Test

You’re both right.  I really don’t know how it should sound for certain.  
I didn’t want to sound immodest.  It just sounds incredible to me.

Thank you all for your kind words.

Didn’t do anything except raise the volume level which brought the music to life.

@ghprentice

The major improvement Came when i acquired the Aurender 200 streamer.  
Sounds at least as good as a CD or most SACDs.

@spenav 

Yes you are right, it is the way I like it.  But as far as the Mercury Sampler goes, the instruments never sounded so real before without distortion as in the previous incarnations of my setup. 
 

BTW, I listened to the Qobuz version of the recording, not the original disc (which I also own.)

@mrdecibel 

All the best to you as well.  
I do have a pair of headphones. Probably not the quality of yours. 
I don’t listen to them much anymore.

I’ve been playing several Mercury CDs lately. I find the three microphone approach works very well in capturing an orchestra.  I used to think the Mercury sound was dry and brittle, but on my current setup it’s not antiseptic, but full-bodied and natural. I concede there is a lack of hall sound, but it’s as though you’re sitting in the middle of the orchestra, or in the first few rows of the auditorium.
The overall effect is believable.