Couldn't agree more... I found the nuhybrid to be extremelly transparent, to put an analogy with graphics, I find it kind of "unsharp mask" the sound, enhancing it, keeping details but enhancing "contrast", while remaining
incredibly transparent.
It
really reflects the the source quality, and makes it more lush and enjoyable.
It doesn't make the sound "slow", or compress/shift the dynamics like other tube amps, truly all-terrain and enjoyable with all kinds of music, be it Rock, EDM, metal or Vocal/Jazz.
Sounded beautifully straight out of the macbook line out, but what incredible change after switching to a DDDAC mkII! need more listening hours though.
Have A/B'd it vs a Loxjie P20, both from same DAC source (Audirvana-> HiFimeDIY Sabre USB DAC 2 (ES9023) SPDIF -> Stock Ultramatch Pro in Upsampling mode, feeding SE to NuHybrid and Balanced to the Loxjie P20, HD6XX used in both cases.
Main difference is in soundstage presentation, the NuHybrid being more "in your head" and "perpendicular to your ears", while the Loxjie P20 (what an amp too!) creates a wider, more centered and slightly laid back soundstage.
I know I'm comparing apples to oranges, the point is I'm curious how a Balanced Amp Nutube implementation will sound,
@pmillett: have you by chance tested it? Really curious about a I/V Nutube DAC too...
As main critical component affecting the sound on the NuHybrid is the volume pot, thought about using a similar implementation as the Loxjie (NJW1195) will be of great benefit for the NuHybrid....
Using Switched PSUs in both. I've tested linear PSUs and found I actually prefer (quality) switched ones, kind of more "energetic" or livelier sound presentation.