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. 

@mrdecibel , Why, thank you very much.  The same to you!  
I’m currently waiting for a technician to install my new DAC (the same as the old one but with a volume control function on it.  I’m unable to untangle my system by myself.

Thanks!

I’ve just initiated one of the best fixes I’ve ever done.  I swapped my Benchmark DAC 3B for the Benchmark DAC3 HGC with a volume control function on it.  I’ve never had a volume remote control before.  I’ve always had to get up and down to change volume (due to the fact that I have an upgraded vintage 1990’s preamp.).   
What a difference!  Every recording has a unique dynamic character.  Now I can effortlessly change the sound to fit the performance.

@mrdecibel 

First of all, you are certainly NOT a terrible person.  You’ve certainly been a very helpful person to me. 
Believe it or not I’ve been getting some incredible advice from ChatGPT.  It was that AI source that suggested I obtain the new Benchmark DAC with remote audio capacity.  AND, they outlined the best use of the volume control on the preamp. They suggested that I turn the volume control way up on the CJ to between 2 and 3 o’clock thereby getting the best sound from the high quality tubed preamp. Then, adjust the Benchmark DAC accordingly. The results are wonderful.  Best sound I’ve yet gotten.

Should have read: How does the N200 stack up against the N20?

@dwest1023 

Thank you for your kind words.

How does the N20 stack up against the N200?

@dwest1023 

Thanks for the response.