MUSE Erato II - Anyone using this player?

Mitch2

I talked with Kevin about 3 years ago when I was looking to upgrade my DVD Player for better analog audio. I got the impression that their products were mainly for audio and video was just a side note. I decided to take another route since I didn't want to loose any video quality. Kevin did state that the bulk of their sales were oversea's so maybe no one has had a chance to compare the products. Good luck in your search, I suspect that the Erato II would be an excellent sounding product hopefully you can find someone that is familiar with the product.

I have an Erato II in my home system. It replaced a Krell, and I simply love it. The rest of my system is Edge NL 10.1, Nearfield Pipedreams, and Crystal Clear cables. The Erato is one of the best additions I've ever made. It is startling in clarity, speed, tonal balance, and wonderful in accuracy. It is feeding my Edge directly...

Finally, someone who has heard (owns) this player. Thanks for responding! You must have the attenuator module if you are running direct. I would be using it into a preamp. Three questions I have for you are whether the player is good at conveying body, dimensionality, and fullness; whether the bass is deep, dynamic and defined; and how the player compares with other excellent players you have owned?

Oh and finally, since providing detail on the MUSE website has never been their strong suit, if you have the newer style faceplate, where are the control buttons? Is this a pressure sensitive screen in the middle or is everything controlled by remote? The website shows a picture of the new faceplate, but it is hidden by the open drawer and the site doesn't show or discuss the operation of the player without the conventional buttons they have had on their players for years. Thanks again.

Mitch2 Yes, I have the Attenuator module, and removing my preamp was a huge difference. Much cleaner, faster, more open, and much more detailed.
I am using a Rel sub with my Pipes , and the bass is deep, and very well defined. I have mainly owned Krell digital products, and this is miles ahead of them. I have heard several Esoteric and Audio Research, and prefer the Muse. It seems to take digital to a new level. When I added the Erato, it forced me to replace everything else in the system so I could see how far digital had come. Several conversations with Kevin at Muse convinced me it was worthwhile to try the attenuator module.
The control buttons are arranged with three buttons on each side of the face plate. I almost never use them, and use the "bulky" remote. It's easy. I spoke with Muse while doing my initial set-up, because you are correct..lousy instructions.I do not have a pressure sensitive screen.
I only bought this in the beginning because of a generous trade-in policy on my Muse Model 8 transport I was using when my Krell KPS 20i transport was in need of repair, and Krell could no longer fix it. Kevin Halverson is wonderful to deal with. I also spoke to Scot Markwell about this player... Bob

So you have the newer style faceplate shown when you select the "products" tab on their website? That is the only picture of the faceplate I can find, since they had not yet updated it at the time of the pictures in the HiFi+ review. Unfortunately, the one picture on their website is not of sufficient resolution to discern the buttons on the front. Are the buttons located within the white metal faceplate area, or within the black looking central opening (is that plastic)? If it would be possible to e-mail a picture, I would be very grateful. I am surprised you have the bulky remote (I also have one with my Model 3 Signature preamp) because I understand the Erato II now comes with the much simpler Remote 1. However, I am glad to hear the sonics are excellent. Thanks again, - Tim