[Inscrutable]

Carl and all,
Really hated to miss this one.  We're in the final death throes of the move(s) from hell.  Hope to come up for air (or something more vital, like tequila) soon.  I have an emergency system set up, but with completely bare walls and subfloor and not one but two TV's between the speakers, its like breathing thru smelly sweatsocks ... it'll keep you alive, but you wonder why bother.

Claud, can't wait to hear the EE phono pre on the upgraded Merlins, and the modded Ushers with the M520 Carl.  Is that going to be a keeper over the DK?  Hope your pandemonium has eased a bit too, Carl.

[Carlman]

I am standing between 2 tables and on a bundle of wires as I type... as we are in the midst of the big carpet install.  My wife and I get to share the temporary office.... which is the end of a table with a chair!  Obviously, it's not my turn. ha.

The EE provides a similar level of sound quality but in a completely different way than the DK.  Tube rolling both to my optimal level would likely produce 2 different sounds that would still be extremely enjoyable.  I've rolled a dozen tubes throught the DK to get it to sound more like the EE's sound.  Bill's sending me some new tubes for the EE now... which will likely take the EE up a notch...  So, I don't know what will end up being the keeper yet but I will know sometime soon...

Thanks for coming up for air and posting... Glad to hear you're in the home stretch... or at least rounding the bases...

PM me if you need help with anything.

-Carl

[sheadlee]

Tim,

We did miss you!

Did you move your personal residence...as well as your daughter's? If so, you have my sympathy!!!

I've decided, that if I were ever to move (again), then I'm going to accomplish that task with a BIG box of matches   !!!!

[claud]

Got a call from Bobby at Merlin today. They are shipping them out this afternoon. They just stripped out wires, crossovers,  etc and replaced them with new upgraded cyroed parts.  I should have them Friday or Monday. They are supposed to sound better right out of the box and improve for 200 hours.

[Carlman]

 That's great news, Claud.  

I have experienced a bit of improvement on my Usher's since you last heard them... Can't wait till we've both got 200 or so hours on them...

BTW, I'm getting on the list to audition the ACI Sapphire XL's.  I need to start planning my '06 purchases..    I'll let you know if the stars align and we can have all 3 together for comparison.

[Inscrutable]

Thanks for the thoughts and offers.  Yes Steve, I think you've got the right idea.  Hired a couple movers for the heavy stuff, and even one of them threw his back out (early in the process, of course).  So I jumped in to finish, and I wasn't walking much for a few days. Worst part is we still have one more move in front of us later this year.  But I think the one after that I'll be going feet first.

The listing on the house went active this morning, and I'm down to finishing the garage and under the house.  Then maybe we can get the townhouse liveable.

If I can surface for air and take a break, Bering Strait is playing the Cary Community Center tonight.  I may have played a track of theirs at the last meet at my place.  They're the Russian bluegrass/folk/country band.  let me know if any of you might want to meet up and go.

[Bill Baker]

Greetings all,
 SOunds like everyone had a great time at this session. Regardless of what they heard, sounds like a bunch of people that get along and have a good time. Music will always come second to friendships. I wish I could have been there. (I could use more friends )

 In regard to the speakers, I am glad to hear that most people found them to be a good and justified overall upgrade.

 With more feedback now coming in from other people owning the latest "Silver and Oil" versions, it seems that 200 hours is just the beginning of their breaking in. There is also a Teflon capacitor in series with the tweeter and most of the feedback is stating that 400+ hours is needed for the upper frequencies to settle down and come into focus. In fact, the first 150 hours can be difficult.
 With the midrange and bass, most are saying about 200-250 minimum.

 I had over 800 hours on my persoanl pair of Usher 7388 speakers that used this modification in the midrange and they did take well over 250 hours to come into focus.

 I am obviously eager to hear further impressions after many more hours are on these speakers.

 I want to thank everyone for their honest thoughts. Obviously, we all have different taste and preference and I knew it would be the crew here at the Circle to provide unbiased feedback. Never a doubt in my mind. If everyone was 100% on the same page, there would be no credibility in a listening session.

[Carlman]

I just installed a new dedicated outlet and can already hear some burn-in effects there...  Man, what a huge difference the EE tube integrated displays on a dedicated outlet!  Wow!

Anyway, I don't think I'm going to change anything for a while so, I'm just going to let it all play for the next few weeks... just play and play...

I sent Bill an email telling him I still thought the highs were a little too bright... that was yesterday afternoon.  After an overnight burn-in on the new outlet and integrated amp, the highs are sound very good... and not too bright at all.... So, we shall see....

I just wish it would all settle down quickly.... I'm just not very patient.  

Anyway, I love the 718's... I think they sound great with minimal compromises from a now sub 2,k speaker.  BTW, vocals have definitely improved in the past week or so.

-C

[Hantra]

I just wish it would all settle down quickly.... I'm just not very patient....

I'm the same way man.  I can relate. . .