mmoxley 3 Posted June 21, 2020 (edited) I am willing to entertain parting ways with my NBS Pre and Stereo VRD as i have way too much gear right now. Please note this must be a combo sale so apologies in advance to any other VRD owners out there just looking for the NBS preamplifier. The Stereo VRD is a pretty rare bird and the NBS is basically impossible to find anywhere/at any price. Both pieces are in mint condition with original shipping boxes and played rarely as i have 2 other integrated amps i use primarily as daily drivers. Always paired with efficient LaScala or Heresy so equipment has never been pushed. Asking $4,500 total for both items, but willing to entertain reasonable offers as true aftermarket prices for Craig's masterpieces are case by case based on supply/demand. NOS Valves NBS Ultimate Preamplifier with: MC Phono Step Up (upgrade) Low Z 10K L/R RCA outputs for subwoofer (upgrade) 1 x Sovtek 5AR4 1 x 6H30 (stock from Craig, haven't removed preamp cover) 4 x 12AT7 (stock from Craig, haven't removed tube covers) NOS Valves Stereo 45 VRD with: 45W 4 x Ruby KT88 2 x JJ 12AU7 2 x JJ 12AX7 2 x Sovtek 5AR4 What is difference b/w ST and Mono VRDs? From Craig at NOSValves: The output transformers are identical. The circuit front to back tube wise is identical. Here are the only differences. The current version of the VRD ST runs the KT-88's at about 25 less volts than the VRD Monos on the plates and screens but at the same current. The ST has one very large power transformer that is actually capable of more current then two of the VRD mono power transformers. The power supply is dual railed and has basically the same amount of storage per channel so once the voltage and current leave the dual 5AR4 rectifiers the amp would be considered dual mono and every bit as capable as the Mono blocks. The sonic difference is all in the voltage the KT-88's are run at. The current version has that factor lessened to minuscule. I could even make it none existent but I wanted the Stereo amp more output tube friendly in the tube type rolling department (EL34's, 6L6GC etc.) Edited June 22, 2020 by mmoxley added info regarding tubes in preamp and wattage 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Schu 4999 Posted June 22, 2020 👍 Which tube does the NBS use? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimjimbo 10325 Posted June 22, 2020 How about that? Just like magic. GLWYS Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mmoxley 3 Posted June 22, 2020 51 minutes ago, Schu said: 👍 Which tube does the NBS use? 1 x Sovtek 5AR4 1 x 6H30 (stock from Craig, haven't removed preamp cover) 4 x 12AT7 (stock from Craig, haven't removed tube covers) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Audio Flynn 210 Posted June 22, 2020 I have the stereo as well. Awesome but seriously heavy amp. $ 4500 seems fair. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Schu 4999 Posted June 22, 2020 Ah... I didn't see the... 'super tube. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mark1101 745 Posted June 22, 2020 Nice.......We don't see these very often. Someone will enjoy. GLWS. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mmoxley 3 Posted June 30, 2020 Shameless bump AND i will donate $500 from sale to Craig at NOS Valves (just for being Craig) if these are sold by 7/5/2020, otherwise i will be more than happy to take these to my grave. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
muel 1309 Posted July 8, 2020 Seriously?! Have these not sold? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mmoxley 3 Posted July 9, 2020 Nope, have not even gotten an offer or inquiry, but i am more than happy to listen to these for a lifetime with my LaScalas. If you are in the know, then you know how good Craig's amps really are (especially with Klipsch Heritage speakers) but it is what it is. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimjimbo 10325 Posted July 9, 2020 I would venture to say that if you split them up you could sell them much more easily. Good luck either way. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mark1101 745 Posted July 9, 2020 I agree. There's a guy looking for an NBS for like a year now. That could be gone later today. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites