Question for Merlin VSM/ARS Sonum owners

Thanks all,
An used Fila SE is on its way to my door :-)
I'll report back
Thanks
Thuan

If switch to Filarmonia can perform 8/10 of my current set up, then I would consider since I can pocket ~ $3K, less tubes to roll, save 2 rack slots, 1 pair of Cardas GR IC ($500).
Need more opinions from owners
Thanks
Thuan

Thanks for response,
If you need a sub to cover bottom octet, get a REL Storm III. This is what I have, blend in very well with my VSM.
BTW: I have the super BAM which has both RCA and XLR in/output

BTW:
I have some Amperex PQ 6922 white label from previous CJ pre - and I will roll with existing tube for sure
For E34L - not sure if I can roll with EL34 or 6CA7 since I have quite a few matched quad from my TAD60

Which name brand is best for these E34L ? How about 5814/12AU7 pair ?
Thanks
Thuan

Hi all,
After 3 weeks of listen to my new Filar SE with stock tubes, here is my comments in comparing to my existing Cary SLP05/CAD120S:
Cary pair give more punch, body, and detail. Sound is rounder (?) even at low volume.
I would give 7/10. Now, I'm satisfy - ARS Sonum can do so much, but not miracle.
I'm keeping the Cary pair!

Yes, actually a bit unfair since my Cary pair are loaded with NOS (kenrad black bottle 6SN7s, Mullard Blackburn 5AR4, Gold Lion reissue KT88) along with Herbie tube damper rings on all tubes and Revelation Audio Labs umbilical cord - About $1500 worth upgrade

I'm totally agree with you, Pubul57
Having Cary running with Merlin for sometimes, I always feel like trying the Ars (just to make sure I don't miss anything :-))
Now I'm happy knowing the fact - I'll give it a try with Amperex PQ white label 6922 and a pair of Amperex Bugleboy 12AU7 Holland along with Herbie tube damper ring. Just want to test it out

Hi all,
Just want report back on tube roll of my Filar.
I swapped with Amperex 6922 PQ white label USA - result finer detail on high freq, mid-range is smoother.
Next swapped the orig JAN 5814-A's with a pair of Amperex Bugle Boy 12AU7 Holland - result incredible bass, stronger and tighter.
Overall result is excellent for the money (~$150)
If your combo is lacking bass, try a pair Amperex Bugle boy :-)
PS: I also place 3/4 lb heavyhat Mapleshade (x3) on each of the tranformer- not sure if they're help (have some lay around)
My next step will be trying Herbie Ultrasonic tube damper

Mr. T
Best place for 12Ax7/6922 tubes is Brent Jessee (google it)
Like I said, spent $150 just to know your amp limit is cheap compare to buy a pair of CGR IC - If you don't like them, unload them here.
I do like my result - PS: my Filar SE is 2007 production. It's getting better and better every day :-)
And remember: a dollar spent on room tune worth more than $10 spent on equipment :-)
Happy listening

I took Bobby advice to go back to Filar's original tubes, live with them for a month. Then I roll back with Amperex Bugle and PQ - I still prefer the Amperex sounding.
Like playing LP, you live with minor hum, click, pop but the analog sound is so rich compare to digital that people just forgive.

Hi Bobby,
Roll tubes did not affect the sound stage.
I follow your advice moving speakers 8ft apart and the seating 10ft from speakers - sound stage get wider and stereo separation is better than previous set up.
Now I need to "dial-in" final spot base on Jim Smith's instruction in "Get Better Sound" - It's time consuming :-)

Yes, I moved on to SET tube: Cary CAD-805C monos
Gotta love them. Its sound is so rich due to 300B and 845 tubes combo. Cost me a small fortune to roll with WE300B and RCA 845
And Bobby is working on my Master BAM and RC