2. amps-preamps
  3. 186799-185607

ARC VSi75SE v. MF Nu-Vista 800

I have an offer to purchase either an Audio Research VSi75SE or a Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista 800 at roughly the same price, new-in-box.  But there's no way for me to audition either in-person beforehand.  Does anybody have an opinion, based on first-hand experience, comparing the two components' sound quality?

These integrateds would be powering a pair of Harbeth C7-ES3 speakers with a MartinLogan sub.  They'll also do double-duty powering the front channels of a home theater, and will be connected to non-TV digital sources by a DAC/streamer, maybe a HiFi Rose.

Functionality issues make either candidate a compromise.  E.g., the ARC has no HT bypass, headphone jack, or sub out, and family members will give me grief about tube warm-up when they just want to watch TV.  And the Harbeths, despite a nominal 25wpc spec, would definitely benefit from the Nu-Vista's 300wpc.  OTOH, the MF has all the connectivity I need, but it's big and heavy, which will present problems in my room (and to my elderly back).

I'll work all that out, one way or the other, but rght now, my threshold issue is sonics.  I realize that both companies have distinct "house sounds" so I'd love to hear from anyone with first-hand experience comparing the two.

Thanks.

cundare2
cundare2 OP
218 posts
 

arafoq: The H590 is definitely on my short list, but some of the comments here suggest that even the entry-level ARC I/50 -- as well as MF’s limited-edition Nu-Vista products -- are in a whole different class. Again, w/o the ability to actually demo any of these amps, all I can do is ask and listen to responses.

The little Pass Labs amps, I believe, are quite robust when it comes to current sourcing. Wattage doubles, in fact, from 25 to 50wpc when going from 4- to 8-ohm (presumably resistive) loads.

One reason I’m considering the Pass now, at this late date (aside from reading so much praise from Audiogon users), is Herb Reichart’s rave Stereophile review, in which he pairs Pass’s integrated INT-25 with larger Harbeths than mine.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/pass-labs-int-25-integrated-amplifier

Btw, that review includes comments from Joe Pass himself about why his low-powered Class A amps "drive so many loudspeakers with so much dynamic authority and unmatched transparency".  Worth a quick read.

ghdprentice
6,445 posts
 

OP,

 

I have got a seventy + year old back as well. I use talk and if necessary a $20 bill or two to deal with heavy equipment. There are all sorts of ways to arrange for you not to have to lift audio equipment. I will definitely not compromise the sound at my age to a trivial problem like my ego says I have to do this myself.

ghdprentice
6,445 posts
 

OP,

 

On the topic of the Pass Integrated. I auditioned the INT 75 (and Luxman integrated $10K). What I was struck with was the excellent rhythm and pace of the Pass. It really got the beat with a pretty good midrange. I compared against the ARC I-50 and the Luxman… they formed a continuum from the bright detailed lean non-musical Luxman, the musical… well done solid state Pass and then the ARC - luscious but detailed musical sound. Big jumps between the three. 

erik_squires
15,826 posts
 

I thought Nu-Vista parts haven't been made in decades.  Is there a new manufacturing run?

cundare2 OP
218 posts
 

erik: My understanding (and anyone with more currrent knowledge, please correct me) is that MF came up with a new variation on the old RCA nuvistors.  Supposedly, it discontinued the Nu-Vista 600 & 800 because of parts-availability issues -- but they were talking about front panels!

My SWAG is that MF is still working off its existing inventory, but has the means to manufacture more nuvistors as needed.  They actually sell nuvistor kits online.  And don't forget that tne Nu-Vista models are characterized as "limited edition."  I don't think they produce too many of these exotic beasts.

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