Tim..Tough call..Muse is terribly unappreciated and rarely reviewed. Lamm has an incredible following though, so it sounds like you can't lose.
If you go to the Erato, I think you'll be very happy. What is it replacing? What are your speakers?
I did speak with Kevin about the Polyhymnia vs the Erato II. He said the Erato was much better and newer design...Bob |
I have an Erato II in my home system. It replaced a Krell, and I simply love it. The rest of my system is Edge NL 10.1, Nearfield Pipedreams, and Crystal Clear cables. The Erato is one of the best additions I've ever made. It is startling in clarity, speed, tonal balance, and wonderful in accuracy. It is feeding my Edge directly... |
Mitch2 Yes, I have the Attenuator module, and removing my preamp was a huge difference. Much cleaner, faster, more open, and much more detailed.
I am using a Rel sub with my Pipes , and the bass is deep, and very well defined. I have mainly owned Krell digital products, and this is miles ahead of them. I have heard several Esoteric and Audio Research, and prefer the Muse. It seems to take digital to a new level. When I added the Erato, it forced me to replace everything else in the system so I could see how far digital had come. Several conversations with Kevin at Muse convinced me it was worthwhile to try the attenuator module.
The control buttons are arranged with three buttons on each side of the face plate. I almost never use them, and use the "bulky" remote. It's easy. I spoke with Muse while doing my initial set-up, because you are correct..lousy instructions.I do not have a pressure sensitive screen.
I only bought this in the beginning because of a generous trade-in policy on my Muse Model 8 transport I was using when my Krell KPS 20i transport was in need of repair, and Krell could no longer fix it. Kevin Halverson is wonderful to deal with. I also spoke to Scot Markwell about this player... Bob |
The faceplate is black plastic and lights up with blue lights for info. The buttons are also in black plastic inside the same area...not outside on the gray.
The bigger remote gives you more video options which I don't need. The smaller remote would be fine. Are you still using the Muse preamp in your system? |
I agree about the disc tray...wait until broken in...sound is fantastic |
I have not heard the Sig 3. Kevin was suggesting the attenuator module and never said anything about other options.
Do you need a preamp for vinyl. or will you be digital only?
Tough call on the tube and SS comparison. I was usually a SS guy, but Edge made me look at SS very differently. It is the most relaxing, mellow and powerful combination I've ever heard. None of the SS fatigue I used to get. |
I agree with you about Muse. I've been told that Kevin is close to a recluse, and really doesn't want to grow the company. If you get him exchanging email directly with you, you will learn everything you need to know.
I think that his attenuator stage is active, but not positive.
Also, if you go to google and look up Muse you will find a dealer that handles Muse. Scot Markwell (former reviewer and I think Harry Pearson's assitant in set up) will talk to you about Muse products. |
Tim..did you buy it? Where were you getting the Erato? Bob |
Mitch, I really think it's worth considering. I found it to be a marked improvement over my Krell Preamp. Please let me know if/when you order and how it works out for you. I think it is an all out winner. Kevin is a genius...Bob |
Mitch, I'm glad to hear you're taking the action with Muse. You won't be dissatisfied. Let us all know how it works out. |
DeFride..saw your response about teh Erato. I was curious why your system and its makeup sound better now. I own the Erato and love it. Any info about how to select rest of system to compliment its strengths would be appreciated. Thanks, RKochies |
Defride...Thanks for the update. I use the Erato with the attenuated stage fed directly into my modified Edge NL10.1. It is very musical. The speakers are Nearfield Pipedreams and all cabling is Crystal Clear silvers. Also using Rel sub...I find it natural and relaxing...none of the old fatigue my Krell system presented. Thanks again, Bob Koch |
Mitch..did you ever get your Erato?? |
Wow, what service. Please let me know how your comparison of the attenuator option works. Thanks, Bob |
Mitch, did you ever receive your Erato? How did the attenuator stage work out? Bob Koch |
I guess the most important thing is that everything sounds great. Glad to see the attenuator seems close to the Muse's preamp. Happy listening. Bob |
I agree about the tray, but oh boy, what great sound for the money. Kevin is great designer. |
