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I think the 2155 is more focused and has more German spirit to it; the Nirschl is broader and more York-like.

It's been years, but I remember them having some real differences.

I agree with Bort. I currently own a 2155 with a 45slp leadpipe. I feel like I get more color and core from the 2155 than I did from a 4/4 Nirschl. The low range on the 2155 is almost thor-like, while the Nirschl 4/4 is more York-like. I like both instruments, but would buy a 2155 (and have the 45slp leadpipe installed) over a Nirschl 4/4.

And though you didn't ask, way back (15 years ago?) when I was looking at both of these tubas, I actually ended up buying a Miraphone 1291 instead. The Nirschl had the best sound and was overall an outrageous tuba. Holy cow, what an instrument. Handmade or not, I can't remember which it was, but at $11,000 (or something "small" by today's standards), it was just too expensive for me to stomach to buy a brand new tuba. That was 2004 or 2005.

I liked the 2155 a lot, and almost bought a used one. Between the 2155 and Miraphone 1292, I felt like I just got more output from the Miraphone, and a more open and easy playing experience. The 2155 felt kind of stiff and not as easy to steer. Maybe more color to the sound than the Miraphone.

So, between those 3 tubas, I ended up with a Miraphone 1291, and swapped to a 1292 leadpipe. It was a great tuba, but the sound was maybe a little dull and not as much color as I would have liked. I owned that tuba for about 5 years, sold it, and now it's just the tuba-go-round for me. I would probably have been perfectly suited with the 1291, 2155, or Nirschl, and just never changing. But what fun would that be?

Speaking of leadpipea, the Nirschl has the angled York style leadpipea. Also, the 5th valve is weirdly positioned under the thumb. Feels weird to me.

The 2155, ergonomically, is much more what you'd expect.

That said... The Nirschl is one hell of a tuba, if that's your sound! And even the non-handmade version still has a lot of handmade parts. I very nearly bought Noah's Nirschl a while back. Sort of regretted it, sort of didn't. It's a great tuba!