Double Bass NS NXTa vs WAV arco sound

[eyvindwa]

I'm considering getting an NS Design WAV, primarily for playing arco. From before I have an NXTa, but I typically use it in passive mode. Will the difference in tone between the (passive) NXTa and the WAV be big? Or do they sound the same, give or take?

(The instrument I'm considering to get is actually a cello, but since there is no good TalkCello out there, I figured this was the best place to ask. I own an NS CR Omnibass and NXTa cello from before, but the one I'm considering now is a cello with a low F string - almost a bass, right? )

 

[joppo]

I’ve got an NS WAV 5 string cello with the low F. Really love it. I haven’t played an NXTa, but I believe that in passive mode, it is to all intents and purposes the same as the WAV (but with better build quality). I think the MiSi electronics are completely bypassed in passive mode, so it is just a high impedance signal coming straight off the pickups.

 

[Jon Moody]

I’ve got an NS WAV 5 string cello with the low F. Really love it. I haven’t played an NXTa, but I believe that in passive mode, it is to all intents and purposes the same as the WAV (but with better build quality). I think the MiSi electronics are completely bypassed in passive mode, so it is just a high impedance signal coming straight off the pickups.

This. I don't think the OP is going to be able to discern the difference in arco between the two instrument. It's not until you go up to a CR series that you will hear a noticeable change.