The Merill Christine Pre and Jens Phono, TonePublications.com
May 26, 2019
Guide to the Best Hi-Fi Gear of 2017, PartTimeAudiophile.com
May 26, 2019From Tavish Design’s static display, I proceeded to an active dem by Brooklyn dealer Living Acoustics. This was my second chance to hear VPI’s Avenger magnetic-drive turntable ($25,000 with two 12″ JMW 3D-printed tonearms and outboard speed controller), and Living Acoustics put it to good use, spinning real (as opposed to audiophile) jazz LPs. Partnering equipment included the new VAS Audio moving-coil cartridge ($1500), the same company’s Citation monoblock amps ($3500/pair), Merrill Audio’s Jens phono preamp and Cara line preamp (($14,500 and $3500, respectively), and Acoustic Zen Crescendo II loudspeakers ($18,000/pair), with various Acoustic Zen cables and other accessories. The sound was solidly good, except for slight traces of mushy-harsh sound on loudly played cymbals and drums.