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Post by Deleted on Feb 10, 2016 18:14:06 GMT
I received the TIS today and have updated that particular thread, I can't find a Cubettes thread so I'm posting here to say they arrived safely too. If mods want to separate this post out (or not) then I'm happy either way.
I'm used to the old cubes, having had a couple of pairs, so I was interested to experience the new breed. First thing that struck me was the weight and size. They really are dinky. The proportions are so cute, it took me unawares. Then I picked one up and had another surprise. They really are heavy. I'm used to steel lined Royds, but these are another thing again. Credit too for the finish, which is really nice.
So, having just had my first session with the TIS, I connected the Cubettes. They are sitting in for a pair of de-stuffed Royd Minstrels with un-doped Royd drivers. The Royds had impressed me greatly but they are bettered by the Cubettes. Tonally and musically they are cut from the same cloth. The Cubettes are clearer, more dynamic and have a bit more bass weight. Like the TIS they are clear as a bell, with no hardness, no nasties and absolutely no overhang. They just start and stop and they play music with a life that is infectious.
Now I've tended to like most NVA kit, but I do speak my mind either way. I really haven't got on with LS1,3 or 5 in the past and I've said so openly. I really liked LS6 though and didn't dare find out what I thought of the more expensive cable. It was by no means a "gimme" that I'd like the Cubettes. What I will say is that if you like what the amps do, then I think you will find a natural affinity for the Cubettes.
I need to play more music and that won't exactly be a chore. I will report further when I've had more fun.
Edit: thanks to the mods for moving this.
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Post by dsjr on Feb 10, 2016 20:38:33 GMT
Thanks for review so far. Hope you continue to enjoy them.
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Post by John on Feb 10, 2016 20:57:37 GMT
Sounds like they been upgraded since I last heard them
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Post by dsjr on Feb 10, 2016 21:09:14 GMT
NVA all but closed up shop for a few years and it was only recently that RD started up the brand again, with new cases, amp boards and a thorough rethink on the speakers. The main drive units really are quality items as supplied, even before the doping treatments, offering a taut suspension for the cone, igh power handling and ventilated pole pieces I believe. The tweeters have also been substantially upgraded over the lively originals from decades ago and just keep out of the way until they're needed  |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 11, 2016 17:10:06 GMT
I'll write up more fully when I have had more listening time, but I was so smitten with the Cubettes I asked if I could buy this actual pair. The thought of losing what I've gained was just not on. It was never going to happen if I could avoid it. I sent payment Right away so they are now my Cubettes  I'm off to do some intensive listening........otherwise known as boundless fun! |
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Post by ChrisB on Feb 11, 2016 22:39:37 GMT
What do the Cubettes cost Andrew?
I don't want, and can't house, any more speakers (5 pairs is enoughbut am curious as to the price. Any piccies by chance?
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Post by Deleted on Feb 11, 2016 22:58:24 GMT
They are £250 a pair, which is about what you'd pay for a reasonable pair of Kans or the better Royds. I had Kans and Minstrels sat here and really didn't want or need any more speakers either. I'm in small speaker mode right now because I don't want an intrusive setup and I will hopefully be moving again soon, so I want to avoid "tonnage".
If this hadn't been a loan, I'd never have contemplated the Cubettes because I wasn't looking and I didn't know what I wanted until I heard it (if that makes sense?). Luckily they are small enough to make little impact on my life. They are also affordable enough to make a similarly manageable dent in my finances.
I will get some pics done over the weekend. I'm just wrapped up on listening for now. I've got three Adcom bits sat here unused because I don't want to pull away from the great sound I'm getting.
Edit: just a thought, but might it be worthwhile annotating the loan list to include prices? Not my call either way. Just thinking aloud.
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Post by dsjr on Feb 12, 2016 15:05:44 GMT
Cubette prices - Unfinished - raw plain wood - is £250pr Finished off (painted), they are £300pr. The pair you bought were not quite to the standard required apparently, hence the price you paid |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 12, 2016 17:29:08 GMT
Makes me feel even happier! Ive not looked at them that closely but they look really nice on their stands. If I'd been staining them myself I'd have used white, as I think they'd look really stylish. I won't be touching them now though. If I ever upgrade to Cubes, I definitely won't be going for black. There's a whole world of colours available when it comes to Acrylic, so I'm surprised everyone goes for the old "Henry Ford".
As for the Cubettes, I'm even more taken with them than ever. I'm sat about 13 feet away and they really fill the room. Bass is uber-tight and yet also bigger than seems possible for their size. Sure, I accept there will be better NVA speakers but I can't understand how you could get more clarity. The music seems as "nude" as you can get.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 12, 2016 17:56:58 GMT
As we now have a Cubettes thread, could anyone else who's tried them or owns them perhaps post their experiences regarding stands, height, placement, optimum listening distance etc. I will add my thoughts on such things when I've got a few more miles under my belt, but I could really do with the benefit of other people's experiences.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2016 8:09:01 GMT
Ok, so I promised some more considered thoughts on the Cubettes after I'd had more time to digest. Here goes... The two things that keep hitting me are the clarity and the start/stop qualities. I place great importance on these. For me, clearer simply means better. It's the one quality I hear in all NVA and its here in spades with the Cubettes. Start/stop agility is essential for timing information. Without getting this right, music simply isn't reaching you the way it was intended. Music is meant to stir the soul: It's primal. Screw up the timing and the connection is lost. The vast majority of speakers I've tried (hundreds by now) just aren't good enough in this area for me to connect with the music. The ones that do it right sometimes come with other huge flaws that some can overlook, but some find unacceptable. Not so the Cubettes, which have no foibles I can hear. The issue that has never raised its head is the small size. They just don't sound like miniatures. Bass is surprisingly solid and really satisfying. I like bass when it's on offer, but I've been completely happy with Spica TC50 bass, so maybe others will want more here, but surely such people would start with a bigger Cube anyway. The sad thing for me is that their low price means the Cubettes will probably be used in second systems, or desktop computer audio. Now I'm sure they will do all that is asked of them in such roles, but IMO it's akin to using an Aston Martin to tow a hot dog van. They deserve better and won't be able to show their full capabilities. For me, they are a high end small speaker in all but price and finish. As you can buy unfinished ones for £250, you can tackle the latter yourself, so that only leaves the high end price which I can certainly live without. The speaker they remind me of most is the Reference 3a Da Capo. I remember storing that experience some years ago as a benchmark for stripped-bare clarity. Well, I just heard it again with the Cubettes. That main diver is a beauty and it's quality is plain to hear. Once again RD has hunted out something exceptional and brought it to market without exploiting it on the basis of "how much can I charge". In fact, that sums up the Cubettes all round, so I will park it there and go back to my babies |
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