When I got into higher end stuff(had sound dynamics 300ti's and home made pass a40 amp and sony cd player) 3 years back it was with merlin's, followed advice here from goners and bought a sim w-5 since it was well reviewed by mags too. Then came the matching pre p-5, with the slow developement of the vpi tnt turntable stuck with tubed phono stages other than the jlti I got the ear 834p and K&K phono.
I don't have enough experience with various equipment to quantify which is better but have to say what I am hearing at home approaches what I hear in the concert hall. And when I visit showrooms I don't hear better than what I have but of course I am bias.
I will add I.M. Humblest O. I think the Simaudio is first rate. So is the K&K which beats the other two by small margin.
BTW I believe I lucked out and soon will realize that more so when I experiment with cables and the matching of the cartridge to the arm.
I will certainly go to tubes, when finances allow.
I don't have enough experience with various equipment to quantify which is better but have to say what I am hearing at home approaches what I hear in the concert hall. And when I visit showrooms I don't hear better than what I have but of course I am bias.
I will add I.M. Humblest O. I think the Simaudio is first rate. So is the K&K which beats the other two by small margin.
BTW I believe I lucked out and soon will realize that more so when I experiment with cables and the matching of the cartridge to the arm.
I will certainly go to tubes, when finances allow.