Music Reference RM9 - user comments please

I run an original RM9 that Roger went through, upgraded and re-tubed with RAM KT88s last summer. The KT88s offer more midrange texture/detail and the bass is superior to the EL34s. The result is a truly outstanding amp.

I'm using the Benckmark DAC-1 with it's level control and it sounds great. Not quite as minimal as Roger's pot in a box, but I like not needing another piece of gear in the chain.

Well, there you have it, the EL34, 6550, and KT88 are the best with the Music Reference.

Actually this is true. Depending on the rest of the system, the room, your preference in music, and so on, each tube's characteristic will slightly tailor the sound.

I keep my pair of Quicksilver Silver 60s for their wonderful midrange presence and classic tube sound courtesy of EL34s. My RM9 on the other hand just kicks butt with the RAM KT88s. More of everything and at the same time more neutral and NOT tubey sounding.

I just bought a barely used original Rm-10 for my office. With only 200 hours on the amp and the original RAM tubes I've got to tell you it does sound like a mini RM9.

Roger went through my 17 year old original RM9 last July, upgraded it to a MKII and retubed it with all RAM tubes. The KT88s are the more expensive ones @ $65 and worth every penny.

The amp sounds amazing.

I just bought an original RM10 with only a couple hundred hours on it for my office. After listening to the RM9 at home I had a hard time listening to my Pathos Classic One II at work. I had to have that MR sound.

I was running the original EL34s that the amp shipped with and the amp sounded great. Talk about long tube life! Roger's statement that you'll get up to 10,000 hours on a set of tubes is realistic based on my experience.

Roger's suggestion to go to the KT88s was because I expressed curiosity and he thinks the RAM KT88s he's selling now are some of the best. I have to agree.

The change is sound was significant, tighter bass and midrange detail that took a great amp and made it even better. Soundstage is more defined by the added detail.

I've got the Siemens EL34s in the RM9 SE, and just ordered a set of the KT88 RAMs.

I hope you'll post back here after you've had a change to try the KT88s and let us know what you think.