HiFi Subjectivist ¦ Audio Forum ¦ NVA User Group

So what makes an A70 different from a a80. I thought both had input and output transformers.

The A70s have one transformer per monoblock, feeding both input and output.

The A80s have two transformers per monoblock, one for input and one for output.

Look forward to hearing them at some point

If it's not a trade secret which grade of Toroidy transformer did Tomaz use - I think they have a medium and super audio grade.

Audio Grade in the new A60s & A70s.

Supreme Audio Grade in the new A80s.

Blimey, that's an unexpected up spec for an audio brand. Not many brands using decent iron like that these days.

Yesterday, with an A20LE, several upgraded power amps, a new A60, a couple of P50SA pre-amps and a BMU on the drying rack, Tomasz and I took a trip down to Derby to see Brian and Stuart of speaker manufacturer '3-Square Audio'. They regularly demonstrate their speakers with NVA amplification, including at the North West Audio Show. Their speakers are interesting and serious designs, focusing on phase coherence through the use of first order crossovers...and they are made from baltic birch ply.

Most of the listening was done through their new Ayal standmount (photos, below). We started with them hooked up to Brian's P50SA and A70s then 'upgraded' the speaker cables for a set of LS7, which added notable body and texture. The little Ayals were starting to sing. We then biamped the Ayals using a 3 pack of our new MKIII A70s and a MKIII A60 for the tweeters. This gave an obvious improvement in grip, separation and dynamic ease. I haven't been a fan of ported speakers in the past but the Ayals are in a different league to what I've heard before. Genuinely enjoyable and immersive, well balanced with excellent timing. Very much worth hearing...and sold direct. The quality of workmanship and components looks like a lot of value for money compared to what you see in high street dealers.

We also fired up my Cube 1s. I'm biased...but they do so many things so well. I can't wait to get our new Cubes into production.

Brian and Stuart are knowledgeable and dedicated to making their designs the best they can be. Our thanks to them for a very enjoyable day.

https://www.3squareaudio.com/

I first heard NVA amps, an A40 i think? In the 3sq Audio room at an NWA show 3 years ago. As a result I changed from valves to a full NVA pre, phono, power setup. How come no 3sq audio speakers though? Don't really know why my brain thought ' must get the amp' rather than source or speakers etc. But Mr 3Sq Audio highly recommended the NVA amp though.

Rather nice lookin
No dope(s)insight

The SMSL M8 Dac is off to the workshop system for Cambridge CXC duties, so this little USB only dac is on it's way for the front office...



https://drop.com/buy/massdrop-x-grace-d ... andard-dac