The Lounge is in the house. Received it from S Clark on last Friday and I've done some initial listtening (nothing serious yet) since then. For this test I've combined it with a Choir Audio Hashimoto SUT to give me the same gain structure as my Herron VTPH-1MC.
First on deck - Music Matters release of Goin' Up by Freddie Hubbard. (I was playing this through the Herron a couple of days before and it was still on the platter.) My initial impression is that the piano is more present, as is the bass. Not only more present, but there's a greater separation between the 2 instruments. Also a greater sense of the room. The horns sound fine, and I'm hearing more of the gain riding on Hubbard. The left channel is almost non-existent when he is sitting out, but right before he starts, the ambient field just opens up!
Next up was America Homecoming. This is a WB green label. I started with side 2, paying attention to "Cornwall Blank" (the second cut). This has an interlude that starts with 2 guitars and then cymbals coming in on the second measure. The cymbals sounded more "colorful" and distinct than I remember hearing before, and there seems to be more air.
Last night I played Oregon, In Concert (Vanguard). Again, there seems to be more air present around high percussion. Triangles sounded incredible. The presentation also sounds more transparent.
What I'm hearing is very promising, I'm just not sure if I'm hearing the Lounge, the SUT, or just having my Frog loaded differently, or mre than likely a combination of all above.
Stay tuned for more.