Posted by BadgerDMS (A) on May 06, 2005 at 10:41:41

Hi Rich,

For whatever reason, I've never stumbled into your little corner of the asylum before and hope you don't mind a couple questions. I've got Merlin VSM-MXs (at least I will when Bobby finishes the upgrade in a couple of weeks), a Joule Electra LA-150 (upgraded from the 100), Joule Electra VZN-160 monoblocks, a VPI Scoutmaster TT with a Benz M2 going through a Rogue Stealth and an Ayre CX-7e CD player. Current power cords are a combination Cardas Golden, Audience and Silent Source (moving between the preamp, phono stage and CD player--haven't decided what I like best yet).

My next big step is either a new phono stage (probably Joule) or some power conditioning. The products on my short list for power conditioning are the Walker Audio Velocitor, Sound Application Linestage and Audience Adept Response. I know you have lots of experience with a lot of my equipment and most of these products so I was curious to find out if any one is a "better" choice than the others (or is there something cheaper that I shouldn't ignore). Also, what might be the important differences that I should know about. Thanks for your help.

Dave

• Re: Merlin Power Conditioning - Rich Brkich 20:13:12 05/08/05 (1)
  In Reply to: Merlin Power Conditioning posted by BadgerDMS on May 6, 2005 at 10:41:41:

  I'm more of the active power conditioner type and more of a fan of units like the PS Audio power regenerators, PS power line filters and equi=tech balanced power line units.

  I don't recall having any experience with Sound Apllication units and the Audience unit is new and I have not tried one yet as well I have no direct experience with the Walker Velocitor to date, so I do not know if I am of going to be of great help here. All these unit are well built and I'm sure they have good effects... the issue here to asess thier different strenghts and how they would relate to your needs and system. The Walker unit makes extensive use of Cryo'd treated parts which can have rather significant effects on the noise (lower) dynamics (greater) and linearity (improved)...

  Please keep in mind that any power conditioner is only as good as the power cords connected to it, so make sure you do not skimp there.... certain power cords can even replace the needs for certain types of power conditoners becuase the way they work.

  That's all I have for now...
  
  Happy Listening,
  Rich Brkich
  Retailer & Audio Asylum Industry Liaison
  
  

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  • Thanks Rich - BadgerDMS 07:09:16 05/09/05 (0)
    In Reply to: Re: Merlin Power Conditioning posted by Rich Brkich on May 8, 2005 at 20:13:12:

    I know you have spent a lot of time hearing Merlin-Joule combos so I thought I would see what your take was. I've read some good things about Equi=Tech so that might be something else to add to my list.

    Dave
    
    

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