Hello Spencer,

Getting in on this very late in the game but could not help but notice the amps in the early pics - mainly because I as well have a set of the MA-1s. What made you finally decide to change them out? I was about to do the same early last year when I at the last minute decided to go ahead and send them back to Ralph for an upgrade instead. The change was absolutely stunning. Something magical indeed. You say the LaFolias present bass in a very different way but inner detail may have been slightly less. As someone who lived with the MA-1s for a while, how many different speaker pairs did you go through before you landed with the Merlins, and what was your main deciding factor in finally changing the Atma-Spheres for something else may I ask? My situation is still one of wonder and extreme resist when it comes to changing a set of amps that have for some odd reason become extremely attached to. There is something incredible going on with the Atma Spheres that I absolutely love, but I just, even after 7 different speaker pairs, cannot seem to find that perfect synergistic relationship. Still! Its a bass thing. I am always between 85 & 95% there - but looking for the other 5% keeps me looking and asking. I have to admit that my relationship is almost at the "college girlfriend" level, because they definitely have their quirks. But when it comes to.... well enough said. There is just something shockingly beautiful about the sound that I cannot get past. Since the upgraded units have come back, I am not yet willing to give up on them. So I am still searching for input from other owners. I cannot speak for everyone, but I sure wish to thank you for your continued willingness to keep us all so wonderfully informed through your journey down the audio trail!

Ciao Spencer!

watersidedave March 21, 2010 12:26

Hi Samhar,

Sorry haven't checked this thread and didn't see your questions until now.

I am hearing them in different rooms so it's tough to say for sure. They both have the famed Dynaudio Esotar tweeter, but I believe each have been spec-ed slightly differently for each manufacturer. The LaFolia have a rear-firing woofer and a 4-way design, so bass is presented very differently than with the Merlin's 2 way, front-ported design. They are both very easy loads to drive, although IMHO the Merlins sound best with an OTL amp, just very synergistic. In my new room, the LaFolias throw a huge stage thru back wall and far left & right of the speakers. The Merlins did the same in the old room.
Big dynamics and moving lots of air are probably strengths of the LaFolias relatively speaking. The Merlins might have a tad more detail and clarity in the mids, but that might just seem that way due to a more tipped down tonal balance. Remember both these speakers have gone thru various iterations. My comments only reflect my own gear, and my memory. Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Spencer

sbank March 09, 2010 20:03

System edited: Just added 3 LessLoss DFPC power cables and sold the JPS AC+. Also updated system description to reflect changes in my listening space. Photos to come one of these days...

sbank March 09, 2010 19:52

Spencer you've been through an impressive array of gear to get to the current system it must sound fantastic!!!! Do the La Folla's have a sound "similar" to the Merlins with a bigger bass? I've wanted to try the Merlins but wondered if I could live with the low end after having the Sophia 1s.

samhar February 03, 2010 09:48

Thanks, Mitch.

I hope you are enjoying your new Proacs, and look forward to seeing & reading more updates on your system. Regards,

Spence

sbank December 13, 2009 21:01

Hi Spencer -
I see that you have made some great changes. I have heard some very good things about Silverline speakers and I love your 845 based SET amps. I, too, may be going the higher efficiency route. Let's talk soon.
Mitch

aronsss December 03, 2009 22:05

System edited: Speakers are now going to Silverline LaFolias. I have just moved into an 1890s era factory converted to modern apartments.No more dedicated room, but plenty of angled walls, exposed timber beams, etc. should provide some interesting acoustical challenges. Photos to come...

sbank December 03, 2009 21:15

Thanks, placing my order right now.

macdadtexas August 24, 2009 17:09

Hi Mac,

All the brass parts for my rack came from McMaster-Carr. One of my posts further back in this thread, a couple of years ago, has a detailed parts list with part#, etc. from McMaster-Carr. FWIW, I've heard that brass prices have significantly increased since I did my project. One suggestion, not obvious from the photos: make the top shelf large. Mine is 22"deep, allowing for the TNT6 without concern. I drilled the holes so that it is centered, creating about a 2" space behind all the lower shelves(which are 18"deep). This makes room for all cables. Good luck, Spencer

sbank August 24, 2009 08:54

Hi Dfhaleycko,

Interesting question you pose. I'm not sure that I regret any of the changes I've made, but it would have been fun to hear the Avalon Radians with the Atma-Sphere MA1 amps. I had always thought that you need ss amps to drive Avalons, until I heard Rushton's rig, including Avalon Eidolons and Atma MA2s.

As for the digital, since I am using the TriVista21 tube dac w/the Squeezebox, I think I'm getting performance close to what the modded Transporter can do, except for the native hi-rez. However, it still doesn't rival my analog rig, and I still expect it stay about 80%vinyl, 20%digital for me.We'll see... Cheers,
Spencer

sbank August 24, 2009 08:49

I love the rack, where did you get the threaded poles, brass nuts and washers? I want to do the same thing with some Granite slabs. It looks great, love the system.

macdadtexas August 21, 2009 19:53

Forgot my point, re: the Squeezebox. With a large digital collection the access and convenience becomes really compelling. It is a slippery slope for a vinyl lover like you & me. I started with one a few years ago, moved up to a Transporter and ended up getting that modded by Dan Wright (Modwright). Now I have shifted my listening habits from 80% vinyl to about 50% digital. In particular, the Transporter supports hi-rez digital downloads (192kz) which can be spectacular. Enjoy your journey!

dfhaleycko August 21, 2009 16:21

Hi Spenser, just looking at your historical record of changes. I have gone through some of the same evolution, although we are working off very different bases. I'll have to post my system so you can see it.

Whereas you did the Berning, AtmaSpere and Joule OTL route, I was going through the Transcendent Sound line. I briefly tried some Merlins, but they did not click with my amps for some reason. I greatly admire your deHavilland amps!

For the past 7 years, I have been stuck on planar speakers, which I see you also had in your past. I suspect that we have some similar preferences with respect to sound systems.

Any regrets with respect to equipment you have owned in the past? What would you like to have back to try with your latest setup?

dfhaleycko August 21, 2009 16:16

System edited: Added a Squeezebox 3 wireless music server, which I'm feeding into the TriVista21 dac. Fun and convenient. Surprising good sound at a modest cost. With a couple of 1TB drives for storage on the computer, my digital library is bound to grow. For serious listening, analog still is my choice...

sbank August 19, 2009 10:42

Hi Mitch,

I've been having a good time dialing everything in. Always learning more. Curious to chat about your contemplated changes, etc. Best,
Spence

sbank April 08, 2009 08:15

Glenn,

You are welcome to by for a listen anytime, send me an email anytime you'd like.

We seem to be missing each other at the various Philly group meetings; it's been a while! Nobody else is too happy when I break out the Clash LPs ;-)

Hope all is well,
Spence

sbank April 08, 2009 08:12

Lots of changes to your system !! How are you enjoying it? I, too, believe that I will be making a major change or two. Neuance question for you when you get a chance.
Cheers, Mitch

aronsss April 07, 2009 18:51

Spencer, wow , big changes! I am bummed that I could not visit this weekend. There always seems to be a meeting that coincides with my one son's birthday. The Dodd seems really intriguing. Best wishes to you and your family in 2009, as well.

Cheers,

Glenn

sdatch January 19, 2009 12:18

Spencer - Great room...really enjoyed my visit...I had no idea how big it was by the pictures above...quite a dream! The Alon's were mighty impressive...as was the rest of the gear...several treats including the ZYX cartridge...almost bought one a year ago.

Thanks again

Chad

chadlesko January 18, 2009 20:53

Hi Dawg,

If you are on a noisy power grid, the Dodd has definite advantages. Sonically, I am finding improvement and ability to tweak the sound based on tube rolling. The Herron sounded best w/stock tubes, and any quiet tube sounded relatively the same. Both are more similar than different sounding, and I recommend them both strongly. Never had a chance to hear the Herron 2 or 3.
The Dehavilland amps sound much more powerful than 30w/ch would suggest. You might be surprised at what speakers they can drive. They combine a subtlety and power that I find rare. Having more fun with them every day. They really draw you into the music. Cheers,
Spencer

sbank January 03, 2009 09:12

Nice system! You have many of the components I have tried, or would like to try! Merlin, Herron, Dehavilland, Dodd, Golden Ref....

Any other insights on the Herron vs. the Dodd? I am in the process of selling the Herron 1a/166 for financial reasons, and perhaps will replace it with either a VTSP-2 or a Dodd battery pre in the future. Currently running Herron M1 Monos, and a Dehavilland Ultraverve 2. I looked hard at getting an 845G Aires set, but they probably won't like my speakers, so I may go with the new 50a amp coming out this spring. Until then, the Herron M1's are the best amps I have had in my system. No regrets! I had them up for sale, but doubt I will sell them, unless I can get full asking price.

dawgcatching January 03, 2009 01:13

Recently rolled the tubes in my Dodd preamp, with a pair of Tungsrams replacing the ei's. Result: increased transparency particularly in the mids and treble. Dodd owners, give them a try if you get a chance...

Still looking for a power cable for the Trivista 21 dac, which is proving to be quite enjoyable. Pondered whether or not to try some other players as transports, but haven't been convinced that it's worth the money or effort vs. what's on hand now. Cheers,
Spencer

sbank December 23, 2008 07:05

Hi David,
Keen eye. In the center of that photo, I happen to have a pair of Trelja's Consonance Cyber 800's that I borrowed, as well as my amps.

sbank November 25, 2008 08:53

Hi Spence,
Looking good! One of the pics is showing 4 amps driving those Alons? Am I correct?

David

toudou November 24, 2008 19:20

System edited: New photos added. Grover Huffman speaker cables arrived today. Music is back after a quiet week.

sbank November 24, 2008 11:45