Mike, how's the break in coming along?
Any more updates on the changes / improvements in the sound?
Hi Tony - yes, at about 400 hours I "pulled the pins" on the MPOD's once and for all. I wanted to break in the speakers thoroughly first and get used to the sound "with pins" before pulling the pins once and for all. I had tried it a few times back and forth when I first got them, but really wanted to get used to the sound with the pins first so I could unequivocally say, yes the MPOD's make a big difference. With the pins in, the MPOD's work similarly to spikes. But when you pull the pins, the difference is not subtle at all. The biggest improvement being in the bass and midrange. So much more clarity and definition.
With the drivers loosening up, I have put the VAC amps on the M3's again. I will admit, when the drivers were new and quite stiff, the tube amps struggled to control them. But now that the drivers are loosened up, no issues.
I have found the M3's sensitive to source. Put a cheapie source on them (I tried my Oppo 95) and you know it right away. Give them a good source (Berk REF2, Chord DAVE, PS Audio DS, Lampizator, etc.) and WOW - they reward you in spades.
I haven't played around with cables because frankly, I'm a Siltech fan.
My favorite pairing is Vitus, but I'm chomping at the bit to try a pair of Soulution 511 monos.