“As you might recall if you read those reviews, the QLN speakers and Brama integrated are masters of the musically moving and sonically engaging when it comes to making music and this system followed in that good form. “Under” from o was positively moving and deeply grooving, especially on Day 3 of Axpona 2025 when that new Merason Mountin DAC had time to settle into Schaumberg. ”
Photo courtesy of Audiophilestyle
“One of my first stops on the first official day of the show was Mark Sossa’s Well Pleased AV room. As a previous winner of my best in show award, I’d be foolish not to stop in Mark’s room early and often. Using QLN speakers (an underrated gem), Vinnie Rossi integrated amp, Merason DAC, and Innuos music server, Mark delivered his usual magic. This room was reproducing music, in a sea of room’s delivering HiFi demonstrations. There’s nothing wrong with either, but I fall for those with a musical and emotion pull every time. The Well Pleased AV room stayed in my mind throughout the show, as one of the best examples of synergy, setup, and great sound.”
“I’ve been reviewing a lot of digital over the last year, and the phrase “sounds analog-like” has become overused, to say the least. On the other hand, when you hear a DAC like the Merason Mountain out in the wild like this, it’s a beautiful thing. The sound was open and full of life, and those black silences that only seem easy with analog were plentiful and truly addictive. It’s rare when I walk into an exhibit room and I like everything about it, every single component, and the Merason Mountain was the perfect DAC for this formidable system, made by people who live and breathe music every day.”
Photo courtesy of Stereophile
“I’m a vinyl diehard, but this digital rig made me question my loyalties. Chanteuse Madeleine Peyroux’s performance was textured, full-bodied, and relaxed—traits not always associated with digital playback. Vocals, guitar, and viola had nuance and refinement; the music moved with unforced pacing.”