Why the switch from Kharma/Tenor to DarTZeel/VSA

Well Brian, ideally you're correct, but if one is fortunate enough to be exposed to different gear the chance of finding something that "seems" better presents itself. It's an individual choice that people make to the best of their ability. Such as going from Atmaspheres to JC-1's. And I'd hardly classify as guinea pigs anyone wanting to purchase a pair of Sound Labs and drive them with the JC-1's if they like it better than their previous amp/speaker combo. I've heard it and it sounds great. Happy for them. Or even moving up in a given product line. Even those at their ideal stopping point had to get there somehow. And those that never do? Well, if they've the disposable income to swap out gear ad infinitum, so what? What's the harm? Why are people seemingly insulted and take issue with that? If some have a problem with that, well that's exactly what it is: their problem. And somewhat petty at that. I really don't want to get into a pissing contest here. I have neither the energy, nor prostate, for it. I'm happy and enjoy this hobby, and don't begrudge anyone for whatever moves they make. I'm not personally offended by any change anyone makes, regardless of how many and seemingly ludicrous. If I was, it's time to look more closely at me than them.

Well Stimpy, it's sounding like you need to lower your dose :^)

Brian, I can certainly see your POV and don't necessarily disagree. As I stated earlier, the ideal would be to hit it right the first time and listen blissfully everafter. And I too would feel badly for someone who struggles and comes up short. But I do think some changes aren't out of frustation that ones system sounds like excrement, but that even though happy with the sound, something that sounds/mates better becomes an option. Then obviously the pecunia is the rate limiting factor. How many changes is too much? I guess that's up to the individual, but I certainly am not going to judge or criticize them. I've read that you call someone who has lived through many mistakes experienced. So at least I've got that going for me. Which is nice. Enjoy your system, I've heard the SL's and JC's and thought they were outstanding. You perhaps have reached the last stop. I think I'll go and enjoy mine now also. Cheers, Mark

Back to the question from Thom: I had the opportunity to A/B the DartTzeel side by side with the Tenor 300's, for an extended period. I purchased the DartTzeel, not out of any problems with the Tenors but because in my system the Dart sounded better. Quieter, more dynamic, equally if not more adept at staging, and the sweetest amp I have heard. No ss amp, or tube for that matter renders instruments and voice with such lifelike realism. The extremes are beautifully represented with deep powerful bass and shimmering highs without any brightness or etching. The Tenor is an outstanding amp, but in my system the DarTzeel sounds better. I know Mike feels differently, and that's OK. I'm OK with agreeing to disagree. I also have ordered a pair of Von Schweikert VR-9's after having heard some of the other speakers in the line, although obviously I haven't heard the 9 since none have been finished yet. I have the jr's as an interim while the 9's are being built, and if I hadn't paid for the 9's already, might have just kept the jr's. Dynamic, musical, very good bass for the size, and imaging demons. I also heard them in NY at the show, and although quite impressive, that demo didn't really exploit what the speaker can do. I was in the fortunate position to have the Tenors and DarTzeel still in my possesion as well as the jr's and Kharma Midi Grands, and had a lot fun playing. The Kharma's are a beautiful speaker, but to my ear other than being slightly more refined, had nothing on the jr's, which frankly was quite a surprise. This isn't comparing the $120K 11's to the Midi Grand, this is the $3995 jr. This is a killer little speaker and continues to knock my socks off. So to answer your question Thom, I changed because I had the opportunity to demo various combinations between 2 amps and 2 pairs of speakers, and found unequivicaly I preferred the DarTzeel/VS combo.Which is not to take anything from the Tenors or Mids's, both extraordinary in their own right, and those owning them may well disagree with me and prefer what they have. And that's OK too. Good on ya. And other than lugging heavy gear up and down steps to my listening room, it was fun as hell.

Brian , I'm sorry, but statements like that shed no positive light on you as an individual. Let alone as a dealer.