Tweaking my Merlin VSM-Mme's


Very pleased with the improvements made by two new things that Chris Johnson at Parts ConneXion made for me:

 1) New jumpers made out of Dueland DCA16Ga tinned copper wire to replace the OEM single core Cardas jumpers.

Just changing the jumpers made a noticeable improvement in tone and dynamics.

2) Custom RC networks made with the Caddock resistor that Merlin uses and the Jupiter Copper Foil, Paper and Wax capacitors

While both have less than 20 hours playing time on them, the combination of new RC networks and jumpers results in more spacious, more natural, more dynamic, and more live sounding music from the Merlins. 

Next improvement - BAM upgraded to "Master" specs but with the Jupiter capacitors instead of Duelands.  
128x128cellcbern
@cellcbern Thanks for the info.  Update the thread as you get more time on them.  I bet they'll continue to improve.
Rich Brkich at Signature Sound recently upgraded my Super BAM to Master specification including the Cardas Clear wire, but I had him install the Jupiter capacitors instead of the made for Merlin Dueland VSF variant. It is in shipment to me so I can't comment on the sound yet.
"Master" BAM  with Jupiter capacitors (instead of Dueland) is a big improvement over the Super BAM - lower noise floor, better dynamics, more natural tone. etc.  "Cooked" it for 48 hours with the Hagerman Fry Baby 2, but the capacitors will require some break-in.  Very pleased with the Merlin mods so far.