In response to the CD comparison between the Sony and the Oppo. Feeding the Sony through the Benchmark seems to sound the best but it's splitting hairs, the DACs in both the Oppo and the Benchmark sound fantastic.

Ah the HUM! I have SOLVED the hum issue. I traced every component and connection and it turned out to be the audio feed in from my digital cable tuner that was the culprit. I liked to listen to concerts on Palladium. I now route the sound through my computer and into the Benchmark, NO HUM!!! Also working with the gain switches on the RM-9 helps. I keep it set to med and it sounds great. Truly a class above the rest this tube amp, no question...

kwe78 July 16, 2010 04:32

I'm a fellow RM9 owner and also use an Audio Research LS15 pre. Very satisfying combo! Coincidentally, my RM9 also sits on the top of my rack, looks mighty pretty, don't she!?;) One of these days I'll get around to posting pics of the rig.

Re: the hum. I moved from a house in GA. to an apt. in FL. this past yr. In GA. my system was dead silent and yet in FL. I've got this minor hum. Event though it isn't audible at all when playing music it's like an itch I can't reach, yaknowwadI'msayin'!? Especially frustrating since I KNOW that the same exact rig was silent prior to the move. I've re-checked my connections, changed tubes, and tried switching IC's with no results. I simply had to accept the (apparent) fact that the fault lies with where I'm living and NOT my system. But man....that itch!!!!;)

chazro July 10, 2010 17:43

Nice system. Have you ever compared the Sony and the Oppo for CD?

Mark

mhedges July 10, 2010 15:05

System edited: Just added the Music Reference RM-9 and I'm in heaven. Will need to change out the tubes so I'm starting fresh. I'll be beginning my education in the fascinating world of tubes and tube rolling, WHAT FUN! Just getting into the details of this amps sonic characteristics and I'm thrilled! It seems to really pair well with the Sonus Fabers. I'm currently feeding it through the pre outs on the Music Hall Maven and frankly I'm surprised how good it sounds. Having a bit of a hum issue though. I'm sure that there are plenty of Music Reference RM-9 experts out there that might be able to help me with that one. For now I'm locked in a room listening to as many of my records as I can and rediscovering the MUSIC!!!

kwe78 March 01, 2010 07:52

System edited: Good point about the bed. Makes sharing the system a bit awkward to be sure. Still guests sure get a comfortable place to sleep eh? I tried to pick a picture that would better relate the speakers to the listening area small thought it may be. Suffice to say that I tweaked the Sonus Fabers endlessly attempting to get the sweet spot just right. Finally got it perfect and was well worth the effort. The imaging is amazing, sound stage deep with vocals and centered instruments floating middle and slightly back. Would be nice to have a comfortable couch instead but for now its a bed with a major audiophile bent...

kwe78 February 16, 2010 05:38

Really great budget setup! Smart choices in your gear. It's hard to see exactly how the speakers translate to the listening position from the pics. My advice would be to buy a sofa/sleeper or a futon and move that bed out of there. The rest of the room looks fantastic. I love how neat and clean your gear and music is arranged. Excellent. I want to come over and listen. :)

jaxwired February 15, 2010 13:14