Focal Mini Utopia vs Merlin MXe

Turboglo,
I bought a used pair that came with Super BAM (RCA and XLR). I guess I am going to listen to my system so I can have my reference established and then compare to Master BAM in future. Right now debating between ARS and separates and some decent cables. Bobby did mention that Master BAM (RCA only for lack of space in chassis) with Master networks will take VSMs to a whole different level. In the hind sight, I still wonder if I could use XLR with certain Pre amps more successfully than RCA. I wonder if TVC or AVC preamps might benefit from XLR ... may be more experienced members using TVC/AVC can help. Also, anybody with MasterBAM experience? I am curious too about what the sonic impressions are compared to SuperBAM.

SsTalwar,

See this thread for a robust, detailed and full exchange on the MasterBam and Master RC networks with the remarkable Duelund caps.

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?cspkr&1260044200&&&/Anyone-using-Duelund-VSF-capacitor-in-Me

Jim

I think the balanced connection is of very minimal, if any benefit, and I don't think you can get an AVC that is balanced - though it can be built at much greater expense. So far, my test have told me that AVC is better than TVC, that is I think the Bent with Slagle is better than my experience with S&B MK1 tranformers.

The Ars is warmer than the RM10MKII, more meat on the bone as they say, and it is a beautiful looking unit. Ultimately, I preferred the transparency and speed of the RM10MKII - can't say which is better, it is a matter of taste. What I like about the RM10, besides sound is that it is small, uses almost no power in idle, the tubes are cheap, and the run for 10,000 hours according to Roger - you also get to play with different preamps. The darn thing works awfully well with a passive pre - Roger sells a Pot-in-the-Box with some old Noble potentiometers for $135!!!, but it would certainly work great with the Bent. I was out of the passive scene for a while, but tried the Goldpoint again and realized the passives with the right amp are incredible, I've decided to play with some more upscale passives including the Lightspeed and I suspect Bent or an Slagle variant again - the Music Reference amps thrive on passives with there low sensitivity. For $1,300 (Passive with a used RM10, you would have one heck of a good sounding system. -Better than the Ars? that is a matter of taste, the Ars is certainly a very, very good integrated.

I have an ARS Filarmonia and love it. I don't have a ton of experience with tube amplifiers, but the combination of this little amp plus the VSM-MMe's with Master BAM and RC's sounds amazing to me. I hear solid-state-like speed and authority combined with the refinement of tubes. Plus, I love the fact that it's small and doesn't get too hot.

Pubul 57'

Thank you for a very informative post. I am positive I would love AVC with RM10MKII. One reason to get Merlin was its resolution and transparency and extremely neutral character. Coming from Quad 989 and OTL amplifiers (..very transparent by nature), I am encouraged to hear about AVC/RM combo's transparency (..I guess more of good thing). TG audio speaker cables are slightly on the warmer side and I think would balance the sound overall. One big plus going a properly designed AVC route is attaining pitch black soundstage and excellent low level dynamics. One question though is, compared to ARS, do you find AVC/RM combo "thin" sounding? Also, any opinion on RM9 vs RM10? Also, which AVC preamp in your opinion is superior?
Again appreciate your insight into AVCs and Merlins. Thanks.