Stupidgood: Ars Sonum

Santacore, my impression of this combo is, simply outstanding! I have (or should I say had) the TSM-MXe and Filarmonia combo. The reason I say 'had' is I have just sold my TSMs this past week and placed an order for the VSM-MXes. I really wish I would have waited and sold the TSMs after I received the VSMs, but this audio hobby is expensive.

I am only upgrading to the VSMs to get more of a good thing. I considered myself in audio heaven with the TSMs and Filarmonia. It is the best sound I've ever heard.

IMO, you have something really special to look forward to. I guess I do to now.

Edcook, that's great to hear, thanks for the input. I'm sure when I have a bigger room one day I'll want the VSM's but for now the TSM's are rocking my world. I'm very satisfied listening to them and can't wait to hear the combo when the ARS finally lands. Good times in audio!!!

Has anyone had any experience with ars-sonum driving any speaker other than the Merlins??

Doubtful. Although the Stereophile reviews was with two different speakers, neither Merlins.

Anybody with the Ars located in the northeast. I wouldn't mind pulling some $ out of my system fight now (VAC Ren-Joule VZN-80, VSM-MMs).

Of course, what I mean is I'd like to hear one!

Give me or Bobby @ Merlin a call. While we will probably not be able to get one for you to listen to at your home (a back order of close to 20 units prevents that), if you make a trip upstate NY we may be able to arrange a listen.

BTW, I coined the term Stupid Good years ago! :-) I can still remember the look Stu McCreary gave me when I used the term to describe the Golden Tube SE-40. :-) In fact, I used the term in print in my follow up comments to the First "Tube Fest" article in Vol 5, No 3 of Positive Feedback magazine waaay back in 1993! Sorry for going OT... can't beleive its been almost 15 years!

I just picked up a used Ars Sonum amp that I use with Reference 3A De Capo's and it's amazing.

I was using a Rogue Metis and Winsome Labs Mouse before and I was also extremely happy with that setup for the price.

The Ars Sonum takes it to a whole new level. A complete no-brainer.

If 30 watts is enough, you would need a real good reason to buy separates 3x-4x more, or more. Ultimatley I prefer $20,000-$30,000 Joule or CAT gear, the fact that I can enjoy the Ars in that context suggests how darn good this little integrated is and what a screaming value - though it might nor seem like one on size and specs alone; obviously some very good design work and choices went into the Ars. If you know how fantastic Bobby's speakers are, you get an idea of what he thinks about this amp performance.