Amp suggestion for Merlin TSM speakers


Decided to keep my Merlins and upgrade power. Presently using a Billie amp, and a Parasound as a preamp. Would like to stick with tubes (integrated or not), but I'm not sure what power would be best to drive the Merlins. Thoughts?

 

troutbum

Atmosphere.... most of the amps suggested in this thread are a bit out of my league. I'm thinking no more than $2k (new or used). Are any of the "wide range" above included in my price range? Preferably tubes, but still open to SS. Thanks

@troutbum If you're on a budget, you might want to look into something like a refurbished or new Dynaco ST70. You can easily find one for well within your price range and its a very competent amplifier in its stock form. 

If you get a used one make sure its fairly new or has been recently refurbished so it will be reliable. The biggest weakness of this amp is the power rectifier which is at its limit when the amp is at full power. But if you are not pushing the amp hard its very reliable and will give you a good idea of what tubes can do.

Isn’t Will Vincent ’autospec’ on this forum? If he is still in the game I would start there. Never owned, but read lots of very positive reviews of his refurbished Dynaco 70 pieces.