Where should I go next? Where are my weak links?

I think the two areas that you might benefit from upgrading are the phono stage and the power conditioner. Manley just came out with the Chinook phono stage at $2kish and it is based on the Manley Steelhead circuitry. Seems like you have a predilection for Manley so hopefully you have a local dealer who can lend you the Chinook to audition in your system. From what I have read, the Furman conditioners have had mixed reviews. You may want to check out other options from Shunyata or Audience or Synergistic Research as a potential upgrade path.

However, I agree with Onhwy61's initial reaction which is if it ain't broke, don't fix it. If you are satisfied with what you are hearing, then put the "upgraditis" aside and just enjoy the show.

Good luck.

I agree with Onhwy61 in that you already have a very good system with a solid foundation. As a 300b SET amp owner I can tell you different driver and output tubes selection can make a significant impact. What 300b are you using?
I just put the Takatsuki-TA 300b in my amp and the improvement is honestly profound.

Dear Iramirez: My first move in your system can be with the Manley amplifiers that can't handle accuretely the electrical impedance curve showed by the Zu speakers due the very high output impedance value on the Manley's that is over 2.0 ohms!!!. IMHO, terrible to handle those speakers.

What the Manley can shows about is mainly very high colorations due to that high output impedance. I know that you like it but this is not the issue the subject is how to improve/weakest link and the Manleys is a good audio system link to start.

You need as all of us amplifiers that can handle with accuracy and low distortions our speakers that in many of our systems are full of colorations/distortions. Yes, many of us like those distortions but the subject is not what we like but what is wrong or not and IMHO those Manle's are " wrong ".

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.

Nice system. You say you listen mostly to vinyl. Do you listen to mostly unamplified, acoustic music? If so, my suggestion would be to remove the sub from the system. You will almost certainly be very pleasantly surprised by the result.

Wow, thank you all for the suggestions. I actually agree with all of you.

1. Enjoy the music, yep, I'm definitely doing that. My system is good enough, it presents a solid enough illusion of realism that it takes an effort to actually listen critically, system wise that is...

2. I consider the Linto to be the weakest link in the system. I believe it is a competent phono stage, but not a remarkable one. I have been lusting after the Steelhead for a long time, but don't know what it could really do for my system. I've never really had an opportunity to hear a really good tubed phono stage. I've thought of selling my Linto and the Shrimp in order to acquire the Steelhead.
Yeah, the Chinook is a temptation. I know nothing of the Lamm, but I imagine that it is very good. Why is it better than the Steelhead?

3. The Furman has worked very well for me. It definitely helps reduce my noise floor without impacting adversely on the dynamics of my system. I have not tried any other conditioners excepting a Monster. The Monster did nothing for me. I imagine that there are much better conditioners out there, definitely an avenue I am willing to pursue.

4. I really like my Scout. I have used two different cartridges on it. I originally had the Dynavector that VPI recommended with it, but then I moved on to the Benz. The Scout may not be a world class turntable, but it certainly revealed the differences between cartridges, and it definitely exploits my Benz Micro's potential. The Benz was a big step up in my system. Funny, the thought of switching to the Amadeus is one that I just started considering yesterday. The Amadeus' reviews are intriguing, but I think I need to improve my phono stage first.

5. Tubes... My Manley amps are currently sporting Tung Sol 6SL7 input tubes, Westinghouse 6SN7 drivers and TJ Mesh 300B power tubes. I am replacing the TJ Mesh tubes in short order because I believe they are reaching the end of their lifetimes. I have been driving them pretty hard for 6 years and their previous owner used them for another four. I can definitely hear a bit of tube rush coming from them when the system is idle. I would love to replace them with Takatsukis, but they are too dear for my current budget. I am considering Psavanes at this point. My Shrimp is driven by a pair of Mullard 12AT7 tubes. I doubt I can find a better driver for my Shrimp.

So, if you can bear with me for a little longer, I have a few questions for you guys...

Syntax, why is the Lamm better than the Steelhead? Won't I get better synergy with the Steelhead, sticking with Manleys throughout?

Shakey, I am really intrigued by the Amadeus, but I'm afraid that it might be a little too complicated for me to use on a daily basis. My Scout is really plug and play, totally hassle free. Is the Amadeus easy to use? Also, do you think it would be synergistic with my Benz cartridge or would I also need to be thinking of a cartridge change.

Bigshutterbug, what amplifier stands do you suggest?

Charles1dad, I understand that you live in Michigan. I am in Ann Arbor. I have fantasized about a system just like yours since I first purchased my 300b amps (6 years ago). I would love to hear your system one day...

Rauliruegas, I don't know enough electronic engineering to see where the impedance mismatch between my Manley amps and the Zu Essences lies. The Zus are a 12 ohm speakers and the Manleys have a 12 ohm tap. I don't understand where you find the impedance mismatch. Please forgive my ignorance and try to enlighten me...

Once again, many thanks for your kind and thoughtful answers.

Cheers,

Ivan