Thank you. My system has been a work of patience, money and hiding a few items from my better half. If she's watching me right now I'll be sleeping on the sofa well into the new year !
I've used 3 arms. TriPlanar, Schroeder LT and Spiral Groove Centroid. The Spiral Groove is my fave of the 3. Reasonably pricing also. I've owned 5 Lyra's in my life and loved them all. Last being a Atlas. I'm thinking about a Atlas SL right now.
As far as the bass, this is where a direct drive really shines in texture, depth, control. That foundation isn't something once heard can be done with out. My guess is because of the speed accuracy of the Monaco 2.0, really hard stuff like bass isn't a big deal. Just ease, power but with all the delicacy of something live. What I hear as I improve my system is less noise, more resolution, more emotional connection, and just sounds more like a instrument you'd hear live.
The Monaco 2.0 does this and not just in the bass.
I will say it's at it's best on a Grand Prix Audio Rack. Other racks still will sound just sublime...but once you hear a Grand Prix Audio rack...especially the SilverStone series, you'll be skipping that next electronics upgrade. The rack is that good...