Amp recommendations for Merlin VSM / TSM


I welcome all Merlin owner's feedback on the amps used with their VSM/TSM's. Do you prefer RCA or balanced, tube or solid state. Thanks for any thoughts.
yag17

Showing 2 responses by dredster

Hi Yag, I am a Merlin VSM-M + BAM owner. I currently use Joule Electra 160 monoblocks. The other amps I have tried with Merlins were B&K Rererence 4420. The B&K 's have now been used in a home theater setup. The comparison was like night and day. The Joule Electra are a tweeker delight. If you want a new or different sound than change the drive tubes, mess with the bias or even change the level of feedback. I have not found any limits yet on what can be done or how it sounds. I agree ; the Merlins take on the sound of the amps. As for balanced or unbalance RCA connections I use both. For long runs greater than 2 meters I used balanced connectors. For digital I would definitely used balanced to reduce the common noise. For analog I do prefer the RCA connection with the Merlin- Joule combination. Just saw a pair of Joule 160 monoblocks up for sale on Audiogon at market value or better. I have had the pleasure of dealing with Jud Barber and Bobby from Merlin. While they seem so opposite in person to what I expected they are both really gifted, and prove once again that opposites do attract. Hope this helps
Dear Yag, I just remembered when I visited the old schoolhouse were Merlin speakers are built, the amps that were being used were "Puchini" . You will have to ask Bobby the exact type. These amps sounded fabulous with the Merlin's as well. I think it may have been an integrated type. Good Listening, Happy Dad's Day to All