I've been so busy listening to this sytem that I haven't had a chance to take updated pictures since I added Merlin VSM-MM Speakers and the Joule Electra LA-100 MK III pre.
I picked up the Merlins, and at first used them with my old ARC SP-8. But it wasn't a great match...a bit lean and clinical. After talking with Bobby at Merlin, I decided to match the Merlins with the Joule Electra preamp....That creates magic. My search is over.......at least for now.
I picked up an 8 month old pair of these locally. Called Bobby at Merlin, who talked me through the setup personally. Once matched with the Joule Electra preamp, magic happened.
Joule Electra LA-100 mkIII
Matching this preamp with the Merlin VSM-MM speakers was the best thing I've ever done for my system.
VPI Scoutmaster w/ JMW9 Signature
The JMW9 Signature tonearm was a huge upgrade over the stock JMW9. (currently using a Dynavector 20X-H cartridge)
Joule Electra OPS-1
I replace my ARC SP-8 preamp w/ phonostage with the Joule Electra LA-100 Mk III. So, it was a natural decision to replace the phonostage with the Joule OPS-1. Good Decision!!!
VPI SDS
Constant current/speed control for the Scoutmaster.
Target VW-2 Turntable Shelf
I replaced the top MDF shelf with a 1 and 1/4 inch granite shelf for the Scoutmaster.
Wadia 861SE w/ GNSC Statement Mod
This is a Wadia 861b, with Statement Modification and SE upgrade done by Steve Huntley at Great Northern Sound Company.
Critical Mass Systems Wadia 861 Platform
This platform was custom made for the Wadia by Joe Lavrencik at Critical Mass Systems. The Wadia sits on energy absorbing material, which decouples it from the rack. The platform feet are alloyed titanium for vibration damping where contact is made with the shelf. The platform is designed to dampen both airborne and internal component vibrations, and it acts as a shield against radio frequencies.
Counterpoint SA220/NP220 Premium Gold
This is the SA220 with Mike Elliott's (Alta Vista Audio) Premium Gold upgrade to NP220. As you know, it is actually a hybrid amp, with tubes, and a solid state output.
Cardas Neutral Reference I/C
Scoutmaster to the Joule Electra OPS-1 phono stage.
Coincident I/C
Scoutmaster to OPS-1; OPS-1 to Joule LA-100
coincident CST 1 Speaker Cables
One day when I have a lot of disposable income, I will try the Cardas Golden Reference speaker cables...but until then these do the job very nicely.
When I first got the Wadia, I did an A/B comparision of going straight to the amp versus going through the Placette.
I came to two conclusions.
First, IMHO, the Placette is virtually transparent and does not add or detract anything to the audio quality. So, going through the Placette has no detrimental effect on the sound. Occasionally, I would think that dynamics were SLIGHTLY impacted by going through the Placette, but then I would switch back and forth, and couldn't repeat the phenomenon with the same music and volume. So I deduced that the difference was likely due to variations in the AC power, which in my locale, is sometimes really bad.
Second, I think there is a noticeable benefit by using the Placette, in that I can keep the Wadia's digital volume control at 100, and use the Placette to attenuate the volume. Again, IMHO, I believe the Wadia sounds best when the volume is at 100.
I'm using the Audes Blues. They create a very detailed image, with nice extension on both ends, and a well balanced midrange. They are an incredible value, especially when purchased used, as I did. You can read more about them here:
