If you recall, the Nuforce was going to be discontinued, thus, the huge discount from $1299. However, demand was so strong, looks like Nuforce kept having units made. I assume the STA200 is made by the same manufacturing facility as the Goldmunds (all outsourced).
Nuforce has to be making a little money or they would not continue to sell so cheap. Since the 200 is pretty much identical (except for power), this really tells you the mark up Goldmund had.
I currently own the STA200 and that is why I am shopping for a much higher end amp ($4000 +). There is practically nothing under $2500 new that is worth the extra cost over the Nuforce. Possibly the $2900 Benchmark ABH2. |
As far as bi amping with Zu’s, it may be possible to have Zu install the option when ordering. |
I would say yes, of course depending on your listening level preferences. The Sta200 actually has much more gain than typical amps ( about 4-5 dB).
85 watts is actually quite a bit. You can try one at audio advisor and then return it if it does not work out.
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My zus are super efficient. I have a BHK pre that has tubes. The gain of the Nuforce is do high, I had to install a passive pre between the pre and amp due to tube hiss levels. I reality I have the wrong amp for my speakers (101 dB efficient- at least that is what is advertised). I would say the Nuforce is a perfect amp for speakers under 94 dB or so. |
abery, I have to disagree with you, my friend. You had the Rogue pre, prior to your BHK, and you needed to do the same with the Schiit passive. The problem is not with the Nuforce and Zu interface, but the pre’s and the Nuforce. If you eliminate the pre’s, and go passive, without signal playing, turning the passive volume up to max, you would not get hiss or hum ( if no grounding / wiring issues ). It is fine if you want to change the amp, but I remember mentioning a long time ago, the Nuforce, and Job 225, were designed to be driven passively. My Luminous passive ( awesome ), at max volume, without music playing ( dac is on ) shows zero hiss, or hum, through my more efficient speakers, when using the Nuforce. But I understand how much you enjoy tube preamps, so the Nuforce is not a good match, interfacing with your preamps.
You are correct. I should have stated for my current system. The amp is dead quiet with a SS pre. One thing between the RP-5 vs the BHK, the Rogue was a tad more noisy in the tube hiss, noise department. With the BHK, I could have actually lived with no passive if my listening position was just a little farther back. Probably just two different pre amp designs or output gain. |
