NVA AP10P - system 3 now up and running

[worrasf]

After collecting various bits and pieces over the last 6 months or so I have finally found time to get everything up and running as system 3 in the dining room/conservatory.

Source: Wadia 170i iPod dock with Audiocom signature upgrade and Teddy Pardo PSU
DAC: Bushmaster 1 with Mark Grant linear PSU/sBooster
Amp: NVA AP10P
Speakers: Ruark Epilogue
Cables: NVA sound cords interconnects and NVA LS3 speaker cables - Supra LoRad 2.5 mains lead for the Teddy Pardo
No balanced mains in this room.

I was previously using the Wadia in my main system and to be honest the SQ is as good as my Cyrus CD XT Se2/PSxR.
I've not used the Ruarks for a few years but I remember them as competent performers.
We all know the Bushmaster in MK 1 guise as a terrific DAC and even better with the MG linear PSU (unlke the BM 2 which is much better with external battery)

So the only unknowns were the NVA and (importantly) new listening room. Worth noting it has suspended wood floor with miles of insulation beneath and loads of glass including the roof.

Well it sounds bloody amazing for a low power "entry level" system. The presentation kinda reminds me of my old Naim 32.5/HiCap/140. PRaT are all there to get the feet tapping and the mouth grinning. Either the Ruarks are very sensitive or the NVA very muscular because it goes loud. Position 4 on the volume pot is more than adequate. The majority of the time it's a very competent performer with great mid range detail and dynamics. Voices sound natural. It's only at the extremes that this system trips up. Low bass can be a bit flabby and hihat a tad splashy rather than taught and zingy respectively. It also gets in a little muddle with complex multi-instrument pieces. Stereo imagery is right between the boxes with little or no width to the sound stage. I really do suspect some of this is down to the room which is hardly ideal and that I have grown used to the authority and control especially in the bass of the BM 2.

I must say I am mighty impressed by this little NVA amp and if I was advising someone on a "starter" amp this has to be on the list.
EDIT: My only real criticism is that plugging the headphones in does not cut out the speaker output - you have to manually pull the leads. Now I understand the reason for this regarding SQ -v- cost but nonetheless it's tedious so I've not listened to the headphone output as yet.

Steve

[kenworthy100]

Excellent little system, looks and no doubt sounds very good, I really like the minimal uncluttered appearance of the NVA and Wadia components.

[Macca]

Not too shabby for a third system! Shame you have to put the speakers against the glass wall, I'm guessing there is no other option.

[worrasf]

Not too shabby for a third system! Shame you have to put the speakers against the glass wall, I'm guessing there is no other option.

Thanks.
No that's the only spot. The front wall is full length glass end to end and the opposite has a solid fuel stove. However, Sharon is after getting some really heavy winter curtains for the French windows so they will help a bit.
Steve

[DSJR]

Muddle on complex stuff indicates clipping on ANY amp in my opinion. Glad it's doing it well for you and the slightly less impressive bits are what the bigger models in the range are there to answer methinks as bigger power supplies help hugely if done right :)

'Acres' of glass is a terrible thing where audio is concerned I understand and some curtains should help a bit to tame it - you may prefer them left open to fully closed but who knows until you've done it :)

[worrasf]

Hi Dave
The trouble with us OCD types is that we kid ourselves we'll knock up a second or God forfend third system to play while we are doing more important things like reading or playing with the dogs that we wouldn't dream of doing while listening to our first systems then start getting all antsy because the SQ isn't quite right.
I really must try to pay more attention to my AoS signature :-)
Steve

[alan47]

The muddle could be the speakers,i use an AP10P in my workshop/den with a squeezebox classic and Tannoy series 90 M20's with LS3 and ssc's.
I think the speakers would jump off the shelfs long before it all gets into a muddle,:eek:By the look of your third system,i think that a lot of people would be very satisfied with it as a main one.:D

[worrasf]

The muddle could be the speakers,i use an AP10P in my workshop/den with a squeezebox classic and Tannoy series 90 M20's with LS3 and ssc's.
I think the speakers would jump off the shelfs long before it all gets into a muddle,:eek:

By the look of your third system,i think that a lot of people would be very satisfied with it as a main one.:D

No I reckon it's the room plus my OCD :mental:

I agree which is why I reckon my comments about "muddle" are likely over sensitive and I reckon most folk wouldn't notice it. :eyebrows:

I guess it comes of not chucking old kit away (I have had the KAN 2 stands for about 20 years). I kept the BM 1 after getting the BM 2 and bought the NVA and all leads second hand at a very attractive price. The Wadia was also second hand although I did spend a bit on the Audiocom signature upgrade. :santa:

[synsei]

Hi Stephen. I note that you have some components stacked atop others, have you tried placing them all directly on top of the unit next to each other? Talking of the unit, it is possible that the interior voids will be resonating to the music and thus transferring that energy through the carcass of the unit and on into the equipment. It may be worthwhile buying a couple of isolation platforms to seat the components on if you intend to keep them there and perhaps invest in some Sorbothane feet too if you are not already using them ;)

[worrasf]

Hi Stephen. I note that you have some components stacked atop others, have you tried placing them all directly on top of the unit next to each other? Talking of the unit, it is possible that the interior voids will be resonating to the music and thus transferring that energy through the carcass of the unit and on into the equipment. It may be worthwhile buying a couple of isolation platforms to seat the components on if you intend to keep them there and perhaps invest in some Sorbothane feet too if you are not already using them ;)

All good suggestions and couldn't agree more. Trouble is that this is Sharon's domain - it was like pulling teeth to be able to place them atop the sideboard (nowhere else in the room) and zero chance of introducing equipment supports or new rack.

Now the SQ from this little system is really very good despite earlier comments - I just know it could be better by doing just the things you suggest.

[synsei]

All good suggestions and couldn't agree more. Trouble is that this is Sharon's domain - it was like pulling teeth to be able to place them atop the sideboard (nowhere else in the room) and zero chance of introducing equipment supports or new rack.

Now the SQ from this little system is really very good despite earlier comments - I just know it could be better by doing just the things you suggest.

You may get away with just using Sorbothane feet under each component and they wouldn't spoil the aesthetic of the room either as they would be hardly noticeable. I really do feel that this would go a long way to solving the minor issues you mention... ;)

[DSJR]

I was only going to add that at lower volumes, the slight 'muddle' or whatever may well dissipate. Mind you, the BM's (Monitor Audios?) were hardly really clear or refined, were they?

[worrasf]

You may get away with just using Sorbothane feet under each component and they wouldn't spoil the aesthetic of the room either as they would be hardly noticeable. I really do feel that this would go a long way to solving the minor issues you mention... ;)

Good point - I've got some sorbothane domes doing nothing so will put them to work as you suggest.

[worrasf]

Sorbothane feet - pish!
I have just put in a new floor. Simples!
All previous niggles and gripes gone - sounding mighty fine now!

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

[synsei]

Sorbothane feet - pish!
I have just put in a new floor. Simples!
All previous niggles and gripes gone - sounding mighty fine now!

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

Well why not just put a new floor in, those Sorbothane domes are sooo expensive... :lol:

Seriously though, well done you. Glad it's all worked out for ya... ;)

[worrasf]

Thanks - sometimes drastic problems require drastic solutions! Just goes to show the fundamental effect the listening room structure has on SQ though

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

[Yomanze]

There is a certain magic with the lower powered solid state amps compared to their 'beefy' brethren. Sounds like a great 'system 3'!