal with my phone (don't have a computer at home) so thought that was it.
However, when I got into work the next day I checked ebay and for some reason the sale had not ended so I placed the order.

Last Wednesday afternoon a large and heavy box arrived at work. The speakers were extremely well packed and protected. As I no longer drive I had to carry each speaker home on the bus separately in a smaller box, one on Thursday and one on Friday.
When I got home on Friday I thought I'd quickly replace the Neutron 3s with the Cubettes. I simply put them on the AV unit with just a thin cork coaster underneath for protection. The AV unit is also in front of a large 8ft wide window with a low cill so I was not expecting much.

Well, I pressed play and basically sat in my chair in disbelief. The sound was clear and full plus there was bass! As they were connected to my AV system I watched the TV with them on, something I rarely do as I find speech usually sounds a bit thin through the Neutron 3s. With the Cubettes everything sounded so natural.
The Cubettes were on all weekend with a mixture of TV and CD and I still can't believe how good they are. What amazed me was how they sounded so clear yet without making me wince on certain CDs. I've tried various CDs including drum & bass from LTJ Bukem and Adam F to Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush with some Marcus Miller and Status Quo in between. Every time I pressed play I just sat in my chair smiling.

I've yet to try the Cubettes in the bedroom system in comparison to my DM5s and this has given me a bit of a dilemma. I want to try them in the bedroom system as they would be on stands with their backs close to a wall but as the Cubettes sound so good where they are I'm now wondering whether to leave them there, even though their position I guess is not ideal. One thing I did notice was the cabinets vibrate and this could be felt through the TV unit which is an extremely heavy design. As an experiment I've ordered some thick oak plinths to put them on and I'm thinking of adding a layer of cork top and bottom to see if that makes a difference.
I've yet to re-calibrate my AV amp with the Cubettes although I have a feeling they might cause the amp's Audyssey software a problem, plus I'm not sure if they will work with a subwoofer. Thing is, I'm wondering whether to ditch the AV system as I don't really use it that much if I'm honest.

Anyway, still plenty of things to try and to say I'm happy with my Cubettes would be an understatement. If anyone is wondering what these 'Cube things' are like maybe give the Cubettes a go, you might be in for a big surprise.

 

[savvypaul]

Cube 1s

The sale was too good an opportunity to miss with the trade in and thirty day return option. The Cube 3s are not lacking in bass, especially with the addition of TSCS, but the Cube 1s have taken things to a completely different level, especially with good recordings.

All was not right to begin with as the additional bass was over powering. Moving the speakers further from the wall, which I did not want to do, improved things to some extent but something was not right and it was more fundamental than the settling in process. It took a little while to deduce that the problem stemmed from the Qutest DAC. When I upgraded to TSCS, after the settling in period, it was necessary to change the filter setting to warm for the best balanced sound. This is not the case with the Cube 1s. I changed the filter setting back to the neutral one I had used for the Cube 3s with LS6 and what a transformation! Everything was suddenly in place, the bass was extended and well defined no longer dominating the rest of the music. The sound improved when I moved the speakers close to the wall, in the same position as the Cube 3s were, but toed in slightly more. With the tv stand pulled out a few inches they do not look more conspicuous.

I expected the more extended bass and greater sense of impact to come into its own with head banging music and was not disappointed. The bass drum on the title track of AC/DC’s Highway to Hell album had a level of excitement I had not experienced since seeing my friend’s AC/DC cover band performing it. I played Black Sabbath’s Master of Reality album, where Tony Iomi down tunes his guitar. With the Cube 1s Geezer Butler’s underlying bass lines are now totally distinct, increasing the musical enjoyment. Throughout the Rush albums on 24 Bit the interplay between Geddy Lee’s wide ranging bass notes and the guitar of Alex Lifeson is more clear.

The Cube 1s really shine with Prog, notably Steve Wilson remixes. I have played a number of Yes albums and am fully appreciating the talent of Chris Squire, Heart of the Sunrise being something of a revelation. Jethro Tull’s Aqualung also delivers more than before, the depth and impact of the bass really hitting home on Locomotive Breath.

Throughout the bass drum is being reproduced with a level of impact and clarity I have not experienced at home before, especially on the better recordings. Pink Floyd’s Run like hell has risen to another level, propelled by Nick Mason’s foot. The additional bass extension removes blurs between the bass drum and bass guitar which used to be apparent on many recordings. Elvis Costello’s Pump it up being a prime example.

This extral bass depth and definition is not only confined to digital. It was very noticeable on early Barclay James Harvest vinyl compilation. Had I played vinyl earlier I would have been aware of the inappropriate setting on the DAC and saved a lot of head scratching.

The benefits are also apparent through on the tv. An example is a sense of realism watching horse racing when the microphone is close to the rails. It pounding hoof beats remind me of when I am stood by the rails at a course.

The additional bass weight is apparent when well away from the speakers, which are facing ninety degrees away, in the oblong shaped room. We are appreciating the semi omnidirectional approach even more now we have a games table at the opposite end of the room.

A rock concert does not compare with a decent domestic hifi system in terms of finesse and clarity of music reproduction. What it does provide is a sense of impact and excitement. The Cube 1s go some way to bridging this gap, bar the visuals, in the home. What is most important for me is that they work close to the wall which shows it is all about the design and not the size of the mid/bass cone. I am very pleased with the upgrade and enjoying music as never before.

 

[savvypaul]

Mini BMU Review; (pics to follow)
Received mid morning via ups just after I got home from picking up a used Nva Phono 1 from York- excellent day.
Very securely packed. Quickly unpacked!
I had a black box not much bigger than my A20, from the rear a long mains cable for the wall socket and another cable to a 6 gang extension socket. No too heavy for moving.
Easily positioned near to the mains outlet and the sockets tucked behind the furniture.
Installed and connected- two A20s, the turntable supply and plugged the phono 1 but not on. (Yet)

Dog walk to let it settle in;

popped smooth fm via dab and headed out- stopped in my tracks- Is that my radio playing?- thought I must I have put something else on by mistake, No. wow what a difference, huge open sound stage- gonna be a quick dog walk lol.
Left in situ for the week even running the flat screen & dvd- the difference to “older quality” movies was notice, opening up details I’ve previously been struggling with. Moto Gp super slow motion shots were so clear- like I had a new set of specs.
The biggest difference and the reason I kept it happened when I took it out of the system in preparation for returning. George Michael was the first vinyl on as I packed it- Wait, what’s happened. I sat down to listen, I call my wife in to do an A/B comparison with then without BMU.
She confirmed, unprompted, didn’t even know I had a BMU never mind what it is;
the system was now hollow in comparison, vocals muffled and sound stage reduced. These were not traits I was hearing previously but what the mini BMU did for me was push my system up a level. I could get used to the sound without it- I did before it arrived, but the step up was something I was not prepared to lose.
Top piece of equipment, thoroughly recommended.

 

[savvypaul]

I thought it was about time I gave my impressions of the NVA kit I have. I bought the NVA Phono1 first, which started me on this great journey. Next came the NVA P50sa and NVA A60 Mk2, before these I had used amps from Naim, Arcam and Primare, nothing comes close to touching the N.V.A kit for all round musicality, it just seems sooooo right. I then upgraded the speaker cable from Chord Epic to NVA LS3 which was a step up in sound quality, I also changed all my interconnect cables to SSC which made a really big difference to the quality of sound and the size of the sound stage.

The next two upgrades have been to change the speaker cable for NVA LS6 and change the interconnects to SSP. This change brought about a whole opening up of the sound, that is the only way I can describe it, voices now sound so real its unbelievable. The only problem this has caused me, is that I have felt the need to change other parts of my system i.e. my tone arm on my Gyrodec, I found a guy in New Zealand that makes uni pivots for a really good price, this change brought even more change all for the better.

This set up is so revealing, thanks Doc. I just need more funds so I can upgrade the phono amp and buy the balanced mains unit. Merry Crimbo.

 

[savvypaul]

TIS MKII
Post by flori123 » Mon Dec 10, 2018 8:42 pm

Hope my limited english is enough for short impressions.
Bought a pair TIS MKII interconnects for connection between phono2 and P50sa.
I already had 2 pairs TIS MKI, so the whole way from turntable to power amps is now
a mix of old and new TIS. The TIS MKII replaced an SSP MKII.
I immediately noticed a big improvement in sound and musicality when TIS MKII was in place.
I had to move my Cube1 20cm away from the wall, there was more bass with TIS
and more dynamics, detail, space, better highs and more insight into the music etc.....
I like to use TIS the whole signal way, as it is much better as when mixed with other
interconnects (my experience).
Now I enjoy phono very much. The next step will be TIS in the digital section.
Thank you Richard for making such a good interconnect.
Not cheap but worth every penny.

flori123

 

[savvypaul]

P20 to P50sa
Post by Quarknosis

I received my P50sa yesterday. This is the second NVA item that I have with a stepped attenuator, I already own an AP70 which I sent back to Doc to have the attenuator fitted. It was difficult with that one to assess the improvements in sound quality due to the time between sending the amp to Doc and getting it back but the sa is better. Even if improvements hadn’t been apparent was worthwhile for me though because it resolved an issue with channel imbalance at low levels that bothered me with the standard pot.

With the P50sa replacing the P20 and feeding the A20x that I recently bought from eagwok the difference was immediately noticeable. Even with only a few hours listening to the music it was immediately apparent that it was more vibrant and enjoyable. Cymbals are clearer with improved decay. After further listening over a few hours reed instruments sounded closer to the real thing. I’ve not heard a lot of string instruments in my time but they sounded closer to what I hear through the AP70sa than they did before using the P50sa. I also own an AP20 that is currently doing duty as my headphone amp, when it was used to drive speakers I remember it sounded a lot closer to the P20/A20x combo than the P50sa/A20x, for me this underlines the benefit of the stepped attenuator. I don’t think the sa is an option with the AP20 which is a shame as it would make a nice upgrade for it.

For info the source was CDs spinning in a Panasonic Blu Ray player through a Beresford Caiman Mk2 DAC, I was surprised by how good this was as I always thought that most mass market DVD and Blu ray players would be useless as transports. I will be comparing this with a dedicated CD player soon.
NVA BMU - NVA Phono 1 - Systemdek IIX/Rega RB250/Denon DL160 & Philips CD 104 with NOS mod - TIS & SSP mkii - NVA AP70sa - Epos ES11.

 

[savvypaul]

A20/P20/LS2 and a bit of Phono 1 review

It's a few month now I bought the P20/A20 combo with LS2 for my daughter's small commune room she lives in during her studies. I gave her my Pioneer SPL-40 with an Ortofon 2M blue and TSM 1000 speakers, too. First it was coupled to an ArtDj Pre, what already was fine. Then I couldn't resist the "not-yet-shielded-with-copper-foil-offer" of a Phono 1. Much better! Before I passed the amps to her, I had two weeks of trying them by myself. And it was a surprise: I had a lot of fun with my Braun LS150 speakers and the LS3, which I didn't expect with a not that powerful amp like the A20. The music was clear and lively, kicking like I got used to since getting the AP70. My thoughts went to the direction if I really needed that stronger amp, but putting it back in the system, the answer was clear. To not have to think about that anymore I used the equipment with the LS2 for watching TV, which was great: Having increasing hearing problems, the sound was that clear, that there was no need to extend the volume a lot or do strange grimaces to open the ears which I normally do in front of that TV. I was enjoying that! But as I don't watch that often, it doesn't really matter, that the equipment finally went to my daughter's home. She likes it, the sound is great in that small room, and the best is listening to records (thanks to Phono 1 and Pioneer, too!). When she first watched a movie and listened over the P20/A20 she said: "Wow, it's like in the cinema!". So, thank you, fine stuff again!

 

[savvypaul]

Review of P50SA preamp .

I purchased an NVA P20/ A20 starter kit in the summer of 2018 , just to have a listen you understand . In all honesty I was really taken aback by how good this combo sounded and could have lived with this starter system for a very long time . However , recently the Docs special deals meant that the P50SA came up at a very good price , especially when the trade in offer is also incorporated into the deal . I have now lived with the P50SA long enough to get a really good handle on what it's doing , or more accurately , isn't doing to the music .
I currently stream Spotify and also use a Lenco GL75 for vinyl duties . As previously stated , I was very happy with the P20 / A20 combo and had no desire whatsoever to change things . The NVA trade up deal meant that I could try the P50SA in my system and either return it or return the P20 for a refund . The upgrade to the P50SA was immediately audible and brought another grin to my face . Voices were now in the room and instruments placed in their own space . New detail was immediately evident and bass was tighter and cleaner . So what does this mean to me in musical terms ? Another big increase in musical enjoyment , that's what . Every album I have played so far has been a joy to listen to and old favourites have taken on a new plethora of musical enjoyment and realism .
Dire Straits ' Brothers in Arms ' is now much more enjoyable to listen to with more detail coming through and the bass is now cleaner and deeper . I've now listened to this album in full several times where I previously skipped tracks in Spotify . On vinyl , this album sounds like I've bought a new phono stage .
Tracy Chapmans self titled album ' Tracy Chapman ' is another old favourite . However , some tracks could sound a little bit shrill to these ears . Not any more . It is now smooth , detailed , and very real sounding in my system . Again , I now listen to this album in it's entirety and find it difficult to leave the room when it's playing . No tracks skipped here now .
I could go on and on about the improvements which the NVA P50SA have made to my system and , more importantly , my listening pleasure . However , I'll stop there as I think I've got my message across . The NVA components are excellent in terms of value for money and musical enjoyment full stop .
I will , hopefully this year , be taking up the Doc's offer of an upgrade to the A40 monoblocks and I'm pretty sure I'll be in for another musical treat . If you're not sure about trying NVA just go for it as I did . I'm pretty sure you will keep it , and enjoy it , as I did .
Big thanks to the Doc for bringing us such fantastic gear at bargain prices .

 

[savvypaul]

Cube 2 Review
I confess to deliberating for several weeks before making my mind up and eventually purchasing the Cube 2’s. My NVA set up is a mixture of old and new units, cables and interconnects which has replaced mainly Naim equipment. Like many others I’m sure the eBay offers play a major role and likewise Cube2’s were available at a very generous and welcome discount.
Up to that point it was becoming very apparent to my ears that the outgoing Neat Motive 3 speakers are far more suited to Naim amplification. I believe Neat ‘voice’ their speakers using Naim, whether this is true or not who knows but I wouldn’t be surprised. Feeling that a change was necessary and having previously heard and being impressed by both Cube 1 & 3’s, it seemed the logical choice. A little sorry to see the Neat’s go as they have been great fun but they weren’t the right match for me with the NVA amplifier.
It may be worth mentioning that why bother and just go back to what I had previously? Until I discovered NVA I was perfectly happy with the system I was using. Having heard and then owning NVA, my ears are telling me that NVA brings you closer to the music, it’s all about the music not meaningless specs. If I couldn't hear any differences or more importantly improvement then I would have left things as they were but the changes haven't been subtle, the new Amplifier and Cables set up is the best I've ever had and give so much enjoyment to my listening experiences.
Owning a few different makes of speakers over the last 40 years I’ve come to the conclusion that ported speakers are a design compromise that I prefer less in comparison to infinite baffle. Sealed enclosures are very thin on the ground these days, my last pair of IB speakers were Heybrook HB3’s, wish I never sold them but WAF and all that and it was a very long time ago.
Onto the Cube 2’s. They are beautifully finished, any worries about being too large for my small listening room were groundless as they blend in perfectly.
What is immediately apparent during listening is what you don’t hear, to my ears the Cubes are very neutral, sounds flow effortlessly and the music comes though unhindered. Listening sessions became a lot more extended as the music plays on into the evenings. There is no flabby booming bass to control however I’m still experimenting with small adjustments in positioning. At the moment very close to the back wall which is great for space in a small room. To preserve domestic harmony, I have the listening levels quite low, the Cubes excel at this, no need to crank it up as the music does not suffer and you feel connected to the performance. So far I’m finding the Cubes a very easy listen and you’re quickly immersed into the recording. I’m not listening to equipment I’m listening to music.
An additional benefit is a noticeable reduction in background noise, it has just disappeared. There has always been a mild hum from the Phono 1, it was never too much of a distraction but I can’t hear it at all now? Similarly the FM tuner source, which although it gets very little use, was again much clearer.
My main source is the Pi3/Allo Boss, streamer / DAC combo. When auditioned at the ‘DAC bake off’ it only had a few hours of use. Now fully ‘burned in’, it is much more of a refined listen, the liveliness has been tamed and the music has opened up with a rich deep tuneful bass.
Overall I’m very impressed with the combination of the DAC, Amplification and Cubes. The Cubes are different for sure but in a good way. These are keepers and I’m looking forward to getting the best from them for hopefully, many years to come.