So an interesting turn:
After some recent changes in financial obligations - my ten year old son is now wearing braces on his teeth (of which not much was covered by my dental plan), and the tuition at my kids' school was just increased - I had to rethink my budget for a replacement preamp...I don't generally purchase things on credit. Sucks to be an adult!
So I had to think back to the days when I used to vsist my local hi-fi shop and recall the equipment that really left an impression on me. One such name, Muse Electronics. In the big picture, not a generally well known name, but still a solid company doing good things, with a good leader, Kevin Halverson.
In short I've purchased a Muse Model 3 preamp in black (will match nicely with my black Rowland Model 6s) with the optional external power supply that has the digital attenuation/gain display. Lucky for me, I actually got to audition one of these units back in the day, after my local shop sold his floor model, Rowland Synergy preamp. The unit I heard did not have the improved optional power supply and was connected to the Rowland Model 2 stereo amp. I remember thinking how absolutely neutral this preamp was/is. Really stunning! DEAD QUIET! In fact from what I recall, I enjoyed the Muse/Rowland combo over the all Rowland set. Granted this was an original Synergy...not a 2 or a 2i that I heard. I'm sure the later version of Rowland's Synergy would put it to shame...but I'll just have to wait for that. The tubeyness of my CJ PV10B is just getting on my nerves, and after further listening, it's just not a good match for the Rowland gear.
I should have the Muse M3 by tommorow, so stay tuned for my impressions. Though the Muse has a couple "balanced" XLR ins and an XLR out, it's doubtful that this is a true differential design like the Synergy. In addition, I'm not sure what the output impedence is. Regardless, I'm so very excited to hear this thing!!!
STAY TUNED!
After some recent changes in financial obligations - my ten year old son is now wearing braces on his teeth (of which not much was covered by my dental plan), and the tuition at my kids' school was just increased - I had to rethink my budget for a replacement preamp...I don't generally purchase things on credit. Sucks to be an adult!
So I had to think back to the days when I used to vsist my local hi-fi shop and recall the equipment that really left an impression on me. One such name, Muse Electronics. In the big picture, not a generally well known name, but still a solid company doing good things, with a good leader, Kevin Halverson.
In short I've purchased a Muse Model 3 preamp in black (will match nicely with my black Rowland Model 6s) with the optional external power supply that has the digital attenuation/gain display. Lucky for me, I actually got to audition one of these units back in the day, after my local shop sold his floor model, Rowland Synergy preamp. The unit I heard did not have the improved optional power supply and was connected to the Rowland Model 2 stereo amp. I remember thinking how absolutely neutral this preamp was/is. Really stunning! DEAD QUIET! In fact from what I recall, I enjoyed the Muse/Rowland combo over the all Rowland set. Granted this was an original Synergy...not a 2 or a 2i that I heard. I'm sure the later version of Rowland's Synergy would put it to shame...but I'll just have to wait for that. The tubeyness of my CJ PV10B is just getting on my nerves, and after further listening, it's just not a good match for the Rowland gear.
I should have the Muse M3 by tommorow, so stay tuned for my impressions. Though the Muse has a couple "balanced" XLR ins and an XLR out, it's doubtful that this is a true differential design like the Synergy. In addition, I'm not sure what the output impedence is. Regardless, I'm so very excited to hear this thing!!!
STAY TUNED!