Musical Fidelity NuVista 800

**Mike** · November 21, 2014, 11:03 AM

I wanted to move my observations to a separate thread:

Once in a while a product comes along that is a complete game changer. A product that makes you rethink certain fundamental beliefs like you can't get tubey goodness without heat or you can't get sound from an integrated to equal top separates. Well, the NuVista 800 is that game changer.

David Baskin from Design Audio in Texas loaned me his Musical Fidelity NuVista 800 integrated. I've been listening nonstop on the Dali Epicon 8's and I cannot believe how the NuVista has transformed an already great speaker to new heights. It's truly hard to believe what I'm hearing.

The first thing I noticed was that despite all the tube goodness, this integrated runs from cold to luke warm! Second, because its a hybrid, you have SS bass control with tube mids and top end. The 300 watts a channel means the NuVista can drive virtually any speaker on the planet.

At soft volumes, the NuVista 800 shines. Step on the gas and the NuVista is up to the task without missing a beat.

The NuVista 800 has a slightly soft sound which is incredibly musical.

Although I haven't made a final decision, but at this point in time, David won't be getting this back. The NuVista 800 is a game changer and has proven itself to be an integrated amp worthy of "champion" status.

Downsides? Well, only one XLR input. That might be a downside for some. But that's one negative I'm willing to overlook when considering how incredible it sounds.

I had someone comment that the volume steps seemed a bit odd with the NuVista meaning you are turning it to about "60" out of (120) on the volume control before you reach a normal listening level. I spoke with the head of engineering today at Musical Fidelity and he explained that the steps are in equal db increments.

We talked about the design of the 800 and he explained that when the 800 was the first product in company history that they laid out the design, assembled the product and the what they built is now the finished product. He said that NEVER happens in manufacturing (i.e. no revisions to the original design).

We talked about the reliability of the NuVistor tubes and he said "well well north of 50,000 hours". The NuVistor tubes are NOT user accessible and it is not recommended that users attempt to change the tubes on their own. So yes, after 50,000 hours (20 years or so), you may just have to send the amp in for a tube replacement....or not and just keep listening for another 100,000 hours or so! Either way, he explained the NuVistor tubes are very reliable.

Musical Fidelity is currently working on a CD player and a Phonostage which will be built around the NuVistor tubes. The CD player will NOT support SACD despite my strong encouragement to the contrary. There are no current plans to build separate amps around the NuVistor tubes.

The Musical Fidelity rep explained how the 800 is receiving tremendous praise from around the globe. He discussed a recent review in a French magazine, as well as the recent review of the 800 in HiFi News (available on your iPad for download).

From a business standpoint, the first two production runs (400 each) of the NuVista 800 is completely sold out. So, I guess you could say they have sold 800, 800's!

If you are looking for an integrated (or even separates) that gives you all the magic of tubes, with solid state bass control in a single box that runs luke warm
at best and is also gorgeous with superb build quality and a price that won't break the bank - give the Musical Fidelity NuVista 800 a listen. Its a winner - a game changer - in my books.

**KeithR** · November 21, 2014, 12:40 PM

but will it pass the 60-day test

sounds like fun. when you talked to MF, did they mention if it uses negative feedback? i love integrateds- it would be great to pit the MF against my Dart.

**Bobolaclune** · November 21, 2014, 01:17 PM

Great review Mike , exciting product - please keep us in the loop as your thinking & experience develops.....

Shodhan

**veindoc** · November 21, 2014, 03:10 PM

does it come with a remote Mike?
Just curious. One or two sets of balanced inputs?

Nick

**bzr** · November 21, 2014, 03:10 PM

I think we need a shoot-out between Hegel & MF integrated

**Mike** · November 21, 2014, 03:11 PM

Originally Posted by veindoc

does it come with a remote Mike?
Just curious. One or two sets of balanced inputs?

Nick

One set of balanced inputs. A nice remote!

**audio.bill** · November 21, 2014, 03:31 PM

Originally Posted by bzr

I think we need a shoot-out between Hegel & MF integrated

I think I saw Mike's Hegel H30 already posted for sale on Audiogon along with the Luxman separates, so I think he already declared a winner in that shootout! Enjoy the tunes on your new setup, Mike!

**Mike** · November 21, 2014, 03:32 PM

Originally Posted by audio.bill

I think I saw Mike's Hegel H30 already posted for sale on Audiogon along with the Luxman separates, so I think he already declared a winner in that shootout! Enjoy the tunes on your new setup, Mike!

**KeithR** · November 21, 2014, 06:56 PM

Originally Posted by audio.bill

I think I saw Mike's Hegel H30 already posted for sale on Audiogon along with the Luxman separates, so I think he already declared a winner in that shootout! Enjoy the tunes on your new setup, Mike!

nuvistor tubes appear to be the difference!

**Bo1972** · November 21, 2014, 07:15 PM

These tubes come from the military. Which where used in the late '50s.

**mep** · November 21, 2014, 09:16 PM

Originally Posted by Bo1972

These tubes come from the military. Which where used in the late '50s.

Ampex used them in their MR-70 tape preamps.

**MDP** · November 22, 2014, 08:58 AM

As Mike said, the Nu Vista is an impressive bit of gear. What's interesting about it's sound character is that it sounds different than most electronics. I'm sure the hybrid design has something to do with that.

**wizard** · November 23, 2014, 01:35 AM

Hifi News review here

**Bo1972** · November 23, 2014, 08:01 AM

Ken Kessler bought the Nu-Vista 300 power when it came out. MF said in 1999 that there were only a spare set for Nu-vista owners. But I think they were not that honest.

There were more Nu-vistors than they said. They made it more exclusive than it was. I remember that when MF came with another 'exclusive' amp people were not that convinced anymore.

But that doens't matter. I think this one is the best looking amp they ever made. And it could be even the best sounding one as well!!

**cmalak** · November 23, 2014, 11:52 AM

The art of proper equipment reviews is fast disappearing. We get a page and a half of technical description which is copied straight out of MF marketing material and less than a page of sonic description with the following two observations:
1) solid bass
2) three dimensional

Really? That's it KK? That's all you're going to tell me about how this piece of gear sounds. What about the rest of the frequency range, timbal accuracy, dynamics, resolution, etc...did you connect with the music emotionally? Apart from the passing commentRy that it's bass did not shame itself compared to your D'Agostino stereo amp how about some more comparisons with that widely known benchmark?

Shockingly lazy and uninformative writing and reviewing! My comments have nothing to do with the Nuvista 800 amp just how poor if a job KK did with trying to describe it's strengths and weaknesses.

**mep** · November 23, 2014, 11:58 AM

Originally Posted by cmalak

The art of proper equipment reviews is fast disappearing. We get a page and a half of technical description which is copied straight out of MF marketing material and less than a page of sonic description with the following two observations:
1) solid bass
2) three dimensional

Really? That's it KK? That's all you're going to tell me about how this piece of gear sounds. What about the rest of the frequency range, timbal accuracy, dynamics, resolution, etc...did you connect with the music emotionally? Apart from the passing commentRy that it's bass did not shame itself compared to your D'Agostino stereo amp how about some more comparisons with that widely known benchmark?

Shockingly lazy and uninformative writing and reviewing! My comments have nothing to do with the Nuvista 800 amp just how poor if a job KK did with trying to describe it's strengths and weaknesses.

Maybe it was a rush job to scoop the competition?

**Mike** · November 23, 2014, 11:59 AM

Cyril - it's such a hard piece to describe. It sounds like nothing else I've owned. It has black black backgrounds, it sounds more like music and less like amplifier. That's the best way I can describe it. Vocals are so pure and beautiful that you will get goosebumps. If you want to crank some Zeppelin - it rocks right along with you.

If it had Vitus on the front and cost $50,000, every audiophile on the planet would be clamoring for one.

I sent my payment yesterday. I love it!

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**cmalak** · November 23, 2014, 12:55 PM

Mike...in your 1 paragraph you said more than KK did in 3 pages

thx for sharing your thoughts.

**Mike** · November 23, 2014, 01:22 PM

Thanks Cyril. I'll try to get down some more thoughts as time goes on.

Hopefully some other members will get to hear it and chime in.

I think Peter heard it and may have some comments.

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**MDP** · November 23, 2014, 06:14 PM

I'll have it again sometime next month, and I will share my impressions again.

It truly is the best integrated I've ever heard.

**nicoludio** · January 12, 2015, 03:05 PM

Mike and Mark, I was wondering if you have any further thoughts to share on the NuVista 800? Cheers.

**Mike** · January 12, 2015, 03:14 PM

Originally Posted by nfnc

Mike and Mark, I was wondering if you have any further thoughts to share on the NuVista 800? Cheers.

Nicholas - I just sent you a PM. Yes, I do think the NuVista 800 would be excellent with Magico S3's. But if you go with those Avantgarde Acoustics Uno Fino's (104db), I would certainly be looking for a sweet sounding SET tube amp - 2A3, 45 or 300b.

Mike

**MDP** · January 12, 2015, 05:51 PM

I agree with Mike. The Nu Vista would be great on the Magicos,if that's the speaker your sticking with.

**nicoludio** · January 13, 2015, 12:39 PM

Thanks, Mike and Mark. Looks like the NuVista is really something. Local dealer is sold out till February and its going to be hard to listen to it anytime soon.

**MDP** · January 13, 2015, 01:29 PM

You may want to contact David Baskin @ Design Audio Video, he may still have one in stock.

**nicoludio** · January 13, 2015, 01:52 PM

Would love to but I live in the Far East.

**CDLehner** · January 15, 2015, 05:31 PM

With...drawn

**Mike** · January 15, 2015, 05:44 PM

I'm selling mine if anyone is interested. I'm selling for no other reason than I want to try some different things. Thinking Harbeth 40.1's and ARC, Dart, etc.

If anyone is interested in the Dali's or NuVista, PM me.

**nicoludio** · January 16, 2015, 12:23 AM

Originally Posted by CDLehner

With...drawn

Originally Posted by Mike

I'm selling mine if anyone is interested. I'm selling for no other reason than I want to try some different things. Thinking Harbeth 40.1's and ARC, Dart, etc.

If anyone is interested in the Dali's or NuVista, PM me.

At this rate, you would probably (if not already) have owned, lived with and listened to more goodies than most reviewers. Possibly even to have your own TV series, Chronicles in Audioland

**Mike** · January 16, 2015, 12:43 AM

Originally Posted by nfnc

At this rate, you would probably (if not already) have owned, lived and listened with more goodies that most reviewers. Possibly even to have your own TV series, Chronicles in Audioland

That's right!

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**knghifi** · January 16, 2015, 01:01 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

I'm selling mine if anyone is interested. I'm selling for no other reason than I want to try some different things. Thinking Harbeth 40.1's and ARC, Dart, etc.

If anyone is interested in the Dali's or NuVista, PM me.

I lost the bet.

Damn! What took you so long? LOL!!!

**Mike** · January 16, 2015, 01:04 AM

Originally Posted by knghifi

I lost the bet.

Damn! What took you so long? LOL!!!

LOL. Christmas, holidays, you know, that sort of thing. Hey, it's a great piece, did nothing wrong....I just want to try some different things. Since my main system is sounding so damn good, I can't do much there. The second system will allow me to scratch that itch.

**wikeeboy** · February 6, 2015, 08:09 AM

Would love to hear the Nuvista 800 up against the new Pass Labs integrated's, either the Int-250 or Int-60. Same sort of money. Would be a super shootout!

**4N6** · November 18, 2016, 10:19 AM

Resurrecting an older thread. I have been considering this integrated and wanted to see if there is any new experience with this piece since the last post. Looks like a beauty of an integrated.

**Mike** · November 18, 2016, 10:40 AM

Originally Posted by 4N6

Resurrecting an older thread. I have been considering this integrated and wanted to see if there is any new experience with this piece since the last post. Looks like a beauty of an integrated.

It's a nice piece, but despite hundreds of hours of break in, I couldn't get rid of it's excessive sibilance. Hopefully others can weigh in. Maybe it was just my unit?

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**4N6** · November 18, 2016, 11:28 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

It's a nice piece, but despite hundreds of hours of break in, I couldn't get rid of it's excessive sibilance. Hopefully others can weigh in. Maybe it was just my unit?

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Mike,

That is what I was afraid of. I have owned a number of MF products in the past and exaggerated sibilance seems to be common. It doesn't help when that sonic signature is what I loath the most. Too bad, as the build quality seems to be excellent.

Now, if the Luxman L-590AX II only had a little more power...

**Mike** · November 18, 2016, 11:32 AM

Originally Posted by 4N6

Mike,

That is what I was afraid of. I have owned a number of MF products in the past and exaggerated sibilance seems to be common. It doesn't help when that sonic signature is what I loath the most. Too bad, as the build quality seems to be excellent.

Now, if the Luxman L-590AX II only had a little more power...

I have a Vitus RI-100 I can send you to try. 300 watts per channel. The other options would be the Pass INT-250 or the Ayre integrated. All three are excellent and powerful.

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**bthomas9** · November 18, 2016, 11:56 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

I have a Vitus RI-100 I can send you to try. 300 watts per channel. The other options would be the Pass INT-250 or the Ayre integrated. All three are excellent and powerful.

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I love my Vitus integrated. Granted it's not the same model mike mentioned, and I run it in class A mode usually, but even in 150 wpc class A/B mode it's Amazing!! I've never thought, or had anyone mentions sibilance or fatigue while listening.

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**4N6** · November 18, 2016, 12:20 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

I have a Vitus RI-100 I can send you to try. 300 watts per channel. The other options would be the Pass INT-250 or the Ayre integrated. All three are excellent and powerful.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Reviews on the Vitus are pretty excellent. I will have to think strongly about that one.

I am thinking about switching out from my McIntosh C2300 and MC601's to power my Sonus Faber Elipsa SE's. The Mac's have very nice sound, but soundstage depth and image specificity are lacking, as is fine detail. I have always liked integrateds due to simplicity, but only if they are not a compromise to separates.

I'll keep researching the Vitus...

**Melbguy1** · November 18, 2016, 04:37 PM

Originally Posted by bthomas9

I love my Vitus integrated. Granted it's not the same model mike mentioned, and I run it in class A mode usually, but even in 150 wpc class A/B mode it's Amazing!! I've never thought, or had anyone mentions sibilance or fatigue while listening.

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+ 1. I love my Vitus SIA-025. Liquid, smooth, warm Class A sound & has the control of a 200 watt amp driving my Magico S5's! I don't know how it would stack up against the Pass INT-250, but I can say it is a lot more tube-like and musical than the RI-100. Summing up I would say the SIA-025 is on the warm side in Class A, whilst the RI-100 is closer to neutral, with a touch of warmth & sounds a bit dark.

**Arsh** · November 21, 2016, 01:47 AM

No exaggerated sibilance with my NuVista 800 at all, nor with the KW500 before it. Perhaps it's a matter of synergy with the other components, cables, and speakers. I find the 800 to be fantastic. I never tire of listening to it.

**Corgidog59** · November 23, 2016, 09:41 AM

Originally Posted by 4N6

Resurrecting an older thread. I have been considering this integrated and wanted to see if there is any new experience with this piece since the last post. Looks like a beauty of an integrated.

I own the Nu-Vista 600 and I think it is really a great performer. I replaced a SimAudio Moon 740p pre-amp and a PS Audio BHK 250 Amp..both of these are A+ rated components. I am very pleased with the Nu-Vista 600. It is gorgeous. Looks somewhat like the old Nakamichi equipment I used to own. The display is very readable. Coming in at nearly 70 lbs it is more Amp like than pre-amp for want of a better description. The Nu-Vista 600 feeds a pair of Magico S3s...a truly superb speaker. I am sorry that Mike has had what appears to be a less than positive experience with the Nu-Vista 800. I have had none, zero issues with my 600. My only grip is that the remote is a bit big a clunky and you cannot use it to turn the unit on or off. For $7000 I would expect more. I have a Esoteric K-05x SACD Player and the remote also can't turn the unit on or off. Again, what were the engineers thinking. Bottom-line, by all means keep the 800 or 600 on your shortlist.

**joeinid** · November 23, 2016, 01:11 PM

Welcome to the forum Corgidog59, thank you so much for joining.

Thread: Musical Fidelity NuVista 800