I imagine that a number of folks around the forum have heard rumblings of the NSI, Gilbert’s ultimate rendering of an integrated amplifier. I know it was on his radar about 18 months ago when I first heard about it, so I’m guessing the idea was formed considerably before that. As usual, all good things Blue Circle come in good time, and with the Toronto Audiofest looming, why not now? And so, the NSI has arrived…
It was not what I expected. As I recall, it was originally going to be a one box unit, and it now has a separate power supply. I think it started off as a solid state only project, but it now has a 6SN7 tube circuit, and adjustable volume controls for both the tube circuit and the solid state circuit, as well as an overall volume control. The initial price point was going to be near $21,000 or $22,000 USD. This version weighs in at about $35000 USD. The NSI on hand here is kind of the “super” version, and will be available in a number of configurations depending on the needs of the end user. There will definitely be less expensive versions.
The NSI has been here and bubbling away for almost 10 days now. Dead cold it sounded really good, with the hint of a rough edge here and there (let’s not forget that this is a brand new unit). An hour later it sounded much better. By that evening, it was much, much better, and the next morning it sounded like a different (and more accomplished) amplifier. I left it playing for 3 days while I went on a fishing trip. When I returned, yup, different again. In point of fact, the NSI made great gains pretty much every day for over a week. It has levelled out a bit now – still improving, but it has stopped being a changeling, so I can start to comment intelligently on it.
The NSI has been rumoured to be a fully fleshed out, deluxe version of the OO2i with the external power supply. That may have been the intention, and that in fact may be the design architecture, but I would hesitate to use that comparison now. Maybe it was true about 10 days ago – not anymore. Having been fortunate to hear most of Gilbert’s creations I can say this, this amplifier is a very logical follow-on from the NSC series of audio components. It displays the best characteristics of the NSC, NSW, NSL, and even the OO2i.
When I first heard the NSL, I thought it was the best amp I had ever heard in terms of speed, clarity, and tonal detail. I wished it had a little more oomph, but in all other areas it was a total winner. Last year, for the Toronto Audio Visual Expo I commissioned the NSW, a 300 WPC monster that the only design request I made was “I want it to be able to drive ANYTHING”. Mission accomplished, the NSW – though not as refined (nor as nearly as expensive) as the NSL – combined with the NSC pre clearly had the edge in presence, authority, and boogie factor. The NSC/NSW combo was very well received at the show.
The surprise of the show was the OO2i integrated. By the time it arrived I had been hearing from Gilbert about the virtues of integrated amplifier design for 6 or 7 months. The OO2i was a revelation – it was refined, reasonably powerful, well detailed, extremely musical, and a relative bargain. The external power supply to it to another level, and matched with a pair of Spendor SP3/1 speakers, became the darling of the show.
So here we are, a month before Toronto Audiofest, and the NSI is here. Imagine if you will, an amplifier that has much of the speed and agility of the NSL, much of the authority of the NSW, the neutral precision of the NSC, the sonic “rightness” of the OO2i, and way more detail and musicality than any of them. THAT, is what you get with the Super NSI. It conveys musical intent and meaning better than anything I have ever heard. Gilbert says that the NSI is the best component that he is capable of building at this time – I have no reason to doubt him. It's #@%$ing amazing.
For those of you deciding which extra kidney to auction on eBay, it would not be a bad way to use the money
that’s one hefty looking unit!!
