The five inputs are cycled through, using the right-hand push button, the selected input indicated by a red LED in the corresponding row of five (the ‘sixth’ is the remote receiver). Despite the dimple in the face of the volume knob, it is actually an encoder control, with no end-stop, the CV-40 using a relay-ladder to set level. That level is indicated by the same row of LEDs used to display input selection. As the volume is raised, the row of LEDs glows green, lighting from left to right as the volume increases. Once the volume is set, the LEDs revert to input indication. It’s a neat solution that avoids cluttering the front-panel or adding unnecessary hardware, but it does mean that you have no constantly available indication/warning of output volume. It’s also interesting that the LEDs indicate maximum sensible volume, rather than the maximum level possible. That goes on climbing, well after the last LED lights, but the sound quality suffers, deteriorating fairly rapidly. It’s a sensible implementation and one that I’m surprised we don’t see more often. The remote hand-set, with only volume and source select to deal with, is suitably simple, including a power button and mute for good measure.
I ran the CV40 in a number of different systems, ranging from the sublimely affordable (the Universum F2095 direct-drive feeding the TEAD Micro Groove X Mk.2) to the ridiculously unbalanced (the CH Precision D1.5 or P1/Kuzma Stabi M) as well as what might be considered a more natural partner, in the shape of the Origin Live Aurora/Zephyr ‘table/tonearm pairing, again via the Micro Groove. Although the 40 Watt output suggests broad(ish) speaker compatibility, I kept things easy on the amplifier, using the Living Voice R25 Anniversary speakers, with their easy load and 92dB sensitivity, for most of the listening – although I also indulged in an entertaining day or so with the Raidho D1 stand-mounts. Solen also offer their own, innovative stand-mount speakers, the HELios, which like the R25s, offer a 90dB+ sensitivity coupled to a flat-ish 4Ω load and the simplicity of a reasonably sensitive two-way seems to be the way to go. I’d love to try the Stenheim Alumine 2.5 with the CV40 – possibly the ultimate electrical and aesthetic match. But whatever the system, the Solen amp took it all in its stride, as happy displaying the subtle refinement, clarity and musical structure of the D1.5 CD/SACD player, as it was the sheer musical enthusiasm of the elderly Universum deck.
Apart from its clean, no-nonsense approach and off-beat topology, the other thing that really drew me to the CV40 was its use of EL84 output tubes. As a long-time fan of the aforementioned Leak Stereo 20 as well as Beard’s P35, the narrow, nine-pin power tube holds a special place in my heart, offering the same lucid and lively midrange performance as the larger, octal EL34, but with a crisper, punchier and more purposeful bottom-end. It all adds up to an inherent musicality, a quality ideally suited to the CV40’s role, sitting at the centre of a high-value, high-performance set-up. They’re qualities that are immediately apparent in the amp’s musical presentation.
