Musical Fidelity has added new all-analog hi-fi parts to its premium Nu-Vista range. The new line is designed to fulfill the British audio brand’s original goal of delivering “real-life dynamic reproduction of music” and, when the individual parts are combined, also promises to deliver “performance that sounds like a dream” .
High claims indeed, but these are high-end parts with price tags to match. The new range consists of the Nu-Vista PRE pre-amplifier, the Nu-Vista PAS stereo power amplifier and the Nu-Vista PAM monobloc amplifier.
The all-analog amps are designed from the ground up, with Nuvistor tubes, fully balanced discrete circuitry, and extensive connectivity. In addition, all products come with their own matching, separate power supply units to further optimize performance and reduce noise.
The Nu-Vista PRE and PAS are both Class A designs using fully discrete balanced circuitry for the first time, with eight (four per channel) 6S51N Nuvistor valves in the buffer stage. The PRE also has a pair of mini power amps (rated at around 50W) operating in Class A, which claim to deliver strong drive and dynamic range, as well as helping to reduce noise and distortion levels.
The PRE’s volume control features a precisely tuned stepped attenuator, keeping the stereo image detailed and accurate no matter how low or high the volume you’re listening to. The preamplifier has a total of 12 inputs: six line level RCA and six fully balanced XLR connections. RCA and XLR outputs also each come in fixed and variable options. In addition, the PRE has a +6dB gain boost knob to help with system matching – it also smartly remembers which input needs this function.
The Nu-Vista PAS power amplifier features a powerful (300W into 8 ohms), low distortion output stage and five thermally compensated output devices per channel for more stable operation. It is further inspired by Musical Fidelity’s iconic Titan amp by having separate capacitors for the bulk supply – one for each of the output devices. The brand claims this reduces output impedance, improving dynamics.
The power amplifier has two RCA line level inputs, two balanced XLR inputs and some fixed RCA and XLR outputs.
All products are supplied with an outboard motor (PRE PSU and PAS PSU/PAM PSU) in a matching chassis. This keeps the AC mains power away from the main amplifier unit, removing interference from the main unit circuits. It’s worth noting that the PSU units are similar in size and weight to the main pre and power units (a hefty 25kg for the PRE and an even heavier 40kg for the PAS and PAM), so make sure you allow enough space and support is for each unit before you take the plunge.
And finally, the PAM monoblock effectively separates the PAS power amp into two modules for those who want better channel separation. The PAM has a modified internal design to accommodate the extra space, featuring a bridged output amplifier stage with two pairs of high-performance, thermally compensated output devices. The result? More power (600 W into 8 ohms), improved imaging, and more power to drive speakers, says Musical Fidelity.
In addition, the Nu-Vista range is claimed to have a build quality to match its five-figure price tags. Available in black or silver, the aluminum chassis also features dimmable VU meters on the front panel.
The new Nu-Vista series will ship “early 2023” and will only be available through “selected” retailers around the world.
The Nu-Vista PRE pre-amplifier costs £20,499 (€22,000), the Nu-Vista PAS stereo power amplifier costs £21,999 (€24,000) and the Nu-Vista PAM monoblock amplifier costs £20,499 (€22,000). ) each.
More models will join the Nu-Vista range over the course of 2023 and 2024, so keep your eyes peeled.
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