Where should I go next? Where are my weak links?

Wow, thank you all for the suggestions. I actually agree with all of you.

1. Enjoy the music, yep, I'm definitely doing that. My system is good enough, it presents a solid enough illusion of realism that it takes an effort to actually listen critically, system wise that is...

2. I consider the Linto to be the weakest link in the system. I believe it is a competent phono stage, but not a remarkable one. I have been lusting after the Steelhead for a long time, but don't know what it could really do for my system. I've never really had an opportunity to hear a really good tubed phono stage. I've thought of selling my Linto and the Shrimp in order to acquire the Steelhead.
Yeah, the Chinook is a temptation. I know nothing of the Lamm, but I imagine that it is very good. Why is it better than the Steelhead?

3. The Furman has worked very well for me. It definitely helps reduce my noise floor without impacting adversely on the dynamics of my system. I have not tried any other conditioners excepting a Monster. The Monster did nothing for me. I imagine that there are much better conditioners out there, definitely an avenue I am willing to pursue.

4. I really like my Scout. I have used two different cartridges on it. I originally had the Dynavector that VPI recommended with it, but then I moved on to the Benz. The Scout may not be a world class turntable, but it certainly revealed the differences between cartridges, and it definitely exploits my Benz Micro's potential. The Benz was a big step up in my system. Funny, the thought of switching to the Amadeus is one that I just started considering yesterday. The Amadeus' reviews are intriguing, but I think I need to improve my phono stage first.

5. Tubes... My Manley amps are currently sporting Tung Sol 6SL7 input tubes, Westinghouse 6SN7 drivers and TJ Mesh 300B power tubes. I am replacing the TJ Mesh tubes in short order because I believe they are reaching the end of their lifetimes. I have been driving them pretty hard for 6 years and their previous owner used them for another four. I can definitely hear a bit of tube rush coming from them when the system is idle. I would love to replace them with Takatsukis, but they are too dear for my current budget. I am considering Psavanes at this point. My Shrimp is driven by a pair of Mullard 12AT7 tubes. I doubt I can find a better driver for my Shrimp.

So, if you can bear with me for a little longer, I have a few questions for you guys...

Syntax, why is the Lamm better than the Steelhead? Won't I get better synergy with the Steelhead, sticking with Manleys throughout?

Shakey, I am really intrigued by the Amadeus, but I'm afraid that it might be a little too complicated for me to use on a daily basis. My Scout is really plug and play, totally hassle free. Is the Amadeus easy to use? Also, do you think it would be synergistic with my Benz cartridge or would I also need to be thinking of a cartridge change.

Bigshutterbug, what amplifier stands do you suggest?

Charles1dad, I understand that you live in Michigan. I am in Ann Arbor. I have fantasized about a system just like yours since I first purchased my 300b amps (6 years ago). I would love to hear your system one day...

Rauliruegas, I don't know enough electronic engineering to see where the impedance mismatch between my Manley amps and the Zu Essences lies. The Zus are a 12 ohm speakers and the Manleys have a 12 ohm tap. I don't understand where you find the impedance mismatch. Please forgive my ignorance and try to enlighten me...

Once again, many thanks for your kind and thoughtful answers.

Cheers,

Ivan

Dear me, where to start? I did a little reading on impedance matching between amplifiers and speakers, so I think I have a better understanding of the mechanics involved at this point than before. I believe Rauliruegas is sincere and forthright in his criticism of my amplifier mismatch. But, I also believe that he is being overly dogmatic about the value of accuracy as it pertains to systems that are, ultimately, nothing but generators of illusion. I am not dismissing accuracy. I just think that there are other factors--aside from a flat impedance curve for speakers or a low output impedance in an amplifier--that bear upon the production of a convincing illusion. My speaker/amp combination may shelve down the treble and roll off part of the lower midrange, but I am willing to accept those 'flaws' as a fair compromise when balanced against other sonic virtues such as deeper soundstages, tonal beauty, warmth, lively dynamics, etc. Rauliruegas' insistence on low output impedances for amplifiers puts every low powered SET amplifier out of the race as regards quality sound reproduction. I do not think that is anywhere near 'right.' My own amplifier/speaker mismatch provides a reproduction of musical events with a palpable presence that, I believe, would be hard to match by most other quantifiably accurate systems. Rauliruegas may claim that I am merely flattering my ears with misguidedly pleasant colorations, he may be right. I don't deny that I want my system to please me. I thought that was the point.

With all due respect and wholehearted regards,

Ivan

Charles1dad,

Thanks for the offer to lend me the tubes, but I'm afraid that my amps require 4 300b rather than the two in your Franks. I just ordered a set of the Psavanes and --as per Mechans recomendation-- I am switching my 6SN7 drivers also. My Manleys can run single ended or push pull so they bear 4 300b tubes. I think I will switch my Manleys for a pair of Franks someday. The Franks are reputedly better, not to mention how much cheaper they are to tube roll. I would love to hear your system someday. I am very curious to hear how your Coincident + Franks differ from my Manley + Zu. I am also very curious about your digital front end. I have a Peachtree iDecco which sounds very good to me, but I am sure that your digital seriously outclasses mine. Also, why no vinyl? Your system seems to be begging for some...

Warm regards,

Ivan

More:

Roscoeii, I will be attending AK Fest. I went a few years back, it was loads of fun. Perhaps we can meet there? Stop tempting me with the Well Tempered Amadeus. It was bad enough to hear from Shakey that he loves it with my same cartridge... I'm starting to think about a turntable change prior to the phonostage change. I was not considering a turntable change at all, previously that is...

Learsfool, I don't think you know good this subwoofer is. It is literally invisible. It has a volume control, a phase switch and a crossover frequency dial. I have the volume at the max. It does not matter. The true volume control is the crossover dial. It blends in so seamlessly with the speakers that I often forget that it is not even running. I often realize, after a few records, when I put on something that calls for deep bass, that I've forgotten to switch the damned thing on.

Cheers & thanks,

Ivan

Charles1dad,

Thank you for your incredibly kind offer. I certainly would love to hear your amps. I bet we could learn quite a bit from hearing them in both systems. Before I got the Zu speakers I ran my Manleys on a pair of RBHs which sported a similar D'Appolito array as your Coincidents. They sounded glorious with the RBHs, but due to a lower efficiency I could only listen to fairly moderate sound levels. I imagine, very generally, that your Coincidents have a similar presentation as my RBHs, but with greater dynamics. The RBHs threw a very different soundstage than the Zu, very, very deep behind the speakers. The Zu are astoundingly dynamic in comparison--they really can startle you on the attack--and they present a very broad very wide soundstage. I don't know if you have ever heard your amps on a single driver speaker. I assure you that it is a peculiar experience. I think that you would enjoy listening to your system with my Zu Essences. I think that the differences would be enlightening to us both... I don't know how to contact you privately, but I'll peruse Audiogon systems and send you an email with my phone #.

Warm regards,

Ivan