2. amps-preamps
  3. 1074267466

Tenor Hybrid v. VTL MB-450 Sig.

I am planning on replacing my VTLs with the Tenor stereo 150 hybrid . Since I will not be able to hear them first and since they are a substantial outlay over what my VTLs are worth, I am hoping that some of you may have heard both. Would you mind characterizing the differences that I should expect to hear? I have Merlin VSMMs, a First Sound preamp, and an Audio Logic 24mxl DAC. Other amps that I am considering are the Joule VZN-100s, or a CAT JL2. My pre-purchase buyers remorse is that they will be better but maybe not commensurate with the extra cost. I am aware of the higher cost/diminshing returns reality. However, from what I have read, these hybrids seem to be a huge step up. If I audition a piece and hear an improvement that meets my personal cost/benefit ratio, I buy it. So, with no personal experience with the Tenors, I am finding it is a bit difficult to make the leap to buy the most exp. piece of gear in my system. Any input you may have is greatly appreciated. By the way, JTinn and I have had several conversations about this subject. He had been very helpful and generous with his time. In this post, I am looking for more of a comsumer point of view.
brooksl
bobbyapalkovic
729 posts
 
Hi Kevin,
I ask you to read my last post again as it explains that the resonance issue was actually dealt with prior to the review in Stereophile. Flying changes to the production of the VSM were made in advance of the review but the review sample did not have the changes because of the time issue. The truth of the matter is that the resonance is not measurable unless extreme output (well above 100 dB) is generated making this a non issue for 99.9% of the listeners. That is why this matter was dealt with after the cabinet material change and not before.
Regards,
Bobby@merlin
kevinkwann
77 posts
 
I just re-read your post, Bobby.

D'OH!

I will endeavor to improve my reading skills.
In any case, fwiw, I think your VSM speakers
are among the most transparent and dynamic on
box speakers on earth. Those who "think"
the Sound Labs can achieve anywhere near the
dynamic nuance and capability are kidding themselves.
Or just don't know better.
bobbyapalkovic
729 posts
 
Bye the way Kevin, did you ever do the sixth toe mod to your speakers? This will make a really big difference for you and actually further reduce energy build up in the VSM while providing more stable footing. The additional bass extension and fullness makes a really big difference to the ambient energy and size of the presentation. The ERS and tuning puck makes the sound more uniform so you can really hear into the music core to a greater degree. Additive noise in the way of RFI and EMI can add a false fizzle to the sound and once this is removed, the resolution, smoothness and purity are enhanced.
Regards,
Bobby@merlin
jim2
72 posts
 
Kevin, it's interesting you mention that about the Sound Labs. I came across a local guy that has a pair of Sound Lab M1 speakers and he was nice enough to invite me over this weekend. One question he asked me on the phone was "Do you listen loud?" I have never heard the Sound Labs but have always heard nice things about them. It'll be an interesting comparison.

kevinkwann
77 posts
 
Hi Bobby. I'm not a Merlin owner. I'm merely a Merlin admirer. I'm always amazed when I hear good things about speakers that cost far more, Rockports being a good example, but that don't have nearly the capability. The Rockports I've heard (Hyperion, Antares), for example, swallow dynamic nuance and suppress the dynamic and leading edge excitement inherent in live music. Merlin gets these aspects of reproduced music right.
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