Bobby has been at shows with the Ars Sonum, Bobby is no fool, other than the OTL route, I prefer, the Ars is one heck a good amp, especially matched with the Merlins. And, though only 30 watts, drives the VSMs about as loud as could take it, not sure how much easier or harder the TSM are to drive. |
Well, if you don't want to go with the Ars, I think the Manley Stingray would be worth considering, though it has recently gone through a very steep price increase, and those that bought it at the old price are trying to sell based on the higher price to get an windfall - a problem for me. |
I forgot about the Joule VAMP, just don't see it that often. Granyring? Anthony? is the VAMP switchable between Class A and Class A/B - the spec sheet seems to suggest so, though it may be a factory setting - it would be nifty to switch from 20 watts Class A to 100 Watts Class A/B when needed.
So --
Ars Sonum Fila
Manley Stingray
Cary SLI 80
Joule VAMP
I would also think CJ MV55[?] EL34 integrated would be worth considering. |
Is it possible it was Class A/AB with 20 watts in Class A? The spec sheet shows both that spec and 100 watts AB. Sure would explain why some consider it to be such a nice hybrid integrated. |
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Don't know how they would rank, but from the list, I covet the ZH270 - with a preamp. |
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I don't think Thor ever made an integrated. I did not realize Jerry Ozemont got involved with their return to the market, that is a good sign; one the the great "behind the scenes" designers - his Audio Logic DACs were first rate. I expect Thor gear will be in a different price category when they do get product to market, assuming they can make it happen. |
Never heard the Prima Lunas, but I imagine Bobby would suggest the EL34s
versions rather than the KT88 version if you choose to take that direction.
And if you considering the Prima Lunas, it also suggests the possibility of
Cayins as well - they look beautiful, but only heard them briefly. 30-40 watts
should be enough power to make them sing. |
I had my eye on those Due Ventis today, but thought it just not be enough juice to drive the VSMs, let alone the TSMs, but on paper they do sound like something I would have liked to have tried - like the Almaro 318s[?] = again, not enough power methinks, but also an intriguing unit. |
I think 38 watts versus 20 watts is quite a bit of difference, same as 100 watts
versus 200 watts - 3db louder - and at the lower limits of what the Merlins
need, just might make all the difference in the world. I would ask Bobby, but I
think 20 watts would leave you feeling underpowered unless you have a smallish
room and listen at moderate levels - it could work, but not ideal and it might
always have you thinking, what if.....Unless the Mastersound has really high
dynamic headroom (6db or so) in which case it might be ok. That is a very
interesting specification you rarely see these days, one of the reason the old NAD
3020s worked with so many speakers, though only 20 watts, high dynamic
headroom. |
Ok, let's change the question to -
Can anyone make suggestions for a good tube integrated amplifier worthy of consideration for use with my Merlin TSMs?
There is some evidence to suggest that if the integrated uses El34s for output tubes it is likely it will sound good to you, as it does to most users that have used/auditioned/owned Merlin speakers. While subjective, use of this tube seems to appeal to more Merlin listeners than integrateds using KT88/6550s. |
Capt369, it would be very interesting to hear your observations regarding 6550 versus EL34 with your Merlins after you have had a chance to compare. Has anyone had experience with both the Cary and Manley's (with Merlin or other speakers)? |
I wonder if anyone has tried the SLI-80 F1 Triode version with direct coupling and Zero NFB (wired for triode only). Certainly 40 watts would be more than sufficient to drive the Merlins. I see Upscale Audio advertising it, but I've not heard of anyone having used it or commented on it. Sounds like the Merlin (VSM in my case) would be an easy load for the amp. |
Yes, we know there is no "best" - not sure we have to rehash that every time someone ask the question in the form - I never met an audiophile in 30-35 years that actually ever thought anything was "the best" - it is obviously a ridiculous notion when applied to audio equipment - all too obvious. Expressing an opinion is one thing, arguing a point that is already understood (by just about anyone with at least 1/2 brain) is another. |
No, simply counter punches to your insistance on addressing the semantics of "best" - a point you have made in more than one thread - we all get it; there is no "best" in audio (except my VSMs of course).
Rob, Bobby has always liked the Merlin, and I do think there is magic in the EL84 tubes and amps that use them. |
