. simple solid state amp that will go close to EL 34 mid and KT 88 bass and thats AUDIOLAB 8000 C/P (pre=class A/powclass AB) the best solid state i have heard with merlin vsm irrespective of any price range the compination shines and it outperformes merlin & ARS sonum i BROUGHT one today after having it with me for 3 days and doing lot of comparison paid only $600 for pre/pow ...was ready to pay $ 6000 for a nice solid state amp so the only problem here was too cheap :) . |
Don't seem warm with the VSMs, might with warm speakers with mid-bass humps. The amps won't match well if it is underpowered, or in the case of a tube amp if the impedance of a speakers is very uneven and dives very low in the bass region. This doesn't speak to the sound of the amp or speaker, but simply electrical matching - you don't want to be underpowered, and you don't generally want a tube amp with a "tough" speaker load, for which SS is better suited. I don't know if the H/K amp sounds good or not, but it should not be a matter of "matching" electrically, it should be fine on those grounds. |
"you don't generally want a tube amp with a "tough" speaker load, for which SS is better suited." Agree with this statement but would add not all SS amps are equal in this regard. SOme will drive "difficult loads" better than others. In general, Class D switching amps and other design aspects aside, beefier SS amps with beefier power supplies capable of delivering more current when needed will tend to do better driving "difficult loads". I recall Merlins specifically use an optional special circuit called an RC to make their load more tube friendly. That might also help with lesser SS amps, but not sure. |
Mcpherson, can't add much to this but wanted to say that I use a $400 NAD integrated amp with my Merlin TSMs (the VSMs little brother) and enjoy it very much. If you like the sound of your H/K then there's a good chance you'll enjoy it with the VSM. If I could move up to the VSM I wouldn't hesitate to use it with my NAD. Cheers, Scott |
Sound wise...I am in a pretty good place right now. It is probably not fair to assess everything until I replace one of the tweeters in my Focals. One is more than cracked, so it contributes to a crispy sound on certain notes,guitar,etc. I am also waiting to try some different tubes in my pre. Then I will know where I am with the Focals and if I like their sound enough to hold on to them. I found some Merlins here in Houston but cant seem to get the guy to respond so I can hear them. Thanks for everyones input. |
Tubegroover, Please PM me if I can take you up on your offer to listen to Berning amps with MerlinsÂ… Thanks. [email protected] |
