Musical Fidelity just launched their brand new integrated amplifier, the NuVista 600.2. It is a more affordable alternative to the high-end NuVista 800.2. Musical Fidelity kept things simple with this amplifier; it gives very old-school vibes instead of embracing the new digital HiFi designs, and this is possibly the best amplifier for analogue lovers. In this article, we will review the Musical Fidelity NuVista 600.2 stereo integrated amplifier and see why I think this is the best high-end integrated amplifier under $10000.
Musical Fidelity NuVista 600.2 Review
The Musical Fidelity NuVista 600.2 has a dual mono amplifier design, which it took from Musical Fidelity’s Titan series amplifiers. The NuVista 600.2 is an all-analog integrated amplifier, and it looks very bulky. If you want specifics, the dimensions of the NuVista 600.2 are 483mm x 187mm x 510mm, and it weighs 37 kg.
The front and side panels are made from extruded aluminum, and they protect the internal circuitry from external electromagnetic fields and keep the internals cool. It is available in two finishes, Black and Silver. The amplifier has a Class A tube stage, which uses four 6S51N Nuvistor tubes for reliability and low distortion.
On the front panel, the NuVista 600.2 has two source and volume knobs, and two meters which show power. The stereo integrated amplifier has a power rating of 160 watts at 8 ohms, 300 watts at 4 ohms, and 500 watts at 2 ohms, and you can power your entire speaker system with this beast. It has a configuration inspired by V4 car engines, with four output transistors per channel, which are paired with high-current capacitors.
On the back panel, the NuVista 600.2 has a pair of balanced XLR outputs if you want to connect another amplifier or a powered subwoofer, and two pairs of balanced XLR inputs. It also has four RCA line-level inputs and a fixed line output. This is it, the integrated amp only has these ports, and this is a fresh change.
The NuVista 600.2 does lack an internal DAC, and it also doesn’t have any wireless connectivity. I paired it with my McIntosh DS200 streaming DAC, which allowed me to connect my TV.
Even though it has a Class A tube stage, the Musical Fidelity NuVista 600.2 does not have the warm sound Class A amplifiers are known for, it is neutral all the way. The standout feature was the control it had on my speakers, especially the woofers. The bass was very deep, and every single note was separated perfectly. The amplifier also improved the soundstage by a mile, and made the sound more 3-dimensional and realistic. This integrated amplifier made the instruments detailed and focused, and the imaging was perfect.
Verdict
In the end, your main question might be whether you should get the Musical Fidelity NuVista 600.2 integrated amplifier. Absolutely. We have reviewed many integrated amplifiers, and the NuVista 600.2 outshone them all. It comes close to $10000, and while it is expensive than other amplifiers in its class, it is undoubtedly the best integrated amplifier under $10000.
If you want a DAC or digital capabilities, you will need to attach an external DAC and a streamer. If you want vinyl, you will need a phono preamp. This will go heavy on your wallet, but the NuVista 600.2 is worth the extra money.
For serious audiophiles seeking reference-quality sound without crossing the five-figure threshold, the Musical Fidelity NuVista 600.2 represents not just a purchase, but a long-term investment in musical enjoyment. I highly recommend it for listeners who prioritize pure analog performance and have the complementary components to maximize its potential.