A nice problem to have?

[Fellwalker]

here's a genuinely curious question - how to choose between the new NVA INT400SA integrated amp OR a P50SA/M300 (or M600) pre-power? How to choose between, assuming price roughly similar and space is no restriction
Integrated - simpler one box, new satin finish, shorter signal paths?
Pre/Power - more flexibility, box count, more upgrade paths?

but which choice sounds better and why?

[Bencat57]

In my view the difference for the S versions with two transformers is the real sound quality up lift . I also find the appearance of the satin finish much nicer so for me at least the 400AS would be my choice . Only important thing missing from this question is what speakers you would using . If power hungry then choices would change .

[Fellwalker]

Speakers are sonus faber concertinos, old but lovely, and a benign load (I think, esp compared to some SF models): 86dB sensitivity, first-order crossover and 8-ohm nominal impedance with no dips sub 6 ohm, rated 25-125 watts power handling

[Bencat57]

In that case my original choice would stand and having an S300 myself and having heard the Integrated I do not think you will be disappointed .

[antonio66]

These days and at my age, I try and go simplicity, so the 400SA would be for me.

[Fellwalker]

here's a genuinely curious question - how to choose between the new NVA INT400SA integrated amp OR a P50SA/M300 (or M600) pre-power? How to choose between, assuming price roughly similar and space is no restriction
Integrated - simpler one box, new satin finish, shorter signal paths?
Pre/Power - more flexibility, box count, more upgrade paths?

but which choice sounds better and why?

With NVA, there are three significant variables that determine absolute sound quality.

1. Volume pot
2. Power supplies
3. Cables

Assuming that better cables will improve any NVA system (they do!), I'll concentrate on the first two - volume pot and power supplies.

Best = P50SA & M600s. This has our most transparent volume pot (several people have told us that they've sold £2k plus pre-amps in favour of the P50SA), and it has a twin power supply for each channel (2 x 150va per channel, one power supply on the input, one power supply on the output). You also have the option to start with M300s and then upgrade to M600s (we fit the second power supply at our workshop) at a later date.

2nd = INT400SA. The stepped attenuator is a larger version (43 steps, enabling very fine volume adjustment) of the one in the P50SA and there is a twin power supply (150va on input and 250va on output). The larger va rating on the output puts this amplifier slightly ahead of...

Joint 3rd = P50SA & M300s / P50SA & S300 / INT400. The M300s have the advantage of a separate power supply for each channel, but the S300 has the separate input and output power supplies. The M300s can be upgraded to M600s, though, whereas the S300 is as far as a single case can go. The INT400 has separate input and output power supplies (150va on input and 250va on output) and an excellent (TKD) volume pot, which is an addictive listen and only gives away a little in ultimate transparency to the stepped attenuator (SA) models.

The INT400 and INT400SA models are priced to enable sales through dealers or to accommodate a generous trade-in allowance against any brand of amplifier. If you're buying direct from us, and you don't need a trade-in on your existing amplifier, send me a PM (personal message) for a price.

Much of the decision is personal choice - one box vs multiple boxes, satin-matt vs gloss, your budget, and where you want to end up - there is no need to start at the top, but you might want to leave a route open to it.

Hope this helps.

[Fellwalker]

food for thought! many thanks!

[Fellwalker]

food for thought! many thanks!

Just to give you a heads up, at this moment we have a bundle deal for P50SA, M600s supplied with SSP interconnects and LS5 speaker cables, for £3,600 (saving £500 against buying the items separately). That offer has to end on 31st July.

[TheRealAleman]

food for thought! many thanks!

Just to give you a heads up, at this moment we have a bundle deal for P50SA, M600s supplied with SSP interconnects and LS5 speaker cables, for £3,600 (saving £500 against buying the items separately). That offer has to end on 31st July.

If I was buying now rather than last year this offer would be snapped up

As it happens I'm thinking about upgrades for when I finally build the Cuboids I can keep the S300 to drive the tweeters, it's a question about how to drive the 10" mid bass isobaric's. I could go with another S300, or a pair of M3/600's.