Merlin Based System

by pubul57 on Opinions Please

Description

Current system after 25-years of buying, selling and upgrading.

I am waiting for an Ars Sonum 30 Watt integrated and I may replace the separates - looking for a simpler approach to audio - but I may not be able to let go of the CAT which is one of the best amplifiers in the world. We'll see. Happy for now, and may stop searching something different - at least for a while.
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Components Toggle details

    • EMM Labs CDSA SE
    CD/SACD Player
    • Emia Slagle / Jackson Autoformer VC
    Designed by Dave Slagle and Jeff Jackson
    • Music Reference RM-10 MKII
    EL84 35 watts. Is there a better platform for the EL84 tube? I don't think so.
    • Atma-Sphere MP-3
    Balanced Pre with V-CAP and Power Supply upgrade.
    • Atma-Sphere M-60 Mk. 3.1
    60 Watt OTL with V-CAP. Power Supply, and Steel Faceplate upgrades (6350 + 1220)
    • Merlin VSM-MXe with Master BAM/RCs
    Two-way. Lead-free.
    • Cardas Golden Reference Speaker Cable
    2 Meter single-wire w/ Cardas Jumper for bi-wire operation
    • Cardas Golden Reference Interconnects
    DAC to BAM BAM to Pre Pre to Amp
    • Mogami Microphone Cable Balanced
    XLR -XLR
    • JPS Digital AC
    on Audio Logic DAC
    • VH Audio Flavor 4 Power Cords
    For Atma-sphere amp
    • Virtual Dynamics Power Cord 3 - Cryo'ed
    For the PS Audio Power Juice Extender for Power Amps
    • PS Audio Power Juice Extender
    For Power Amps
    • RSA Mongoose PC by Cardas
    Designed by Cardas for RSA Haley Power Conditioner
    • Running Springs Audio Haley
    Six-Outlets - non current limiting
    • Herbie Isocups, Tender Feet, dampers, etc
    Isolation
    • Timbernation Maple Equipment Rack
    2" Maple. Isolation Pads from Kellet and Herbies under the equipment
    • Timbernation Maple Platforms
    2" Solid Maple Platforms beneath each piece.
    • Accousticmac Bass Traps and Panels
    Room Treatment

Comments 78

Showing all comments by kyyuan.

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Happy to hear you're loving the Joule. It sounds as though your system is being crystallized. I'm getting close to pickup a LA-150 MKii, as well. Any last second thoughts? :o)

I'm still on the fence regarding whether the ARS-sonum can comfortably drive large scale orchestral music...but that's for a different discussion.

kyyuan

Thanks. And, good luck on the Berning/CAT decision. I, too, may soon run into similar decision process -- VAC PHI vs ARS. If I did end up staying with VAC, then a new preamp may be in order. Joule LA-150 MKii, like yours, and VAC Ren MKii are my top choices for now.

Ken

kyyuan

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Based on what I have read thus far, Filarmonia sounds like a winner. As long as it can provide sufficient headroom for my orchestral music, that should do it for me. Assuming it can beat my VAC/First Sound combo -- and, of course, I wish Filarmonia had a remote. I guess I can't have everything. :o)

Ken

kyyuan

Pubul57,

Hope all is well. Any update/thoughts on the ARS-Sonum?

Ken

kyyuan

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