If looking for reasonable price and low coloration footers (well, to MY ears anyways), check out Gingko Audio ARCH and Cloud 22 bases. I learned of ARCH from Ken Stevens, who recommended them for my CAT JL7SE amps.
After replacing IsoAcoustics with ARCH under the amps, transparency...
I was happy for years using Ching Chang on my sources. I would describe the sound is linear. It doesn't try to manipulate the signal so sounds natural, organic ... top to bottom. So doesn't "enhance" is somewhat correct with generic in general despite all sounding different.
Got some from...
Marty,
Can you return the Mephisto Solo if doesn't work for you?
IMO it's easier to design / optimize a component with fix rather than variable requirements. Parasound JC1+ is design / optimized to a fixed NF ... CH M10 is like Swiss army knife with many options / adjustments. I wonder M10...
Don't laugh, some cables I've used in the past acts like a tourniquet but probably not the case here. One off top of my head is Zu.
I don't think problem is M10 lacking bass but Marty just doesn't like the sound with NF. Didn't Marty said with 15% NF, bass was adequate but sound hardened...
When I had ARC REF250SE amps, wasn't interested re-terminating my Enklein David PCs so use VooDoo Premium 15 to 20 Amp IEC Adapters with great success.
I asked Cyrill and he prefers Ethernet to USB digital input. I'm using a Melco HA-N1Z/2EX-H50 with my Soulution 560 via Ethernet and VERY please with the results. Only $5500, simple plug and play, control with IOS MConnect HD App ... should add to your demo list.
My CAT JL7SE is dead quiet.
BTW, JL7SE has a 30 pounds output transformer. Size of original Statement .... Current statement has a 50 pounds output transformer.
He found CH M1.1 lacking bass and not great match with R1 beryllium tweeter, too bright. Momentum is excellent but Mephisto has more drive and control.
Another friend have TAD E1 but have experience with R1. His favorite is Burmester 909. Same reasons compare to Momentum and ARC 750SE.
All...