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Upgrade from Merlin VSM-M to What?
Chris Squire, Tony Levin & Mike Rutherford all vote for the speaker mod! ;-)Cheers,Spencer 
Upgrade from Merlin VSM-M to What?
Just call Bobby @ Merlin & talk it over w/him. Your other gear might determine which upgrade makes more sense. He is the most trustworthy you'll find, and he knows what he is doing. His advice is hard to beat. Cheers,Spencer 
Shelter 501 II owners: how long is the break-in?
James,I upgraded from nothing. It was a return after a long vinyl hiatus for me. A few months ago, I upgraded to a ZYX Airy3, which was done at the same time I upgraded my table & arm. (see my system page, "Spencer's Funhouse" for details) The... 
Shelter 501 II owners: how long is the break-in?
James, it was long ago. My vague recollection is that the bass was a little muddy out of the chute, and highs were very extended. After break-in, I was very pleased with perforance, and amazed at relative to its price. It's a great value IMHO. Che... 
turntable upgrade
Buy used if you can. You will suffer little to zero depreciation on a good table such as a Scout. You also get a good upgrade path w/the Scout. IMHO it's the best of the choices you mentioned. Others I'd recommend thinking about are the Scheu w/Mo... 
Tube, hybrid or solid state for Merlin TSM-MMs?
Based on Bobby's recommendations, I put together a great combo at similar price points to use w/TSM-MXs.Audio Analogue Puccini ss integratedBel Canto DAC2Pioneer DVD player as transport. We used Signal Cable all around (my recommendation to my bud... 
Is Apogee in a class by itself among planars?
The Analysis Ribbons at CES sounded pretty awesome, and reminded of the best Apogee systems that I've heard. See photo/desc. in Olsher's show report...http://enjoythemusic.com/ces2006/olsher/ Cheers,Spencer 
Which cartridge is the Imaging/soundstaging champ
Jdolgin,As it's clear that you'd like to hear about some direct experience with JMW9 & Airy2, I can offer semi-relevant experience. I'm currently using a JMW12.6 with the Airy3-S-SB. It strikes me and many visitors as a very good combination. ... 
Given Avalon Eidleon is considered one of the best
Chazzbo,This is an interesting thread. I had a similar experience in ownership to that of Tireguy; my Radian HCs "left me wanting more". For me, the more was MORE INVOLVEMENT. Many blame the Spectral electronics that I used with the Avalons, but I... 
Can anyone help me find blues song from episode of
Theirs a great Simply Vinyl reissue of The Harder They Come soundtrack for you vinyl lovers...Cheers,Spencer 
Which cartridge is the Imaging/soundstaging champ
Jim,Interesting question! One element of the performance of the ZYX cartridges is that they all seem to reduce surface noise. I believe I've read here that some attribute that to the microridge stylus shape. I'm not sure if that's what does it, bu... 
Which cartridge is the Imaging/soundstaging champ
Jdolgin,I might have thought that as well, but it hasn't been the case in what I've heard on Slipknot1's JMW9-now Signature with the 501II. At least one of the big websites/catalog outfits(forget if it's musicdirect, or elusivedisc) markets this c... 
Which cartridge is the Imaging/soundstaging champ
Shelter 501II, Zyx Airy2, and Sumiko Celebration should all be on your list. The Shelter is a good sounding match with your arm/table. I've heard the combo many times, and it clearly outperformed a Dynavector Karat 17D2 on the same table. Cheers,S... 
Shelter 501 II owners: how long is the break-in?
100-150 hours. Cheers,Spencer 
What is an Audiophile?
Someone who is willing to endure the ridicule of his family & "normal" friends for hearing the improvements caused by :- raquetballs under CD players- metal spikes under speakers, - lifting cables off the carpet- cleaning stylus with Magic Era...