Music Reference RM9 - user comments please

Nope, not bad at all, even at the $195 for the 2-input version, which I got.
I had been feeding the Shanling CDP directly into the amp, using the built in volume control. My theory was that I was probably losing some detail and information from the CD with the digital volume, and that there would be a benefit of keeping the CDP at full volume and using the PotInBox.
Rig has been sounding very fine, though I've got fairly new Quad22L's that I think are starting to break in, and new driver tubes this week, so its hard to say what component of the great sound is due to the P.I.A.B. And the new Tung-Sol 6550's are due tomorrow.
Weren't you using a Promitheus TVC for a while? I'm interested in trying the C-cores a bit further down the road.

I was using a K&K TVC with S&B 102 MKI xformers and dual Sieden switches. An excellent piece, but I can't say I preferred it to the PiaB. I've got the Siemens EL34s in the RM9 SE, and just ordered a set of the KT88 RAMs. I've got some new SED Winged C 6550s that I am also go to try. I usually have 2 or 3 amps, but I think I might like the idea of one amp, three sets of tubes. Fortunately, I don't thing I can really tube roll (not sure why I would) the six 6bq7 driver tubes.

I've got the Siemens EL34s in the RM9 SE, and just ordered a set of the KT88 RAMs.

I hope you'll post back here after you've had a change to try the KT88s and let us know what you think.

Has anyone compared 6550 versus KT88 with the unit? They should be pretty similar, no?

Well, I got Roger's KT88 RAM and let's just say that I sold my back up set of Siemens EL34s (still have the originals). It (RM9SE) sounds like a different amp with the KT88s. Better dynamics, more controlled and tuneful bass, and bigger, more expansive soundstage. I've just ordered a set off the Genalex Gold Lion reissues from Jim McShane - just to see what they are all about. I wasn't expecting to prefer the KT88s, as the RM9SE was built around EL34s, but I personally prefer the amp with them, but I'm keeping the EL34s around.

I also recently bought Bent's new TAP with autoformers which is the best passive I've hard so far (owned Placette RVC and Active, K&K SB102, Goldpoint Attenuator, and Music Ref PiaB - and most recently ARC, CAT, LAMM and Joule tube actives). One heck of a good combination and not very expensive for a SOTA preamp. Passives do work great with the RM9.