I hate to ask, but what interconnect is in the system?
Hi Paul, BTW my friendâs name is Ken and he is using Tara Labs Zero Din to XLR from TT to phono pre, Kimber Select KS1011 RCA that replaced a WW Platinum 8 Eclipse because he feels the Kimber has better SQ, and Kimber Carbon RCA from preamp to power amp, So he has a couple of cables to replaced. He replaced the RCAâs with some XLRâs that came with his Legacy powered woofer speakers. The cable from pre to power amp has to be 3m, so the Kimber may cost as much as the preamp, and that is out of the question. Now heâs talking to Kimber about the Carbon and see what happens. Even with those freebe XLRâs compared with better quality RCAâs, he says he will not go back to the CJ pre.
BTW, Ken Bought the CJ Gat for $20k back then, and the CJ has never been upgaded, so not the MK2 version. He didnât want to upgrade the CJ because it will still not have balanced inputs and outputs.
Here is a potential upgrade for me next year, and I have to wait until next year to reduce my tax liability (too much upgrades from capital gain tax already):
PMG DAC plus SACD transport, or
Esoteric K-01 XD SE SACD player
Esoteric will be more expensive, but I will need only one Stealth power cord and donât need AQ Dragon48 HDMI anymore.
You have a number of Esoteric gears, so let me know what do you think. One SACD player will continue my downsizing plan also.
I am done with upgrades for 2025 too.
Potential upgrades for me in 2026 could be a 2nd sub and a CD transport (the one mentioned in this forum that sends out SACD via DOP that the MU2 can read).
Hi Donald, I donât recommend the Esoteric since I had the Esoteric N-01XD Streamer/Dac in my system and was not that impressed with the sound. I actually prefered the PS Audio MKII Dac over the Esoteric Dac in my system. The MKII had more clarity over the Esoteric. I would take my chance more with the PMG, but wait for the review and feedback when it is available.
Very attractive in black.
Thanks Wayman. You are happier with PSA DS MK2 over Esoterica Dac is saying something about the PSA quality. PMG DAC will be out soon, and it will be interesting to hear what MK2 owners think about the PMG Dac.
Iâm getting sea sick.
Babylon towers⊠how I wish some integrates (high quality) able to sport in a single chassis:
Amplifier and Pre
DAC
Server and streamer
CD/SACD with top loaded disc
A sort of D333 + Ethos + MU2 all in one.
That goal would certainly lessen the need for (expensive) interconnects and save space.
The challenge is that no compromise designs usually require more circuity than less. And,
the size increases with large dedicated power supplies, often housed in separate units. Add to that the need for high power delivery and storage to mimic a high power dual mono amplifier.
This is stuff you already know but it is OK to dream. A Diablo 333 is as good as they come, but I see your sights are aiming higher.
Al will join in if he can have 2; Vince wants it in black, and David will buy it only if it costs 1339.00.
I am only buying more gear only if I win the lottery. Last night I didnât.
Me too! Famous last words
If I win the lottery I am building an audio room inside a pole barn, as people do. Fresh slate, anything is possible. Give my current system some room to breathe. The current gear would be the baseline that I improve on.
First, feet. No wait I have that covered. Iâd probably try a new switch. But only if I win the lottery. They are so pricey! Like half a good power cable. (List price)
Amen Brother, we love our Muon pro System, but canât justify the tempus switch at $4,822.15 (est.) 
Going to hear Magico S3 2024 this weekend. I hope I can unhear them. The dealer canât say enough good things about them. I do like the size. Perfect for our room.