Aric Audio Systems

06/02/2026

A simple remote control. Or is it?

Most people would never give it a second glance.

But sitting on the arm of my chair tonight (I wrote this last night), this little remote represents hundreds of hours of listening, evaluating, tweaking, moving speakers, swapping tubes, and chasing that elusive magic that keeps all of us in this hobby.

The new Aric Audio Systems Motherlode XL 6SN7 tube preamp is currently burning in, while a completely separate system is putting hours on the Tobian 15FH loudspeakers. The Greek Crib is essentially operating as two full-time audio laboratories right now.

Before I can truly evaluate the Motherlode XL, I need to re-establish my baseline. That means moving the impressive Clarisys Audio Piccolo MKII's aside for the moment and getting the Tobian 12FH's dialed back in. Only then can the real listening begin.

The journey ahead includes:

• TEAC International AP-701 amplifier
• TEAC N-701 streamer / DAC
• Alan Eaton Amplifiers 45 mono blocks (video coming soon!)
• Aric Audio 2A3 amplifier
• Aries Cerat Helene DAC from Believe High Fidelity
• Aries Cerat Incito preamp
• Aries Cerat Conero 25 mono blocks
• Pink Faun high-end audio Scion server
• Stealth Audio Cables
• Signal Projects Poseidon power filter (very impressive) from Suncoast Audio LLC - Call 941.932.0282
• Deep Lake Audio amp stands
• Graphite Audio & BlissAcoustics vibration control
• Stack Audio speaker feet under the Tobians

And that's just the beginning.

Once the Motherlode XL and Tobians have accumulated enough hours, the new Rick Shultz filters enter the picture. THAT is going to be fun.....

Then the newly arrived OSV audio gear gets its turn, spending roughly 300 hours in one of the burn-in systems before serious evaluation begins.

After that?

The Tobian 15FH's move into the spotlight.

And after THAT...

I have something very special coming from Van Zyl Audio that I think many of you are going to find fascinating.

This is one of those periods where the Greek Crib is overflowing with possibilities. Every room has something warming up. Every rack has a story unfolding. Every evening turns into another late-night listening session where one small change can completely reshape the experience.

The next several months are going to be busy.

Very busy.

And honestly?

I wouldn't have it any other way.

Stay tubed, my friends and see you at the SouthWest Audio Fest in Dallas!

--

05/29/2026

Oh-No! TUBE-TASTROPHE!!!

There are moments in an audiophile’s life that feel like a scene from a tragic 1930’s film noir…

Tonight was one of them.

While Mrs. Greek was helping me move gear around to make room for the mighty Aric Audio Systems Motherlode XLpreamp, disaster struck.

Suddenly…

*CRACK.*

Time stopped.

My heart sank.

One of my beloved Italian 5U4G rectifiers on the Aric Audio 2A3 amp took a direct hit and gave its life in service of the Greek Crib. 😭

The fallen heroes are pictured below.

These weren’t just tubes…
They were glowing little pieces of Italian magic. The kind of tubes that make you sit there at 1AM whispering:
“WHY does this sound so real?”

Now it’s time to give this brave valve a proper burial.

Tomorrow I’ll have to contact my friends over at Valvole HiFi Italy (https://www.ebay.it/str/valvolehifi) and begin the hunt for another matched pair worthy of replacing these legends.

And yes… if you missed my interview with them, it’s a fantastic watch for fellow tube addicts: https://youtu.be/lcWVo7ETWuo

The good news?

The journey continues.

And trust me…
you’re going to want to stay tuned for what’s coming next with the Motherlode XL. This thing is already showing signs that it may be something truly special. 🔥

Marco Lambruschi

05/20/2026

We will be out of the office from today, May 20th until Tuesday May 26th, so please do not think I'm ignoring you, I'm just lost in the woods down South for a bit!

05/14/2026

A "Super 6SN7 Linestage" completed today for a repeat client and friend of mine today. He's got a pretty solid arsenal of AA gear playing on his racks, and this one will compliment a 300B SET amplifier of mine as well!

05/14/2026

A good client and friend of mine shared some photos of his O.G. Aric~Audio "Motherlode" preamplifier connected to a custom KT88 Push Pull amplifier I built for him. The original Motherlode was a bit different and had an on board phono stage, and also used 6SL7s instead of 6SN7s, OC3s instead of OD3s and a fully solid state power supply. Credit to this client for coming up with the name, which was ode to Ray Charles "The Motherlode" compilation album- known for it's rich, tubey, magical midrange which audiophiles seem to love 😎

05/09/2026

A Super 2A3 SET and Super 6SN7 Linestage both finished in satin black and ready to head out to their new home next week!

05/05/2026

Terry London's StereoTimes review of "The Jackpot" line-stage went live today! The link is below for any who are interested in learning more about this new unit.

I started to realize that over the last twenty-five years, I had amassed a vast selection of the highest regarded NOS 12AU7-5814-12AX7-5751-12AT7 tubes ever manufactured. In my collection, I have legendary tubes from both American companies (RCA-TungSol-Sylvania-KenRad-Raytheon) and European compani...

05/05/2026

It sure looks like there's some fun on the horizon!

05/03/2026

A couple of client shared photos of his Super KT88/120 SE and Motherlode XL at home in his rack and playing beautiful music together!

05/01/2026

A Motherlode XL was completed for a client of mine today, including the Tier 1 upgrade and he also requested the addition of a grounding post for his Rhythmic subwoofers. I can customize all of my products to better fit the needs of the individual since all are build by hand- to order!