Everyone loves a deal and have we got the deals for you! But seriously, we look to make our trade in components, demonstration stock and specials from suppliers as good a value propositions as you can get. We’ve just updated our listings with a series of components, so scroll down and see what’s on offer...
NuPrime IDA-16 Integrated Digital Amplifier – Trade in $1400
This is one awesome amplifier; 200 watts per channel of pure NuPrime power in a slimline, full width chassis with multiple digital (and one analogue) inputs. This was NuPrime’s first component and really put them on the map. In the nine years since it’s introduction, NuPrime have build upon the technologies showcased in this amplifier and even now, you have to look at some seriously good and considerably more costly components to do better.
‘The NuPrime amp circuit improves on the class-D amp by using a “self-oscillating circuit to generate pulse width modulation.” The amplifier switches on and off at a frequency of 600kHz, well beyond the 44.1kHz sampling rate of CD. Most class-D amps switch at 300kHz or lower. Completing the ensemble is NuPrime’s proprietary variable frequency Switch-Mode Power Supply (SMPS) technology. For thundering, authoritative bass performance, the IDA-16’s innovative supply and its Cross-Matrix Array (CMA) capacitor bank are capable – upon demand – of delivering extremely high current to the amplifier’s output stages. The result is unprecedented transient speed and an almost shocking level of dynamic impact that renders percussive instruments as though they were suddenly attacking outward from beyond the blackest depths of a phantom stage.‘
This unit is in good condition – as you can see above, it’s the satin black finish with no marks, the original metal bodied remote is included. We no longer have the original packing but are able to safely pack and ship as this is an extremely robust amplifier. The volume display on the left had side is missing some LED pixels but still works effectively. Sound-wise it’s as good as the day it sold; combining accuracy and detail, an extremely low noise floor and rock sold control of any speaker. It remains NuPrime’s most powerful integrated option and is only bettered by a hand full of pre and power combinations.
Read our take on the IDA-16 here.
- NuForce AVP 18 multichannel DAC and preamp
This is a really interesting and highly capable component that combines serious sound quality with surround sound and multiple digital inputs including HDMI. “The NuForce AVP-18 sounds like a preamplifier-processor built by audiophiles for audiophiles… If you think of the AVP-18 as a DAC that just happens to decode the hi-res audio formats found on Blu-rays, then you understand what it is and what it does. The NuForce AVP-18 is a bargain for what it offers: excellent home-theatre performance that would be perfectly at home in a high-performance system.”
The AVP 18 has 5 HDMI inputs including the ARC output, 2 coax, 2 optical and one Bluetooth via USB – outputs are via 8 RCA sockets. There’s manual operation via the front panel and a much more button intensive remote control. We’ve set it up for our own use with Apple TV and our beloved Loewe – it’s just great in terms of sound quality in stereo. We sold a surprising number of these new, it does a great job with up to 7.1 multichannel, limited only by the quality of power amplifier/s you attach to it.
All this can over complicate what you may well end up using the AVP-18 for – it’s a genuinely great sounding DAC for just music and stereo and a very good preamp to boot so you have full volume control.
And if you look at the style and size of the AVP 18 you can draw a straight line to the current NuPrime Evolution flagship models. Really it’s the perfect antidote to the over complicated madness of the modern Audio Video Receiver. If you’re into music videos, this is the one to beat. $700.
- Monitor Audio Sliver 7G 500 speakers demo set – $2995 ($4500 new)
Our review pair of the best of Monitor Audio’s latest 7G (Seventh Generation) Silver series is up for grabs. You can read what we thought about them here . This pair look fantastic in the most popular dark walnut finish and have only ever been run here. Because of the size and weight, freight should be taken into account but for anyone in Te Wai Pounamu this is much less of an issue.
What the 7G 500s bring to the party is more of everything – they go lower and have even better control that their earlier generation. And boy do they dig down. With a specified bass response of 27 Hz you’re getting low frequency performance to rival any subwoofer – and it’s stereo, not mono.
The midrange reveals new vocal and instrumental detail – you’ll simply hear stuff that wasn’t there before. It’s a lively and engaging performance.The redesigned tweeter extends out to 35kHz taking you a good way towards the performance of the folded ribbon tweeters used in the Gold and Platinum ranges but having the advantage of being easier to both drive and match to the midrange. What you might give away in having a dome rather than a ribbon is well compensated for in what I perceive as a more coherent and balanced sound.
Because we’re highlighting this pair of speakers I’ve got in and set them up again and it’s quite the eye opener. The system we’re using has been improved since I did the original write up of the Silver 500s and they are making this obvious in a very good way. The only conclusion I can come to is that there’s nothing even remotely comparable at this special price and any replacement is going to cost us considerably more. It wasn’t that long ago that we thought the big NZ made Image Revelation 2 was an unbeatable speaker at $6000. These are better in every regard. Accordingly this special offer now has an end date – October 31st – at which time we’ll revert to full retail.
- Lumin D2 Network Player trade in $2500.
Lumin are at the top of their game and their streaming components are as good as it gets. We’ve had series of clients recently upgrade their systems with the latest top line models so you get the chance to own a near new Lumin for a fraction of the new price.
The D2 in black that’s just been traded in – and fully updated with the latest firmware (18.0) . While just replaced by the new D3 at NZ$5000, it delivers a captivating performance as the many reviews can attest. This particular unit has done sterling service in a seriously high end system for only 12 months and has been replaced by the X1. Sold as new, with original packing, a 12 month warranty and our highest recommendation.
Want an absolute killer system with the Lumin D2? Look no further than NuPrimes latest and most affordable power amplifier yet – the 100 watt per channels STA-100 at just $1200 – the sound from these two components is nothing short of astonishing and quite seriously, we’ve got cables that cost more.
- Ortofon 2M Black (trade in $400 – new $1299)
The 2M Black MM cartridge has got endless great reviews and the Shibata stylus delivers everything it’s supposed to in terms of detail and accuracy.
We’ve been using this cartridge to demonstrate some of our turntables but my head has been completely turned by the new Dynavector MC cartridge so it’s time for this wee honey to find a new home.
‘The 2M Black produces a less dry, less analytical overall picture, with rounder, more solid images and less dry but more pristine high frequency transients. The Black better floats images on a wider and especially deeper stage.The background singers are far easier to delineate and after you’ve become used to hearing this track on the other cartridges hearing it for the first time via the 2M Black is startling. You’ll hear heretofore buried parts and “see” the singers with an ease most of the other cartridges can’t come close to reproducing.
Dynamics are far superior and better nuanced. You can follow all of the instruments with far greater ease yet there’s no sense of unnatural “hyper-detail”.There’s much more tonal and textural detail and especially macro-dynamic expression to the piano. Plus the Black’s rhythmic drive takes the track to another level of sonic and musical intensity.But the Black’s most salient quality is its utter transparency. It sounds less like a recording and more like “live.” On my system at least, Ms. Taylor sounds more convincing here than through any of the other surveyed cartridges And that’s what it’s all about!‘ Analogue Planet.
- Handcrafted audio rack – $950
Absolutely one of a kind and irreplaceable, this rack was custom built for us some years ago and has been constantly admired with offers made but we were always reluctant to part with it. Made of very old recycled solid heart rimu, with gently curved uprights and carefully rebated joints, it’s as much a work of art as a useful piece of furniture. The shelving is sufficiently wide for any standard audio componentry but it could be used for considerably more interesting things should you wish.
We’ve applied many coats of quality furniture oil over the years we’ve had it and each time it seems to glow just that much more. It’s very stable and strong and quite probably sounds better than many purpose built audio racks. We’ve had a lifelong aversion to cheap racks that look like an oil rig in your living room and it’s only the arrival of a sleek Italian made carbon fibre that has finally provided us with an alternative.
Because of the solid construction it will be possible to ship this anywhere in Aotearoa.
The 4 shelves each have a useable area of 450 x 270mm.
The footprint is 540mm wide x 400 deep and height is 820mm
Anyone who has ever got a piece of custom furniture made will appreciate both the work that has gone into this rack and the value it represents. It will only become greater over time.
- STAX SRS 3100 electrostatic ear speaker system
This is the complete Stax entry level system – the SR L 300 Lambda series electrostatic headphones plus the SRM-252S driver (headphone amp) and all cables included.
So it will work with any system, sounds fantastic and blows any comparably priced speakers of headphones into the weeds. Our page here $1300 – new $1800 save $500 on new price.
- Sound Creations Symphony audio rack – $800
This is one of the nicest looking and best finished racks Sound creations produced. The unit has 3 smoked glass shelves, rimu inserts on the corners of the steel frame and has castors fitted. We can also provide the appropriate spikes if you’d prefer. It’s double length so can take 6 or more full sized components and unlike the picture above also has a cable management channel which also provides extra strength.
This rack is in very good condition having originally been our best show room model and taken home when we moved from home. The construction is fully welded and this is most definitely not a cheap flat pack. Any new alternative that’s even slightly comparable will be considerably more costly these days. Because of the glass shelves, size and weight it’s not really viable to freight by courier so in this case it’s pickup only.
The only reason we’re selling this is the impending arrival of the new ‘Bassocontinuo‘ racking systems from Italy. These are going to be a whole new ballgame so if you want something even more special we’ll have them very soon…
Specials – freight & warranty – Because the specials are all discounted, we do have to charge freight for out-of-town clients. All components will be safely packed in original packaging if available or appropriate boxes. Normal warranty applies on new components.
How To Order – Once you’ve made your decision and are ready to order, we’ll make it easy for you. Either phone us on 0800 909–101 or e-mail and we can get your address and all details confirmed. For payment more and more people prefer to use internet banking – email us to get account details.