Top or best amps for merlin vsm

If you want tubes and low heat I can vouch for the new Carver tube amps that do just that. The current TAS review of the Carver VTA 305 is ligit and could easily be said of the VTA 180s.

If you become interested check with Underwood HiFi for a better price. Or
http://app.audiogon.com/listings/tube-carver-vta-180-black-cherry-mono-blocks-2012-11-18-amplifiers-98005-bellevue-wa

Here are some threads over the years that discussed this topic:
Anyone using Joule Electr VZN100 MKIII amplifiers?
03-06-04
Merlin speaker /Amplifier combinations?
11-04-04
What amp should be used with merlin vsm's?
12-24-04
How much power for Merlin VSM speakers?
02-04-05
Plinius Amps mated with Merlin VSM-Ms?
02-22-05
krell & merlin what next?
04-04-05
CAT versus OTLs and Merlin
04-07-05
Parasound Halo JC1 mono amps and Merlin VSM-MX
11-28-05
What's best for MX's?
03-10-06
What new amp for my Merlins
10-15-06
CAT versus Berning
11-28-06
amps for Merlin VSM-MXE
01-11-07
Atmasphere Novacron MA1.5 amp with Merlin VSMSE
02-15-07
Shindo and Merlin VSM
07-06-07
Stupidgood: Ars Sonum
09-14-07
Merlin VSM and SETs?
12-06-07
Good tube integrated for Merlin speakers?
03-10-08
an amp without "electronic" sound
04-20-08
Leben integrated amps and Merlin VSM
10-13-09
Cary, Cayin or Primaluna EL34 for Merlin VSM-MME
02-19-10
Question for Merlin VSM/ARS Sonum owners
03-28-10
SS amps for merlin vsm
08-04-10
solid state vs tubes
09-21-10
Berning EA-230 vs RM-10mkII with Merlin VSM
01-13-11
SS amp for Merlin VSMs?
01-27-11
Merlin VSM/MMe with Berning ZH-270
11-09-11
Merlin Subwoofer?
12-09-11
Need help with Merlin vsm mme for home theater
02-20-12

Going from latest threads to oldest I started to go through the : SS amp for Merlin VSMs? 1-27-11 thread and found this:

Neodio NR 600 Signature an ss french integrated amp from Bobheinatz who says: It replaced an Air Tight 300b amp and Joule Electra ME300 pre amp and believe it or not its not even close favoring the Neodio

From the next thread: Berning EA-230 vs RM-10mkII with Merlin VSM
I found:

FWIW, I prefer the RM-10

Joule/Manley/Merlin is certainly a great combination too. As is the Ars Sonum if you want to make your life simpler and not miss a beat. Seems to be a few folks that want from a Joule/Joule combo to Ars Sonum without looking back. As you know, the amp/speaker interface is the most important, and in the case of the Ars, you practically have an amp specifically tweaked to work with the Merlins - and yes, those 30 watts are more than enough.

I now have an RM-10 MkII as well and would say its one of the most underrated amps out there

Reading the posts here regarding Merlins are some good thoughts.The cat rapping about his Maggies must be lost but is a decent typist.Bobby usually says stay away from amps with high damping numbers.I've had some of the above and really like the Berning and Ayre.Can't wait to try one of Ralphs also,good thread,cheers,James