HiFi Subjectivist ¦ Audio Forum ¦ NVA User Group

I removed comments from the announcement thread - it was always intended as an announcement, only.

Given that it was a 'hot' topic, I've started this discussion thread.

The original feedback did also make us think that we could actually have the best of both worlds when it comes to names and numbers, so the announcement now reads:

The NVA power (and integrated) range grew up being named by the nominal power output in watts for each component - A20, A30, A40, AP50, A60, A70, A80 etc.

Now, though, we've decided to give the amplifiers a name and a number. The name is reflective of a key element of the NVA ethos, while the new numbers represent the va rating of each amplifier:

The A20 becomes the 'MODEL WORKER' S80 Stereo Power Amplifier

The A60 becomes the 'ARTISAN' S150 Stereo Power Amplifier

The A60+ becomes the 'ARTISAN' S300 Stereo Power Amplifier

The A70s become the 'ARTISAN' M300 Monoblock Power Amplifiers

The A80s become the 'ARTISAN' M600 Monoblock Power Amplifiers

Model Worker - an exemplary worker who exhibits some or all of the traits appropriate to the ideal of the socialist worker. "The possibility to become a model worker offered peasants and workers one of the few opportunities for upward mobility other than joining the army,"

Artisan - making things in a traditional way, with your hands. “Create your own future; you are your own artisan. Promote your own brand; you are your own marketer! You've got the hands to do that.”

https://nvahifi.co.uk/collections/power-amplifiers

The ARTISAN power amps will also, in the not too distant future, be joined by a high-end 47 step passive pre-amp in a full width case with large control knobs. Price tba.

Discuss...

The Return of Big Knobs !

On a more serious note.

The power rating is a sensible addition and the Artisan name has a solid ring to it.

Artisan I can cope with, but model worker - YUK.

And, I'm not sure a VA rating means a lot to most people, whereas the old numerical designation (watts per channel) probably does.

But, as I'm unlikely to ever be a customer for a new NVA amplifier feel free to ignore my opinion.

valvesRus wrote: ↑Sat Aug 01, 2020 12:59 pm Artisan I can cope with, but model worker - YUK.

And, I'm not sure a VA rating means a lot to most people, whereas the old numerical designation (watts per channel) probably does.

But, as I'm unlikely to ever be a customer for a new NVA amplifier feel free to ignore my opinion.

It can be challenging when someone moves your cheese.

It can even be challenging when when someone moves someone else's cheese

It's like in the automotive world, where horsepower (and KW or PS) is often used to indicate the differences between models even though torque is probably (for most people) a more indicative number.

People think they understand horsepower and they think it means something.

The fact that (unless they go to the red line) in normal driving the engine can produce significantly less horsepower is lost on Mr Average.

Why not call them all "the Artisan range" with the top level being "Artisan statement" ?

Artisan (to me) reflects the essence of NVA and the way the company operates, but model worker makes me think of some old bod up in his loft playing trains.

To my mind, “Model Worker” has political overtones and I’m not convinced that this is going to attract buyers to NVA. Since it looks like NVA are determined to incorporate a name for each power amp why not call the whole range “Artisan” and keep the number suffix. After all, these are hand made amps.

Prefer the old numbers, forget about the names. But that's just me though.

S.

I dislike "Model Worker;" it sounds amateurish, almost childish when used in this context, as well as terriblyt clunky to my ears. I doubt it will ever say "high quality audio equipment," in any way, shape, or form, to the man on the Clapham omnibus. Artisan, on the other hand, I like. It's a shame Edwards has already nicked "Apprentice," other wise I'd have suggested that for the "entry level," kit. Protégé maybe, or Tyro?

slinger wrote: ↑Sat Aug 01, 2020 2:09 pm I dislike "Model Worker;" it sounds amateurish, almost childish when used in this context, as well as terriblyt clunky to my ears. I doubt it will ever say "high quality audio equipment," in any way, shape, or form, to the man on the Clapham omnibus. Artisan, on the other hand, I like. It's a shame Edwards has already nicked "Apprentice," other wise I'd have suggested that for the "entry level," kit. Protégé maybe, or Tyro?

We plan for the 2 ranges to be visually differentiated by case sizes. Eventually, the ARTISAN range will all be full width cases. That gives us more scope for what can be done inside...and makes them easier to build / populate.

I don't like 'Apprentice' one bit.