The Dynaco ST 70 would be a very good start. But a stock ST 70 or one with stock 7199's won't give you as much detail as boards from Van Alstine, Curcioaudio, Triode, Mapletree (? out of canada)Kennedy, Sound Valves and GSI.
You should also have a newer power transformer which handles voltages better and offers tighter bass.
I'm using a Sound Valves input board on my ST 70 and all my updates and mods were done by Tom Tutay of Transition Audio Design. I have had my amp for over 10 years and I have retubed it only about 4 times. I have put it up against many and I mean many other amps and the ST 70 still continues to impress me. You do have to stay within your power envelope on most speakers but I have never run out of steam. I'm driving a pair of Magnepan MG12's in a 13 x 14 foot room with a 14' ceiling. I have an excellent soundstage, and rhythym and pacing with that combo. I have been searching for most of the last 6 months trying to find an amp that sounds better and I have yet to do it. I have tried several solid state designs int he $2000 range and while they sound good they didn't make me want to shelf my ST 70.
There are many modifiers out there. If you find someone whose circuit you may have interest in contact them and see if someone in your area has one that you can listen to.
My favoites are Sound Valves input board with Tom Tutay mods and updates to my ST 70 then GSI and Van Alstine. The GSI is very hard to find. If you need more power look at Quicksilver monoblocks or GLA a 40 watt stereo amp. One of these were on this forum a week or two ago. These would proably be a very good match with your Merlins.
If you can find a Berning EA 230 or 2100 they would be excellent. But they are very hard to find and prices are rising each time I see one. I'm speaking of being Musical period......
And last each of the amps I mentioned have their very own sound signatures. The Merlins deserve more than classic tube sound. You need refinement. The refinement should not come at your expense by parts swappers but with a qualified individual that can make that amp sing and be reliable at the same time. If you have a ST 70 and want it modified call Tom Tutay at 850-244-3041 CT. I'm sure he will give you an amp that will satisfy your Merlins. Make sure the chrome on your ST 70 is excellent if you decide to go that route. If it is you will get a higher resale value for it. Rust pits will de-value your ST 70.
One last thing You may want to check out the Onix/Melody EL 34 based amp. The 6L6 version was nice. I hear the EL 34 version is even better. Priced under a grand too.
You should also have a newer power transformer which handles voltages better and offers tighter bass.
I'm using a Sound Valves input board on my ST 70 and all my updates and mods were done by Tom Tutay of Transition Audio Design. I have had my amp for over 10 years and I have retubed it only about 4 times. I have put it up against many and I mean many other amps and the ST 70 still continues to impress me. You do have to stay within your power envelope on most speakers but I have never run out of steam. I'm driving a pair of Magnepan MG12's in a 13 x 14 foot room with a 14' ceiling. I have an excellent soundstage, and rhythym and pacing with that combo. I have been searching for most of the last 6 months trying to find an amp that sounds better and I have yet to do it. I have tried several solid state designs int he $2000 range and while they sound good they didn't make me want to shelf my ST 70.
There are many modifiers out there. If you find someone whose circuit you may have interest in contact them and see if someone in your area has one that you can listen to.
My favoites are Sound Valves input board with Tom Tutay mods and updates to my ST 70 then GSI and Van Alstine. The GSI is very hard to find. If you need more power look at Quicksilver monoblocks or GLA a 40 watt stereo amp. One of these were on this forum a week or two ago. These would proably be a very good match with your Merlins.
If you can find a Berning EA 230 or 2100 they would be excellent. But they are very hard to find and prices are rising each time I see one. I'm speaking of being Musical period......
And last each of the amps I mentioned have their very own sound signatures. The Merlins deserve more than classic tube sound. You need refinement. The refinement should not come at your expense by parts swappers but with a qualified individual that can make that amp sing and be reliable at the same time. If you have a ST 70 and want it modified call Tom Tutay at 850-244-3041 CT. I'm sure he will give you an amp that will satisfy your Merlins. Make sure the chrome on your ST 70 is excellent if you decide to go that route. If it is you will get a higher resale value for it. Rust pits will de-value your ST 70.
One last thing You may want to check out the Onix/Melody EL 34 based amp. The 6L6 version was nice. I hear the EL 34 version is even better. Priced under a grand too.