Merlin Music Systems, Joule Electra, Cardas

Two more SoundStagers -- John Potis and Roger Kanno -- have fallen under the Merlin/Joule Electra/Cardas spell. This year Merlin demonstrated the new VSM-Millennium speakers in ruby heart finish ($8150, $7050 in standard black), Joule Electra VZN-100 monoblocks ($10,500) and LAP-200 Mk III preamp ($4900), Audio Aero Capitole 24/192 CD player ($6500), VPI TNT Mk V turntable with Cardas Heart cartridge, and all Cardas Golden Reference cabling. The sound? "Nimble, agile, dynamic and big."