Old tube amp?

IMHO, EL-34 based amps will sound decidedly different from say KT-88
based amps on your Merlins. I would guess that your personal preference will
probably steer you firmly one way or the other, but it may just get you
thinking. In any event, I'd try to a-b any KT-88 vs any EL-34 prior to buying.
One advantage of the Prima Luna amps is that they allow you to roll from one
to the other. I own a pair of these amps for use wiith VSMs (and a few other
speakers) and the character of the VSMs definetly shifts with the tube roll.

Good Luck,

Marty

I re-read your post - if you're keeping the ss amp and adding a tube amp as an alternative "for fun"- I don't think you need to spend a ton. IMHO, you'll very likely see a different side of the VSM with any of the amps under consideration here. I would personally go the EL-34 route in this case, as it will probably provide the most contrast to your ss amp. While you may ultimately prefer more expensive and/or exotic (SET/OTL) designs, I wouldn't presume that that will be the case. I've also used a very expensive Cary 805 SET which also sounds great - but isn't my first choice with these speakers.

I've used Prima Luna monos and a Pancor Dyna re-issue, each with EL-34 outputs. The Dyna allows Pentode or Triode operation. Either way it offers a softer warmer sound than the PL 7 monos. It will almost certainly provide an educational experience when compared to your existing amp.

I understand that the PL 6 monos are biased lower than the 7 which should produce more warmth. I don't know about the stereo amps in the Prima Luna line, but check with Kevin at Upscale (PL importer) for advice. If they share the "warmer" bias scheme, they should also provide a pretty dramatic contrast to your SS amp.

I would also add that PL offers wonderful build quality for the price. Very comforting.

Good luck,

Marty