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tmoran

Responses from tmoran

Is VonSchweikert VR-1 good upgrade from Spica TC50
My regular speakers are Merlin VSM's with VAC amplification. My current project is to rebuild a vintage McIntosh MC240. I didn't want to ruin my Merlins if the MC240 did anything weird, so I bought the best pair of speakers I could for $200, the T... 
Integrated Amp and Speakers for a teenager?
How about something a little different. A used Jolida 102B tubed integrated (around $400). Since this is only 20W, you'd need some efficient speakers. The Epos ELS3 might be a good choice. I believe a tubes integrated would meld quite nicely with ... 
A rocking tube amp & speaker combo?
VAC PA100.100 is a pretty good bargin on the used market, usually from $1500 to $2000. These things rock and have some great power, but also richness, finesse and great soundstaging/imaging. It's also an aestetically beautiful piece. Mine is drivi... 
Looking for Speaker Recommendation
Check out DeVore Fidelity Gibbon 8's. If you like the Vandersteen sound, you'll love the DeVores.http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/devore/gibbon8.html 
VTL IT-85 integrated vs. Cary SLI-80 integrated
I considered the IT-85. The perfect upgrade path exists, the ST-85 (a matching amp only). Could never get VTL to reply to emails. Finally got VAC, but I'm sure the IT-85 would be nice. The Cary was also a consideration but the VAC gear was sexier. 
What's the best CD transport used under a grand
Here's an interesting thread I started on AA. Addresses this issue. FWIW, I just bought a Teac Esoteric P500 used on Ebay for less than $300. I may consider doing mods via Great Northern Sound.http://db.audioasylum.com/cgi/m.pl?forum=digital&n... 
Which DAC?
You should secure yourself a demo of the Ack dAck. Your gear will completely complement it. It's so analog sounding it's scary. I too have the Merlin VSM'M and it's totally intoxicating with my VAC amplification. I'd hate to overstate this, but it... 
Verity Fidelio, Alon Lotus Elite & Merlin VSM-M?
I used the Vandy 2Ci's for 6 years before upgrading to some Alon 1's. I loved both the Vandersteen and Alon house sound. But I just got the Merlin VSM's w/battery BAMs and all the latest tweaks about 6 months ago. All I can say is this is such a t... 
Best DAC for under $500
The Ack dAck is an extremely musical DAC that belies it's low price. Mine transformed my system with an utterly intoxicating sound. CD's sound so good I need to upgrade my vinyl rig to get it to catch up. All the good things you've read on this un... 
Integrated for Alon II mkII under $1200
I think you could get a variety of integrateds and get great sound. I have a pair of Model 1's I've been using for a few years and love their sound. I'd look at getting at least 100w/ch of SS. In looking through the AGon ads, a few that stuck out ... 
Merlin VSM-M and Bass
Bobby,My flooring is wood with pretty decent carpeting/padding. I just feel lucky it didn't go the other way and nail my VAC amp or gouge the finish by hitting something on the way down. When it fell it just landed perfectly on the side. I'm going... 
Which tube amp to buy?
Your price range is definitely limiting. If I were you, I'd look for the VAC PA100.100 which can be had around $1500 to $1700. Considering it lists for $4K and there are many out there, it's a very underrated amp. It also have the full bloom glory... 
Merlin VSM-M and Bass
I got the 6th toe mod and my bass is absolutely great. But on only 3 spikes the speakers tend to want to tip over. I have had two different heart attacks as my 5 year old inadvertently brushed the side of the speaker hard enough to actually knock ... 
VAC - any comments? Good or bad.
Earlier this year I got the VAC PA100.100 and a Standard Preamp LE edition. Even though I bought these both used, Kevin emailed me to welcome me to the VAC family. He really is a great guy to talk to. The PA100.100 is near their lowest model in se... 
Which speakers for top notch system
Merlin VSM-M.....you can save some money and still get a world beater.