Is 40w int. tube amp enough to feed MerlinVSM


Hi all,

I am happy user of the older version Merlin VSMse, where lately I just have an gear change of a German Made integrated tube amp made from LUA Sinfonietta and German Made CDP LUA Appassionato with Cardas Golden Reference cable all around. After the setup of the new system and run-in, I felt the sound is still rather thin, where now I am wonder that 40w per channel power is not enough to feed the Merlin. Any comments will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Reference link for amp spec
http://www.lua.de/d/seiten/amplifier_a_06/sinfonietta/produkt.htm
Reference link for cd spec
http://www.lua.de/d/seiten/cd_spieler/appassionato_mk2/produkt.htm
michaelytt

Showing 4 responses by bobbyapalkovic

michael,
to get to the bottom of what the issue may be i need more information from you. is it possible that you could call me at the factory between 11 am and 5 pm during the week at 585 367 2390? this is eastern standard time.
i have many questions about the speaker placement, the bam placement, the wires and i am sure i can help. older vsms like your se (and i need to ask you a few questions about them too to find out exactly which ones you have) liked to be used with certain types of amps much more so than the vsm mm or mx we make today.
please give me a call.
bobby at merlin
i have a lot of things for you to do and try that will help you. rcs will make the sound more continuos and smooth if the amp is not terminated with a zobel. the feet will also make a big difference as will the sixth toe mod to change the footer position. the instructions could be sent to you where ever you live. you may also need the proper jumpers and an lignment tool. the distance from the side walls, rear wall and seating position would also help. what kind of wire, single run or internal bi-wire or shotgun?? what interconnects?
regards,
bobby
hi michael,
i would move the speakers in to 5 feet 6 inches apart (center to center) to reduce side wall reflections. do you have the alignment tool to set the speakers toe angle?
check on the termination of the amp with zobel or not.
the side walls will reflect much energy and i would damp the immediate and primary reflection points along with the rear wall with a wall hanging or hanging rug. most of what i see are room issues. and i would sit at 9 feet away or more if possible. is the floor carpeted? please also describe the jumpers as you may have an older pair and the new ones are very superior. are the terminals on the speaker edison price music posts or cardas patented binding posts with a single knob.
so in question, rcs, feet, jumpers, listening distance, side wall/rear wall reflections, alignment tool and where you have the bam hooked up. the bam will sound much fuller and more right in a tape loop or between a cdp and pre amp.
the bam has a capacitive input and will sound much better hooked up as i suggest.
let me know please.
bobby
well i love the ma1 and keep looking for a joule pre...what a system that would be. i have a customer in ca with the same system and he really loves it.
would certainly make me happy anyway.
a few good powercords on the amp and pre and you would be all set imho.
warmest regards,
bobby at merlin