HEAD-TO-HEAD ! NVA AP20 LE Vs Dayens Menuetto Custom Amplifier Review

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  • Опубліковано 11 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 163

  • @doifeellucky
    @doifeellucky 7 місяців тому +23

    Great insight as always and this is a great format. Surprisingly you’re one of the very few who always spends a significant amount of time discussing the pros and cons of equipment matching.

    • @CarlVanDoren61
      @CarlVanDoren61 7 місяців тому +2

      Equipment matching 😮
      or power requirements?

    • @doifeellucky
      @doifeellucky 7 місяців тому +2

      @@CarlVanDoren61Anything that will influence overall performance, but individual requirements, such as needing a near field setup, will always be a factor

    • @abritishaudiophile7314
      @abritishaudiophile7314  7 місяців тому +2

      Thank you 👍

    • @Coneman3
      @Coneman3 6 місяців тому +1

      Slick and professional all round.

  • @CraciunAlexandruGh
    @CraciunAlexandruGh 7 місяців тому +7

    As a whole, I believe reviews in which multiple competing products are compared are the best ever. Because many things can sound good nowadays, but you learn a lot more when comparisons are made.

  • @michaelrossmaessler200
    @michaelrossmaessler200 7 місяців тому +4

    The head to head works. Thanks for taking the time to do it, it's helpful.

  • @thepuma2012
    @thepuma2012 7 місяців тому +4

    I think this video is the best I have ever seen, regarding reviewing audio of course. I have learned a lot, when you compared those three amplifiers and their partnering with several speakers as examples. It was very helpfull when you talked about the limits of the amps and the effect on the sound, soundstage. Thank you so much! (hard to describe this in english but i understand it very well, listening)

    • @abritishaudiophile7314
      @abritishaudiophile7314  7 місяців тому +1

      Thank you. It is great to receive feedback like that 😊👍

    • @thepuma2012
      @thepuma2012 7 місяців тому

      @@abritishaudiophile7314 you are welcome.
      Recently, I got the chance to buy a second hand Hegel H80 - you reviewed some Hegel amps and you have one, those reviews got me interested in Hegel - and some others I did not know (like NVA) but this one was in my reach. Very happy with it and a big step forward coming from my audiolab 8000a.

  • @adsph
    @adsph 7 місяців тому +4

    Top of your game here. Concise with no fluff. Options given which is always good. Well done.

  • @JCP-Ghy
    @JCP-Ghy 7 місяців тому +5

    One of your Patreons is absolutely thrilled! 😃😃😃 Thanks Tarun

  • @timbre7999
    @timbre7999 7 місяців тому +2

    Another excellent review and the head to heads are indeed informative, more so because you always mention each component in the right context with regard to preferred types of partnering equipment.

  • @markcarrington8565
    @markcarrington8565 7 місяців тому +4

    Hey Tarun, another great combo. Yep, love the comparisons format. Mixed bag on the component selection in these amps. Huge fan of Toroidy from Poland but not so much the Vishay caps. Or the Mundorf M-Lytics come to that. I think there is generally an issue with supply of electrolytic caps at the moment. I’d go DNM or Elna for smoothing caps. Maybe Nichicon KG.
    As for what I look for, well it has to be current delivery. I would say that for my main system, given my amp, but as you know I’ve been putting together a student vinyl based system and I’ve ended up with a NAD 3225PE. Rated at 25 watts per channel, this little amp is a power house! Easily driving the MA Bronze BX1s to 75db at 10 o’clock on the dial. NAD has always had the feeling of “British Watts” if you get my drift.

  • @patrickgeorge141
    @patrickgeorge141 7 місяців тому +2

    I as other have said like the head to head reviews for a couple of reasons. Most likely we may have heard or know of one of the products and or know of similar products to have an idea of how to compare. Then when you use new to some equipment it shows that one does not need to go with the mainstream brands. Good review and technical insight. I have older and new equipment and like things off the beaten path myself. SPL Elector preamp, RME ADI-2 PRO FS R BE as the dac, fed into a SPL Crossover and then off to the amps and subwoofers. Take care and always a nicely done format.

  • @NosTubes58
    @NosTubes58 7 місяців тому +2

    Wonderful review as always | of which all of them have given me a new outlook on what’s out there.
    Thanks.

  • @temp7774
    @temp7774 7 місяців тому +3

    Great format. Keep doing it! 👍

  • @BobbyBass-x6i
    @BobbyBass-x6i 7 місяців тому +2

    Thanks for the video. To answer your question, more head-to-head videos with comparisons of similarly priced components. For example, Cambridge and Rotel integrated amps and separate preamps and amps. Cheers!

  • @bryanherr1093
    @bryanherr1093 7 місяців тому +1

    Terrific review as always Tarun. The comparison videos are really enjoyable and informative. Thanks!

  • @peterlynn3190
    @peterlynn3190 7 місяців тому +1

    Your reviews are clarifying dynamic insightful with a high level of detailing only you bring.
    Thank you.

  • @rsfleen7045
    @rsfleen7045 7 місяців тому +1

    I prefer the comparison over accolades in a vacuum. The comparison format provides a valuable frame of reference. As for amplification, I purchased a pair of speakers, at your recommendation, which are relatively hard to drive. I'm delighted with the results. However, there are often tracks or a time (usually when the missus is at work) when rattling the windows and annoying the neighbors is in order. Both clarity without coloration as well as the potential for volume are important. Many amplifiers sound great at low volumes but struggle at max db. Some of us at least on brief moments, want to temp fate when it comes to deafness.
    Tarun, great channel - perhaps the best in the audiophile category.

  • @jimb9951
    @jimb9951 7 місяців тому +1

    Great review Tarun. I just purchased the exposure 2510 used for the price of these amps and very happy. I'm pairing with Klipsch RP600M for now, thinking I will upgrade speaker too but so far just pleasantly surprised at how much extra performance they are giving with quality amplification.

  • @007soedal
    @007soedal 7 місяців тому +1

    Just love this channel. Where else can we get reviews of products like NVA? What I like best about this channel is that you often review products with a history/personality. Something that we can be proud to have in our systems, like I am off my MF A1.
    Two tips for reviews in the future:
    Quad 33/303 have come in a new version. Very interesting!
    The Elipsion 402 tribute that was shown in Munich high end sounded fantastic an is a really interesting product.
    I would recommend that you keep your eye on these two products.

    • @abritishaudiophile7314
      @abritishaudiophile7314  7 місяців тому +1

      Thank you. I take quite a bit of time selecting products for review. They either tend to be things that I think are an interesting design or have a chance of sonically performing better than the norm. I appreciated the suggestions too 😊

  • @johntucker5994
    @johntucker5994 7 місяців тому +4

    As always, very good review. I am in favor of head-to-head reviews, but more importantly, reviews that include comparisons to like components (and as many as is possible). Your channel has always been very good about doing those comparisons. Other channels and even printed reviews often shy away from comparisons, which makes those reviews more limited in value for the consumer. It is only by comparison/contrast, including consideration of price, that the average consumer benefits. In a vacuum, reviews become another data point but also less useful for the consumer.

  • @manny2230
    @manny2230 7 місяців тому +2

    Most of the reviewers,except you and maybe someone else that I don’t know about,doing the reviews to products that are well known. And those products usually are expensive because they well known. Great job Tarum. Keep digging those unknown hifi gears for us.

  • @Alan_Mac
    @Alan_Mac 7 місяців тому +1

    Like the format a lot. This was a terrific vid.

  • @markdemariassy8685
    @markdemariassy8685 7 місяців тому +1

    Really interesting video. I think head to heads are always valuable because it's easier to qualify something when you have a reference point. For me I have to say that both amps are put out of contention due to their power limitations. In this landscape where harder to drive speakers are the norm and high sensitivity is not, it makes more sense to sacrifice a bit on quality of components for increase in power, because without power you are less likely to be able to hear what the amp can do...

  • @adrianconti5718
    @adrianconti5718 7 місяців тому +1

    I think the format works well, it’s great to compare Amps in the same class!
    I a big fan of amps with no bells and whistles, having separate DAC and phono stage allows me to custom the sound to my preferences!

  • @elthamlad468
    @elthamlad468 7 місяців тому

    My favorite type of reviews are direct comparisons. Without them it's very difficult for someone who is in the market, or just curious, to know where a product stands against it's competition, especially if you are unable to trial or hear them in shops. I hope moving forward you do many more direct comparison reviews on a range of products in various price catergories, and even maybe some reviews putting very well regarded cheaper products up against much more expensive fare. It's a bit of fun and maybe the results might surprise a few people. Keep up the good work, love the channel and reviews 👍

    • @abritishaudiophile7314
      @abritishaudiophile7314  7 місяців тому

      Thank you. Much appreciated. All my reviews are comparison based but I will try to do more head-to-head and group test reviews when I can 😊

  • @brown-eyedman4040
    @brown-eyedman4040 7 місяців тому +2

    Good stuff as always Tarun. And while I enjoy the occasional head-to-head comparison review, I prefer your standard format. Which already includes comparisons. (And to my mind, reviews without comparisons are merely adverts.)
    What I want in an amplifier is just amplification. Please leave out DACs, fancy displays, etc.
    And now I mount my soapbox! Looking back to earlier days of home hifi, 30 wpc was considered a powerful amp, capable of driving the more efficient speakers of the time to satisfying levels. So, it seems that while amplifier power has become higher, speaker efficiency has plummeted.

    • @abritishaudiophile7314
      @abritishaudiophile7314  7 місяців тому

      Thank you Gerald. Rest assured, there will be standard format reviews too 👍

  • @stevehollingbery9744
    @stevehollingbery9744 7 місяців тому +1

    Another great video, nice coherent and relaxed but informative presentation. Cheers Chap😊

  • @budgetaudiophilelife-long5461
    @budgetaudiophilelife-long5461 7 місяців тому +3

    🤗 THANKS TARUN ,FOR DOING YOUR BEST TO HELP THE AUDIOPHILE COMMUNITY 🤗💚💚💚

  • @Ricky-cl5bu
    @Ricky-cl5bu 7 місяців тому +2

    The exposure 2510 is a great amplifier, hard to beat , great review

  • @TriAmpMyFi
    @TriAmpMyFi 7 місяців тому +1

    Thanks for shining a light on this intriguing equipment.

  • @Firebottleman
    @Firebottleman 7 місяців тому

    Really like the VS format Tarun. Keep up the good work, and thanks for the video. Cheers!

  • @gnostalgick9353
    @gnostalgick9353 7 місяців тому +1

    I actually had older Monitor Audio Silvers and an unupgraded Dayens amp some years ago. Not a bad combo for the price, but I prefer things to be a bit more lush overall.
    Really appreciate comparison videos. The more points of reference the better (especially when it's not just some distant memory of gear).

  • @hirdeshirde
    @hirdeshirde 7 місяців тому +2

    That was silky smooth review.❤

  • @MichaelIrons-d5v
    @MichaelIrons-d5v 7 місяців тому +3

    more of this please sir loved the vid m.

  • @OgamJan
    @OgamJan 7 місяців тому +1

    Thumbs up for the head to head. I do often wonder how a Rega amplifier like the Elex mk4 would measure up to your reference amps.

  • @calaf_725
    @calaf_725 7 місяців тому +1

    Thank you for yet another stellar review!

  • @geoffreydebrito7934
    @geoffreydebrito7934 7 місяців тому +1

    I for one welcome these comparison reviews. I too greatly value the NVA's purity but for me a remote control is essential. Matching it with a high sensitivity speaker is IMO also essential and while the Pearl Acoustics single driver design would be ideal, the price differential makes it problematic. The UK's Electric Beach Audio speaker designs would be a great match for the NVA integrated both in fidelity and closer in price. Canada's Paradigm Founder 40b bookshelves and Reference 3a bookshelves also come to mind. In future, I hope you can do a review of speakers from France's Jean Marie Reynaud line and in amplification, a Lavardin amplifier and the UK's LFD amplifier. Thanks again for what you do.

  • @attrktmarketing4582
    @attrktmarketing4582 7 місяців тому +1

    I like your new head to head formula

  • @MooksyNZ
    @MooksyNZ 7 місяців тому +1

    I liked the sound of the exposure 3510! With the Kef Q950 they make that entry speaker amidittedly sound like their R series counterpart at 80db. Incredible components and muscle hidden in that fairly slim box. Played 'Did somebody make a fool out of you' by Lady Blackbird and nearly fell off my chair. You do need that power reserve I have to agree.😮

  • @fletchermunson6225
    @fletchermunson6225 7 місяців тому +3

    Love comparisons. Fortunately my days of hair shirt audio are past. If I'm going to do battle with my spouse over an orange amp, at lest give me a remote control.

    • @abritishaudiophile7314
      @abritishaudiophile7314  7 місяців тому

      Understood. Thanks Jim 👍

    • @fletchermunson6225
      @fletchermunson6225 7 місяців тому

      @@abritishaudiophile7314 It is nice to take a break from black. My Muishare amp transformers and deck were painted deep metallic blue that was amazing. Like you might see on a Porsche.

  • @clarencehoover6748
    @clarencehoover6748 7 місяців тому +3

    How is the circuitry inside the NVA accessible for service? Does the bonded poly enclosure render this a disposable amp in event of component failure?

    • @paultasker7788
      @paultasker7788 7 місяців тому +2

      That was my first thought too when you said you couldn't open it.

    • @tonyfuller3010
      @tonyfuller3010 7 місяців тому +2

      Nva can open the case without damaging it.

    • @abritishaudiophile7314
      @abritishaudiophile7314  7 місяців тому +2

      It would go back to NVA to open the case 😊

  • @romaingranier8914
    @romaingranier8914 7 місяців тому +1

    Happy that you reviewed these not so known amp 🙂. Hope One day you'll have a look at Crayon Audio amp (CIA-1 or CIA-1t by exemple). Very, very surprinsing amps 😉

  • @OldGuyHifi
    @OldGuyHifi 7 місяців тому +1

    Cambridge CXA-81 Mk II? Not small but good sounding. Good topic and video. Thx.

  • @henriksrensen3220
    @henriksrensen3220 7 місяців тому +1

    It makes good sense to buy an integrated amplifier. I have the Gryphon Diablo 120,; and i don't think i can get better sound in seperates at that price point.
    I have tried a handful of some of the best pre/power combinations up to 14000 Euro and i still prefer the Gryphon Diablo 120

  • @stephencosta6814
    @stephencosta6814 7 місяців тому +2

    As always, you tell it like it really is my favorite audio reviewer and let's not forget how handsome you are also❤

  • @jeremiahchamberlin4499
    @jeremiahchamberlin4499 6 місяців тому

    Interesting review, and I was able to follow the discussion fairly well, but I would appreciate a matrix summary with boxes on the screen:
    1. speaker1 + amp1 + = amp1
    2. speaker2 + amp2 = amp 2
    3. Tie breaker: Fill in the blank
    In sum: While I know your review followed a logical pattern, and I followed your review; it would help me to see the logic and you conclusions graphically represented. But I admit to not paying the closest attention, being distracted by a big steak dinner and a glass of wine at the time.

    • @abritishaudiophile7314
      @abritishaudiophile7314  6 місяців тому

      Thx. There was no clear winner in this head to head. Both amps have their relative advantages and disadvantages 😊

  • @juryservice1
    @juryservice1 7 місяців тому +1

    👍 for this format.

  • @michaelbooth6007
    @michaelbooth6007 7 місяців тому +1

    I am using a pair of Adam Audio T8V's with an Audiolab 9000CDT and a Goldpoint XLR passive pre at the moment. Surprising sound quality! Like the approach with the NVA product and as you say should be great with the right speakers. Maybe some from Audio Note?

    • @abritishaudiophile7314
      @abritishaudiophile7314  7 місяців тому

      That s a good suggestion 😊

    • @paultasker7788
      @paultasker7788 7 місяців тому +1

      I've got the Adam audio t5v paired with the t10s sub. Adam audio T monitors are surprisingly good to listen to compared to most studio monitors are a little bit more forgiving and musical. Maybe not quite flat curve so worse for recording but better for hifi listening. For 250 for the monitors and 300 for the sub I'm impressed at the quality. You get very good clarity. They only fall down in tonality and refinement a little. Individual class D amps in each one and a balanced connection to my DAC which is only a Ifi Zen Dac 2. Easily had my money's worth out of this setup. The 1 grand acoustic energy award winning active speaker is probably the next upgrade. But in no hurry.

  • @Nigel-bf8jw
    @Nigel-bf8jw 7 місяців тому +1

    Please take a look at the Fezz Audio Torus 5060 at some point if possible?

  • @lonniefarmer7067
    @lonniefarmer7067 7 місяців тому

    Thanks! Got on the computer finally so the algos can get a tickle. I am viewing on a 77" screen and got the whole thing on 7.2.4. lol

  • @jimfarrell4635
    @jimfarrell4635 7 місяців тому +1

    I enjoyed this one. The little NVA would likely do well with some high sensitivity floorstanders. The colours aren't for me, but it's good to see a British brand breaking away from drab tradition.
    To be honest, if you want a truly versatile amp with a small footprint I would go with a Purifi Class D design.

  • @DavidGraeberWasRight
    @DavidGraeberWasRight 7 місяців тому +1

    Yass!! more head to heads pls!

  • @dougg1075
    @dougg1075 7 місяців тому +1

    That Dayens would look good murdered out with some black knobs black everything

  • @TimMihalko
    @TimMihalko 7 місяців тому

    Hello Tarun, have you ever tested a integrated amp line called LFD?
    They are a limited production line of amps built in the UK.

  • @johncallaghan3097
    @johncallaghan3097 7 місяців тому

    As regards amps (or power amps at least). I'd like to see a comparison between a Nord acoustics value line class D NC122 or NC252 and a class D AZ XTZ edge A2-300, just to see how good (or otherwise) inexpensive (c. £400) class D amps are becoming.
    But even more than that, I'd love to see you compare/contrast an open baffle speaker with a box speaker in a similar sort of price class.😊

  • @chuckmaddison2924
    @chuckmaddison2924 7 місяців тому

    Nice but I'm not keen on wire wound resistors in audio sections as inductive. With a capacitor, it becomes an LC filter. But apart from that niggle all good.

  • @michaeldina1103
    @michaeldina1103 6 місяців тому

    I am curious about what music you use to test the equipment.

  • @carlitomelon4610
    @carlitomelon4610 7 місяців тому +1

    Echoes of DNM Vs Acoustic invader?
    (I was expecting to see DNM split foil çaps in the NVA;-)
    Since you asked Tarun, my amp needs are muscular Musical Fidelity and Bryston due to the power hungry KEF LS50 & Magnepan LRS systems I use.
    I need workhorse amps, but finesse them withthe ineffable magic of Preamp tubes.
    🎵🎶🤫🎶🎵

  • @classicrock7890
    @classicrock7890 7 місяців тому

    Just to point out NVA amps perform best into 8 ohm speakers which seem to be getting rarer these days. Having owned the similar S80 can be a bit gutless at decent volume in larger spaces. Went loud enough with 86db 8 ohm speakers in a small space.

  • @williamrose7434
    @williamrose7434 7 місяців тому +1

    Rest assured I’m always there
    glad for seeing your lovely face and articulate insights
    although I may not pass comment the world’s a better place for you in it

  • @mohammedalomari1998
    @mohammedalomari1998 7 місяців тому +1

    Tarun
    The best.
    Kind regards and best wishes

  • @metatron007
    @metatron007 7 місяців тому +1

    That "Home remote control" is a real
    beauty, its gorgeous a total stunner.
    It has got to be the most horrific piece
    of sh*t you have ever had on the channel.

  • @palmal3542
    @palmal3542 7 місяців тому

    Are you saying that the amplifiers alter the original sound? When you say clarity,depth/dynamics/precision etc...do you mean the amps are significantly colouring or changing the phase of the sound?

  • @rainiergruber9022
    @rainiergruber9022 7 місяців тому +1

    Both look interesting, but a glued case is a non-starter for me

  • @sonusancti
    @sonusancti 2 місяці тому

    Here's the conundrum Tarun. Dartzeel, FM Acoustics, Pass Labs, Sugden, Krell, Levinson, etc. these have clones available for even less.
    Many have been reviewed and none of them were disappointed. Personally, clones are the most fun playground for tweakers like me.

  • @net_news
    @net_news 7 місяців тому

    loved the NVA but no remote control? o_O

  • @justasimplefox
    @justasimplefox 7 місяців тому +1

    I like the design but a shame they make the Menuetto not a little more powerful 😊

  • @greenbeginner3353
    @greenbeginner3353 7 місяців тому

    So, the NVA cannot be opened for repair if need be?

  • @mrpmj00
    @mrpmj00 5 місяців тому +1

    It's 2024, and I'm shocked at how many amps don't have at least a trigger input, much less a gain adjustment.
    My requirements (

  • @CarlVanDoren61
    @CarlVanDoren61 7 місяців тому +1

    Do not use Litz, Goertz
    or woven cables, NVA

  • @maxadams1298
    @maxadams1298 7 місяців тому

    I spy plenty of Stack Audio isolators - review coming?

    • @abritishaudiophile7314
      @abritishaudiophile7314  7 місяців тому +2

      Well spotted. No review as they are a channel sponsor. I have chosen sponsors who’s products I like and use. Unfortunately , that means that I have retired those categories from review as that would be a direct conflict of interest 😊

  • @MisterJDee
    @MisterJDee 7 місяців тому +2

    I want an amp to sound big and muscular at low listening volumes.

    • @abritishaudiophile7314
      @abritishaudiophile7314  7 місяців тому

      Thx for sharing 😊

    • @thepuma2012
      @thepuma2012 7 місяців тому

      And do you have such an amp?

    • @MisterJDee
      @MisterJDee 7 місяців тому

      @@thepuma2012 nope…. I’m looking for one now!

    • @thepuma2012
      @thepuma2012 7 місяців тому

      @@MisterJDee take a look at Hegel.... I recently bought an H80 second hand, and I find myself listening at lower volumes most of the times now.

  • @simonpaulhardy4392
    @simonpaulhardy4392 7 місяців тому

    class AB? class D?

  • @IndySnowman
    @IndySnowman 7 місяців тому +1

    I’m not buying a piece of gear I’m not allowed to open up.

  • @orenm1454
    @orenm1454 7 місяців тому +1

    First

  • @reserva120
    @reserva120 7 місяців тому

    British doing a little more work - what you’re becoming American!!:):).. ( de if the guy who built my Jag XJ sunroof coul

    • @abritishaudiophile7314
      @abritishaudiophile7314  7 місяців тому

      Very funny. Have you seen the average working hours in the U.K. 😂

    • @reserva120
      @reserva120 7 місяців тому +1

      @@abritishaudiophile7314 because everything is broken :):) .. My tube amp takes a beating with My cigars - looking at Vista spark / Dayens as a working man second set up , triangle speakers entry level - “ Thoughts on the Dayens with Their own ( somewhat pricy Bookshelf’s speakers).. just for fun ! Cheers Allan

  • @videobimcom
    @videobimcom 7 місяців тому +3

    NVA what a color? 😆 Are they joking?