Hey Guys...........I need to mention that the audition protocol that Rich described was, for me, quite a learning experience. Sonny Rollins' "I'm an Old Cowhand" ("Way Out West" with Ray Brown and Shelley Manne) and Bill Evans' "Waltz for Debbie" (with Scott LaFaro and Paul Motian) were our two main demo cuts, and Rich was very patient with showing me the improvement with each step up the audio ladder. "Boss Tenor" was the icing on the cake. The analog audition through Rich's Merlin speakers and Joule tube amps was incredible.
The Herbie's mat sounded cleaner and "less fuzzy" than the Rega felt, and the TT-PSU seemed to extend the back depth of the soundstage and to create a better defined bottom
end. I plan on enjoying my new table "as is" for the next few weeks, and then I'll probably buy the Herbie's mat. The TT-PSU will be my next upgrade, and then I plan on spending the next few years firmly seated in "audio nirvana", in front of my Rega, Rogue, and Vandersteens.
When I got home and set up the new table (real easy, since Rich did all the work at his place), I played Grant Green, Wayne Shorter, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, and The Allman Brothers. My wife came down to my listening room and said, basically, "Wow.....that new Rega thing sounds awesome !" So, boys and girls, I guess I did good.
Happy Holidays to all, and Happy Listening !!
