Best tube integrated with Merlin TSM-MMI?

If you can get lucky enough to find one Joule made the VAMP integrated amp that is magic with that speaker. Only $1200 or so used. Rare to find, but worth me letting you know about.

The Vamp could not be switched, at least the two I have owned in the past. Ran it with Merlin VSM's going back about 7-8 years ago now.

Wish I had kept it as it is a steal for the money used.

I may be in the minority, but I owned the ZH270 & Joule preamp with the VSM's as well as the VAMP and the Thor TPA 30 mono block amps paired with the Thor preamp.

The best sound came from the Thor combination. Next was the VAMP. I did not care for the ZH270 and found it was a little lightweight for the VSM's which can sound thin if not carefully matched. I purchased the ZH270 hoping for a match made in heaven, but would say it was my biggest audio disappointment to date. I say this because I paid for a new ZH270 and it was big $$ for me at that time.

If your going to spend that kind of money, look to used Thor gear first! Great with the Merlin speakers. If you want great sound for little cash, then the VAMP is one that should be on your list.

Sorry to confuse. Thor does not make an integrated, but rather I was referring to their TA1000 preamp and TPA30 amps.

No, I did not use a preamp with the VAMP. No, the Joule VAMP do not come up often used here on Agon, but I have seen one or two over the past 6-9 months.