Lewis CaliburnNew from Musical Fidelity is the successor to the Nu-Vista 800 amplifier, the Nu-Vista 800.2.
The original Nu-Vista 800 amplifier enjoyed success in the high-end audio market when it was launched thanks to its combination of sonic performance and physical identity. Over the following years its appeal endured, however parts began to run-out at short notice and the model was left in limbo as a result.
Now, thanks to the extensive investment made in the Nu-Vista by Musical Fidelity series, resulting in the Nu-Vista PRE, PAS and PAM models earlier in 2023, Musical Fidelity has unveiled a successor to the Nu-Vista 800.
The Nu-Vista 800.2 keeps true to the original Nu-Vista 800 design, only drawing on the refinements and technological advancements of the latest series to create an improved experience in both sound and aesthetics.
Key Nu-Vista 800.2 features include audio circuitry utilising nuvistor tube technology,
300W+ per-channel output with total stability for easy speaker driving, dual-mono amplifier circuitry internally coupled to an independent pre-amplifier stage, redesigned front-panel with impressive display, rewound transformers for reduced noise, revised power supply circuits, remote switch on/standby function, five inputs, including Balanced XLR inputs, fixed
and variable pre-out options, plus Home Theatre bypass input for easy system building.
The Nu-Vista 800.2 features four 6S51N nuvistor valves in its pre-amplifier stage. This stage is then connected to separate mono power amplifier stages, allowing for true stereo separation and a deep sound scape.
The power amplifier stage has been generously rated to drive even the most demanding loudspeakers with ease. Inspired by the iconic TITAN amplifier, the output stage couples each individual output device to its own high-current bulk supply capacitor. This configuration allows for more immediate access to stored energy and much lower impedance in the signal path, resulting in better technical measurements and low distortion.
The power supply circuitry of the Nu-Vista 800.2 has been updated to improve overall performance. As part of this upgrade over the original model, the large, premium transformers have also been rewound to achieve lower standing flux and improved noise characteristics.
One of the additional benefits of the new power supply circuitry is that the Nu-Vista 800.2 can now be turned on and switched into standby using the remote control. This feature meets with other useful design considerations to improve the day-to-day use of the amplifier. Sitting between the two oversized control knobs is a new, clear display with different view options, including a stylish VU-metre option.
There is also a remote control made from aluminium, which gives users access to controls.
The front and side panels are milled from extruded aluminium profiles, contributing to a chassis that effectively acts as a Faraday cage, protecting the internal circuitry.
For wider system building it also features fixed and variable analogue outputs alongside the impressive, bi-wirable Nu-Vista by Musical Fidelity speaker binding posts.
Nu-Vista 800.2 is priced at £10,999.00 (SRP) and is shipping immediately in black or silver finish from Henley Audio.