Kjo - I would look at a VAC Renaissance as being a wonderful mix with your system - should add pinpoint imaging and give you depth to your soundstage that the Merlins will be make good use of. With balanced and single ended inputs and outputs, cinema by-pass, and (included) remote as well as an optional phono stage, the Ren should be at the top of your list.
preamp for berning/merlin/audio aero system
I am looking for recommendations for a tube preamp for a Berning ZH 270/Merlin VSM MX/Audio Aero Capitole Mk II SE system. I have heard very good things about the First Sound Presence Deluxe MK II, Lamm LL2, Hovland 100 or 200, Joule 150A, Herron VTSP-2, among others. Do any of the preamps listed,for instance, have greater synergy than any of the others with the rest of the system? I listen to a lot of jazz and classical right now, and rock. Like most, I like a musical sound, not bright, but detailed, with good separation between instruments, treble extension and sharp bass. Any insights will be greatly appreciated.