Dodd preamp vs. McCormack RLD-1 preamp

GSherwood, we have similar systems. I have the Dodd and Merlin TSM-MMe's as well. For amps, i am using VAC 70/70 Monoblocs. The clarity and detail with this combo is quite remarkable.

Interesting how many folks are using Dodd with Merlins. I wonder what the connection is? Glenn, great SS is almost always Class A, and Class A is always hot, but the J really isn't too bad, you should have felt the Aleph 3. At least you can get buy with 30 watts:)

Pubul,

I think there are only a handful of us using Dodd & Merlins, and don't really think there is any magic here. Both pieces tend to be very transparent and when any good transparent gear is used together, it tends to be synergistic. The trouble in many systems is that by constantly trying to offset flaws in one piece with opposite flaws in another, many get away from a long term truer solution; a transparent system. IMO the closer you get to SOTA, the more transparent the gear is, and that's part of why diminishing returns set in at the very top $$$ end of the spectrum. Cheers,
Spencer
PS: If new fees continue, see you on Audioasylum.

Spencer, I totally agree on the importance on neutrality/transparency to the source as the guiding principle for building a system - otherwise you end up with mix and match synergies that is more like a bandaid approach to getting good sound and you end up having to take a new system approach when you change pieces and what "helped" in one system may too much or too little woth a new component. I think the Dodd and Merlin (and the CAT gear) follow the principle of basic neutrality without too much flavor, in either case if you need mathcing colorations neither may seem to work just right, but in combination they make for a very good pairing indeed. I notice there are now at least 4 Dodd/Merlin pairings (including us) which seems like a lot given there can't be that many Dodd sold yet. Neutrality also seems to be one of the secrets to the Atma/Merlin, CAT/Merlin, and Berning/Merlin combos - none are overtly colored and all highly resolving while musical. Paul.

I thought I had "graduated" from separates with my Plinius 9100 (in one setup) and a 8200 MKII (in another). Also tried Audio Analogue Puccini 70...all with the Merlins.

But I still couldn't quite get the sound promised by Merlin TSM-MMe's. Merlins are so revealing and transparent...and I wasn't getting that. So back to separates. First my modded BC 21.1 (I always liked that pre), my Audible Illusions L2, and then the Dodd (after reading Mariusz rave about it). With amps, it was a McCormack DNA 125, Rotel 1062, a B&K, and then finally the Pass Aleph J.

The Dodd, Aleph J, and the Merlins seemed to jump out with all the soundstage, musicality, warmth, etc. I was looking for. So I have my (as I said before) my "poor-man's-refernece" system.

Can one achieve this with an integrated amp? Maybe with a Pass, Edge or Accuphase integrated for $8-12,000. But I'm not sure.

My final "tweak"...I have an Edge G6 amp which I sent to Tom for his mods and I will them compare that amp with the Pass Aleph J. Looking forward to that.

My final remark...I assumed one got synergy with int. amps...but I did not find that. Even with fairly good gear (Plinius).