2. amps-preamps
  3. 1204331852

NuForce vs Red Wine

I am looking for insight into the differences that others have heard in a direct comparison of the NuForce Ref9 V2Se and the RWA .2's (30 or 70). I currently own the Ref 9V2's and would like to upgrade to the Se's. But there is so much good word on the street about the RWA units, that I am considering trying their units. Opinions?

Thanks.

John
nanotweeter
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Jason from Nuforce states in this thread:
"We don't recommend using passive preamp."
nanotweeter OP
51 posts
 
Tvad,

I wonder why that is so?. I have used several SS preamps with my NuForce amps, but none have come close (IMHO) to the smooth and detailed sound of the passives. In my system they present the dynamics of the recording as well as the actives. The only downside that I have perceived with the passive units is that they are slightly, (very, very slightly) rounded on the leading attack. But neither do they have that accompanying snap glare that I have sometimes heard accompanying the attack with the SS units. Has anyone compared passives with tube pres with the NuForce amps?

Thanks.

John
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I have no idea. Contact Jason at NuForce. I'm sure he'll provide the answer.
eril
52 posts
 
A friend has had top passives in front of his Nuforce 9.0SE V2. He had used several early versions of Nuforce. He thought the passives were great on all versions.
Then he used a Shindo Aurieges-L on the 9.0 SE V2. He said the passives sounded "broke by comparison". He is now a total fan of the Shindo.
He says the Shindo has been further improved by Hi-Fi Tuning Fuses and Crystal Cable Power Cords.

FWIW
kck
184 posts
 
I saw that "broke" thread. I also think that passives are very limited in application (duh). When I get a chance I will try my TVC with the 8.5v2 but don't really have much hope for this pairing for some reason, although the TVC is pretty good.

In the meantime, I am enjoying switching between two truly excellent preamps. One is a well-known European make using tubes, and the other...NuForce's own P9! It does NOT have snap-glare and is very neutral but dynamic with control.

The tube pre is also excellent and provides a study in contrast to the P9, in that it is *slightly* romantic but still very dynamic. I know I will need to settle on one and sell the other, but I am delaying this decision partly because it is so difficult.

I strongly recommend trying the P9. It is NOT ss-sounding, but neither is it tubey, using both those terms in a traditional sense.
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