MUSE Erato II - Anyone using this player?

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

The faceplate is black plastic and lights up with blue lights for info. The buttons are also in black plastic inside the same area...not outside on the gray.
The bigger remote gives you more video options which I don't need. The smaller remote would be fine. Are you still using the Muse preamp in your system?

Not sure what I am going to do with the preamp. I just had it upgraded, it sounds good, and I really wanted to like it better than my Lamm LL2 Deluxe, but after recently reinstalling the Lamm, I believe the MUSE is just not as good sonically. Maybe the MUSE is a little tighter and more dynamic in the bass, and perhaps better overall for rock music, with more gain, but otherwise the Lamm just plain sounds better to me. Too bad, because the features and operation of the MUSE preamp are hard to beat with the adjustable gain, 0.5 dB volume steps that are displayed as actual attenuation and gain values (which I like better than any volume control I have used), and remote control of phase, mute, input, volume, balance, skip and direct track. It has HT pass through and is also fully balanced, which works better for me with my balanced Clayton monoblocks. From a feature standpoint alone, I have never used a better preamp. I will probably put it back in my system in a week or so and see if I miss the Lamm.

Tim..Tough call..Muse is terribly unappreciated and rarely reviewed. Lamm has an incredible following though, so it sounds like you can't lose.
If you go to the Erato, I think you'll be very happy. What is it replacing? What are your speakers?
I did speak with Kevin about the Polyhymnia vs the Erato II. He said the Erato was much better and newer design...Bob