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.
System edited: The Dodd is the best pre I have had in my system, though the BENT TAP w/autoformer is right there. I think the BAM of the Merlin benefits from the tube buffering. Being off the grid seems to be a really good idea. Will be rolling Amperex D-Getters to play with the sound a bit, but the standard JJs are excellent to my ear.
System edited: Dodd pre is beautiful to look at and listen to. Very quiet like a passive with tube bloom. One the best tube preamps I've heard; I'm waiting for some Amperex 6922s to replace the JJs the unit comes with.
I would not think Cardas would be ideal with your Vandersteens. The best wire for me with the Vandersteens were the Alpha Core Goertz cables - I used the silver, but I don't know that they actually sound very different than their copper versions.
I haven't had much luck with Cardas cables. Have you tried anything else? For me when I got rid of each Cardas interconnect, speaker caple, or power cord, the sound greatly improved each time. ..just a thought
System edited: The BENT TAP-X with autoformers is a revelation. Storngly recommended - I come form ARC, CAT, Lamm, and Joule preamps. In the right system (sensitive amp and 100kohm input impedance, short cables), you must hear this.
Well the Ars is gone. The Joule preamp is gone (I preferred it to the CAT, Lamm, and Placette Active paired with the CAT JL2). And the CAT JL2 is gone. I'm now enjoying the Atma-sphere MP-3/M-60 combo which works better in my system with the Merlins than any combination I previously had. The Merlins are here to stay, so it all revolves around making them work their magic. The time spent with the Ars was very enjoyable and if I were ready to go integrated, it is the one integrated I have heard that I could happily live with paired with the Merlins; a great match, and for many folks a combination that would provide a lifetime of enjoyment. In addition to the Atma combo, I also run a Gold Point or Music Reference passive attenuator with the Music Reference RM9 Special Edition - the amp that convinced me to let go of the CAT (I had several amps previously trying to knock the CAT off its perch). I think I will keep both pre/amp combos as I love them both and picking one over the other is impossible for me.
System edited: Atma-sphere amp is the best I have had in my system after having CAT JL2, Music Reference RM9 Special Edition, and Pass XA30.5. I'll keep the MR as it is a fantastic amplifier
System edited: The Music Reference gear seems to be competative with any tube amps on the market. Especially the RM9 which unfortuantely is no longer manufactuered.
My phone camera does not work. I have those ruber cork squares between the MDF and 2" Timbernation Maple slabs with Herbis IsoCups supporting the equipment. Comparing the RM with the CAT and PASS, I'm quickly becoming a Roger M. fan.
Yeah the RM10 also is really cool with it's 10,000 hour tube life... Roger knows what he is doing! Would love to see a picture of your system to see how you isolated things on the Salamander...
System edited: Have added the Ars Sonum and it works so well with the Merlins, I'm considering getting rid of the CAT, something I never thought I would do. We'll see.
Kyyuan, I think whatever choice you make on the pre you will be happy. This is all great equipment and it may come down to ergonomics - I don't think you can go wrong with the VAC or Joule or CAT. These are all pieces you can sit back and enjoy - and which is best is more about your ears than the peiewces themselves. I'm keeping both the ARS integrated and CAT amp, one for winter/fall the other for spring/summer - I bet you can guess which is which.
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.
The Berning I was looking at was quickly sold, rare sightings, and I took that as message. In the back of my mind I don't have many (any) doubts the CAT is superior, but I was looking for a lowe maintenance, cooler running option. I'm afraid I might never be able to let the CAT go. Kyyuan, I take it you own Merlins, if so, the ARS should be temptin indeed, especially, but not because, of the price difference. You'll be suprised how small it is, but wait till you listen, perfect synergy from both desingers. Good luck. By the way, the Joule pre was my favourite after having CAT SL1, Lamm LL2, and Placette passive and active - but at the end of the day, they were all great, and we're really splitting hairs, they are all fine and worthy and in the top ranks of the stuff I have heard.
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.
I think orchestral music in some rooms and at certain volume levels could pose the challenge which is why I'll keep the CAT around. But, I suspect you will have to work hard to be disappointed, it really is that good, but as you sense, 30 watts is 30 watts, but that is a good amount of watts for the Merlin, most, if not all of the time.
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)
Hi Ken. I think the Ars is superb and a real life saver for the summer months when the CAT raises the temperture 5-7 degrees. If I had to do it all over again, I would have quite happy simply have the Ars with the Merlins and being done with it, but I love the Joule/CAT combo as well and it can play all types of music at all types of levels - but I could EASILY live with the Ars and stop worrying about the next fix.
System edited: I've been tinkering with preamps for a while. Started with the CAT SL1 Ultimate, then tried the LAMM LL2, and most recently, the excellent Placette Active linestage. Just got the Joule LA-150MKII, and with the CAT JL2 driving the Merlins, it is just the type of sound I was looking for. The Joule adds just a bit of body and organic smoothness that are ideal for my tastes pushing my amp and speakers - might not work equally well with other systems, but it is ideal for me.
