AudioCircle
Industry Circles => NuPrime Audio => Topic started by: worldcat on 30 Mar 2014, 02:55 am
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Does anyone know anything about the new amp and cost as well?
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I should have an update shortly, on both the REF-20, and the IA-16.
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I saw a picture of it on Nuforce site. It looks different than the 18 i wonder what the sound is like, how is it different?
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The current projection is that the REF 20 will be shipping in 3 weeks + -.
As you noticed it had a slightly different styling and is being produced by a new division at NuFORCE for all the High End Products called NuPRIME
More information can be found HERE (https://www.nuforce.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=321:ref-20&Itemid=2937)
It is reported to be quite powerful (420wpc) and DYNAMIC. The increase in power also adds to the BASS response that has always been a trademark of the NuFORCE "sound".
It is also said to be exceptionally SMOOTH without losing any of the resolution and detail NuFORCE is known for.
If your speakers and listening environment support it, you will also find that the REF 20 will have an improved soundstage, 3-D depth, and accurate imaging capability.
I will be informing dealers that they can take "pre-orders" at REF 18 pricing, so this makes the amps an exceptional bargain that cannot be touched in most High End lines. If you have a local dealer contact them for details, or contact me directly.
(https://www.nuforce.com/images/ref20_main2.png)
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Looks like a very nice amp! Any chance of a new upgrade path for the Ref 9? There was talk for a while of a Ref 10 upgrade, but so far it hasn't materialized. Will there be a renewed next step for Ref9V3SE?
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Looks like a very nice amp! Any chance of a new upgrade path for the Ref 9? There was talk for a while of a Ref 10 upgrade, but so far it hasn't materialized. Will there be a renewed next step for Ref9V3SE?
It appears so, I am waiting for confirmation. :green:
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Just check for those with existing Reference 18, are there any trade-up package from Nuforce?
Something like that offered by Merrill Audio at
http://www.merrillaudio.net/trade-up.html
Thanks in advance.
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Just check for those with existing Reference 18, are there any trade-up package from Nuforce?
Something like that offered by Merrill Audio at
http://www.merrillaudio.net/trade-up.html
Thanks in advance.
Yes, at this time it is expected that there will be an "upgrade" path of the REF 18 to the REF 20, however due to the extensive amount of electronics needed to perform that upgrade it is suggested current REF 18 owners wait for an upcoming announcement.
That said, we should also have the "upgrade REF 8 and REF 9 to REF 10" available soon. There will be no PRODUCTION REF 10, but the upgrade is slated to come soon.
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Yes, at this time it is expected that there will be an "upgrade" path of the REF 18 to the REF 20, however due to the extensive amount of electronics needed to perform that upgrade it is suggested current REF 18 owners wait for an upcoming announcement.
That said, we should also have the "upgrade REF 8 and REF 9 to REF 10" available soon. There will be no PRODUCTION REF 10, but the upgrade is slated to come soon.
Not that keen on "upgrade" as it takes "forever" but more interested in trade up, something similar to what Merril offers.
Any such available package?
Thanks in advance
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That said, we should also have the "upgrade REF 8 and REF 9 to REF 10" available soon. There will be no PRODUCTION REF 10, but the upgrade is slated to come soon.
Good news! Hope there will be a possibility for upgrading to REF 10 in The Netherlands - I don't see any representative in my country anymore.
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Well, I bit the bullet and ordered the Ref 20's in black today - now I wait for a few weeks for delivery. They will have to go a ways to beat my modded Ref9 V3SE's. Will report.
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Please let us know!
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Update - looks like delivery for the Ref 20's will now be in June.Wwish I was a patient person - good thing I love my current ref9 V3Se's so much that I do not feel deprived
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Looks really good
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How much current do the 9's, 18's or 20's produce?
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Ref 18: Peak output 650W@4Ohm = 12.7A; RMS 325W Current = 9A
Ref 20: Peak output 800W@4Ohm = 14A; RMS 400W Current = 10A
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John,
What's the scoop on the IA-16 as mentioned in your first post? Thank you.
Jim
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John,
What's the scoop on the IA-16 as mentioned in your first post? Thank you.
Jim
Hi Jim,
Not ignoring you, but am waiting for the website to be operational. which should be next week.
The IA-16 should be "exceptional".
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Things have been very quiet.... any news on the Ref-10 upgrade?
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I am still waiting impatiently for my ref 20's. Hope they arrive in the next two weeks
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What's the delay on the Ref-20's? :roll: Any ETA? :roll:
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:banana piano:
They arrived not less than 30 minutes ago and will be shipped to Gammajo tomorrow.
YESSSSSSSS :thumb:
They are in a nice wooden shipping crate for lots of protection.
Joe, they will be on the way tomorrow.
:green:
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If they sound anything close to the IDA-16, they will be VERY SPECIAL, and since they are using the same circuitry etc, and have 2 X the POWER, they should sound even better.
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My inquiry couldn't have been timed better :icon_lol:
Thanks John.
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Ref 20's are due at my home by Fed Ex this Saturday. Glad it is not winter so that I can pop them out of box and play immediately.
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Put a quick 100-150 hours on them, and let the good times role :dance:
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Someone I know well already has the REF 20's playing in their system, initial feedback is very good.
This was with a few days of play, so we'll hear more, keep your shorts up 8)
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I almost had a heart attack and developed an ulcer as FEDEX actually "LOST" a pair of REF-20s.
After hours of phone calls, they located them and they are now being played (and burned in)
Not sure if it is the same pair or not, but initial reports are also very favorable. :thumb:
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John, all three of us almost had a cardiac :icon_lol:
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=102938)
Yup - that is my pair of Ref 20's. Short version. They were packed beautifully in a wooden crate, excellent case work and look great in black. Sounded excellent right out of the box, then sound became thin and a bit edgy, now back to bass having weight, and they are opening, relaxing, and becoming more liquid at about 96 hours including the factory burn in. All through so far they definitely have a better sound stage with more air, with instruments at far left and right sounding more real, great on vocals, and increased inner detail. I will give them a few more days, and put my modded Ref 9 V3 SE's back in for an A-B-A test, then report in detail. so far very happy with them
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Verdict is in - see my review of the new Reference 20 posted today as new thread - Reference 20 Mono Amp Review
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I wonder if Nuforce still does the trade in program?
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Hi Worldcat,
Let me check on that for you.
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Worldcat,
Since NuFORCE and NuPRIME are under the same umbrella, but more diverse than NuFORCE alone, it is difficult to administrate a trade up/in program from there.
However, I can work something out for you on this side if you like, which would be similar.
Just PM me and give me your details amp, series and model.
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We generally offer trade-in credit equal to 60% of the MSRP of your Reference amp toward the purchase of Ref 20.
You may contact your dealer or Heap Audio (the new USA distributor, sales@heapaudio.com) if you do not have a dealer.
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Reference 20 arrived today.
Took some photos of it.
https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/110350766074040534710/albums/6077755362889230033
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Were you familiar with the previous generations of NuForce gear? I have the Ref. 9 v2SE and P9 preamp, and I'm wondering how the new generation is different, better, etc. Would love to hear your thoughts and comparisons.
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John, Excellent pictures - thanks for sharing. Let us know you impressions of the sound. I am still enjoying mine greatly, and was pleased that after I thought that break in was completed and they were very pleasing to me and that I was fully satisfied with my purchase, they continued to get subtly better over the next few months.
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Just a sample of John's photos.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BfUZuZu7JXg/VFiGUetzw9I/AAAAAAAAFI0/cr-2bXS-WPU/w838-h557-no/DSC_8036.JPG)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ibH7PCua-Uc/VFiGrrLPyHI/AAAAAAAAFJs/YjOOg3_52og/w838-h557-no/DSC_8046.JPG)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BFS6SC912vY/VFiG6jGzF4I/AAAAAAAAFKU/YhSqq7zf6MY/w838-h557-no/DSC_8052.JPG)
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John, Excellent pictures - thanks for sharing. Let us know you impressions of the sound. I am still enjoying mine greatly, and was pleased that after I thought that break in was completed and they were very pleasing to me and that I was fully satisfied with my purchase, they continued to get subtly better over the next few months.
sure, I am very impressed by how Ref20 drives Usher S-520, a tiny speaker now can roar. Will let Ref 20 to break-in for longer period and see what it turns out to be.
:thumb:
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Just a sample of John's photos.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BfUZuZu7JXg/VFiGUetzw9I/AAAAAAAAFI0/cr-2bXS-WPU/w838-h557-no/DSC_8036.JPG)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ibH7PCua-Uc/VFiGrrLPyHI/AAAAAAAAFJs/YjOOg3_52og/w838-h557-no/DSC_8046.JPG)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BFS6SC912vY/VFiG6jGzF4I/AAAAAAAAFKU/YhSqq7zf6MY/w838-h557-no/DSC_8052.JPG)
Thanks for helping me post the photos. I'll upload some video clip of how Ref 20 sounds.
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www.youtube.com/embed/LaqRsrGXDKc?list=UU-ctOHhfrF_SodnfrkftU5g (http://www.youtube.com/embed/LaqRsrGXDKc?list=UU-ctOHhfrF_SodnfrkftU5g)
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John925 - Happy New Year! How are you feeling about your Ref 20's now? I am still enjoying mine and they have been 100% reliable. Are we the only two on AC with the 20's?
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Just sent a pair to Las Vegas, but the owner is not too computer savy and not on Audio Circle. :scratch:
But he loves his REF-20s with his QUAD Speakers. :thumb:
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John925 - Happy New Year! How are you feeling about your Ref 20's now? I am still enjoying mine and they have been 100% reliable. Are we the only two on AC with the 20's?
Hi Joe,
Guess what I got for my audiophile 2015?
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1yTToi9Lyfg/VKVZEavuW7I/AAAAAAAAGSo/td4_SCR8Tbc/w600-h448-no/541606_397139447115596_3212000487461695571_n.jpg)
Sonically, Ref20 is up to my full satisfaction but I still need the factory to fix some tiny issue for me. I'm confident that Ref20 will continue to quench my desire of changing from gears to gears.
Happy 2015 Joe and all the NuPrime/NuForce owners.
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John - Sweet! Bet the new gear is fabulous! Glad to hear the Ref20's are handling the amp - nervosa. I have my eye on auditioning the new Von Schweikert VR55 speakers this year. Would have to audition because I don't see how they could be better than my VR5 Anniv MK2's, but open mind, right?.
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John C I get to Vegas about 6 times a year - may have to go by and hear the Ref 20's in his system, if he is willing.
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John C I get to Vegas about 6 times a year - may have to go by and hear the Ref 20's in his system, if he is willing.
I will pass along your interest when I speak with him next. :thumb:
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Thanks John, I appreciate it.
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John - Sweet! Bet the new gear is fabulous! Glad to hear the Ref20's are handling the amp - nervosa. I have my eye on auditioning the new Von Schweikert VR55 speakers this year. Would have to audition because I don't see how they could be better than my VR5 Anniv MK2's, but open mind, right?.
hi Joe,
thanks. The most important part is that exD audio made a usb-ST converter that I can use this ddc to play native DSD to emm labs dac6e se, which has only ST optical supporting DSD. And with my dedicated CAT, it is really producing amazing sound.
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John
There are few things more satisfying than getting amazing sound - enjoy!
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I’m the owner of modern sounds, a new on-line audio store dedicated to the computer audiophile and leading edge audio technologies. We recently launched our web store on December 12, 2014.
We currently have two installations using the Reference 20 amplifiers. Our clients are using statement speakers on a pure digital system with really remarkable results. The Reference 20 has no flaws of any kind, that any of us can detect. None of us can remember ever listing to an audio component where we didn't have a comment to make about the sound. It has been days now and not one client has come forth with anything at all. They just sound utterly realistic in the reproduction of music, regardless of type. That is truly remarkable given that these particular audiophiles have been listening for decades. They have all had analog and tube based audio systems in the past and have recently switched to something new and higher performing for less money.
All enjoy pure digital, high-resolution audio systems employing statement grade speakers. One client is using a truly spectacular pair of Tannoy Churchill speakers and the results are so impressive that members of his own audio groups are starting to enquire about purchasing a pair of Reference 20 amplifiers for themselves. They are replacing Cary tube amplifiers, Wyetech Labs tube amplifiers and other reference tube amplifiers costing significantly more. They all marvel at the sound quality coming from something that is not based in tube technology - something that until recently, they believed was necessary to achieve the absolute sound. Without exception they prefer the NuForce class D amplifiers and some are on record stating that once you have heard the Reference 20, the tube amplifiers they were using, simply sound broken by comparison. In reality, the tone of the tubes interfered with the sound of the music they were trying to enjoy. Guitar players use tubes for tone. Why do audiophiles use tubes? It can't be for the tone because that would interfere with the music would it not? Only in the absence of tubes and only by comparing the sound to these amplifiers would you know what you have been missing all along.
The modern sounds reference system uses the NuForce Reference 20 amplifiers to power a pair of Sound Lab A-1PX electrostatic loudspeakers. These amplifiers recently replaced reference edition OTL tube amplification costing over five and a half times more. They sound far superior with greater frequency extension, absolutely zero noise and the most realistic reproduction of the musical event that I have ever encountered. The Sound Lab electronics are currently at Sound Lab for an upgrade but I will certainly look forward to their return when I can truly enjoy the music reproduced by them as powered by the Reference 20 amplifiers.
The system DAC is a Weiss DAC-1 Mk3 FW and I am now very curious about the sound of the DAC-10 from NuPrime Audio. One client is currently using the DAC-10 as the front end to his Reference 20 based system and the preliminary results are quite promising. It's a well designed and well built, solid unit and as an architect, I find the industrial design of all of these components to be simple, sleek and modern in appearance.
For more information on the NuForce Reference 20 and other NuPrime Audio products please visit our web site at - http://www.modernsounds.com/collections/nuforce/products/nuforce-reference-20
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John C I get to Vegas about 6 times a year - may have to go by and hear the Ref 20's in his system, if he is willing.
Hi Joe,
Finally got a chance to talk with him (His name is Irv) and I told him what you said.
He is willing, and will be calling you in the next couple days. :thumb:
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Thanks John. I will wait his call. I did pull the trigger on a new pair of Von Schweikert VR55's which should be built in about a month. While auditioning them I had a chance to listen to the Constellation amps - very nice, but think the Ref 20's hold their own against them in quietness, bass dynamics, articulation and natural detail and the Ref 20a are possibly be more liquid and fleshed out in the mids.