AV123 LS6 Line Source up and running


Hello

I got my piano black LS6 delivered today! I paid the shipment company $50 to set them up for me, which was nice to get out of the way.

Here is the picture:

AV123 LS6

There they are, next to the Merlin VSM Mxe's. Pretty interesting comparison... comparing a true line array, with a very, very nice point source. Look at the size difference!

I've had a chance to listen to some music today... and I must say, wow. I don't want to jump to any hasty conclusions... but the dynamics on the LS6 are incredible. Very musical and non fatiguing sound - even in this room that is way too small for them.

The Merlins replaced some very nice Dynaudio monitors with a Velodyne DD15 sub. The Merlins were so much more transparent, and an open window to detail.

Unfortunately, I can't keep them both... I haven't had a chance to A/B, but the non-burned in LS6 is pretty amazing... the question in my mind, though, is can they match the Merlin's transparency? I'm not sure...

Running them with Cary/AES Sixpacs (55WPC EL34 tube amp), and it is a great match with the amp. Currently using the Anthem D2 as a complete preamp. Still waiting on the ARC (EQ) in the mail, which will help with the room responses.

Comments are welcome. Thanks for reading.
goatwuss
I'm betting on the AVs. Be mindful that they are so transparent that they will reveal weaknesse up stream. Most likely the Anthem. Regardless, you want to transition to a fully differentially balanced system to fully appreciate what the AVS can do.
Hi Tweak,

Thanks for the reply.

You are right about the LS6 - they can reveal weaknesses upstream. Same with the Merlins.

As I said, right now there are no systematic weaknesses that I hear... But I am able to hear a different speaker's signature.

While the Anthem might not be the best preamp on earth, it is very transparent. My usual preamp is a Supratek, which is currently being repaired.

Thanks for the comments about the balanced system... but it has been my experience that single ended systems can sound just as good as balanced ones, with the quality of either depending on the execution.