Amp recommendations for Merlin VSM / TSM

I guess I have beaten tubegroover and a few other to the punch here (maybe) by mentioning the David Berning 270. I was using a Mesa Baron, which is a good amp, but no comparison to the Berning (which is, arguably, an OTL, although there is much debate about that). Many practical advantages over the Joules--size, heat, etc. Replace the tubes with NOS and the sould improves dramatically. Several long threads on the Berning went on here about 2-3 months ago, comparing it to other OTL's--Atma-sphere, Tenor, etc. Do a search, or go over to the Asylum, there's a little discussion of the Berning there now in the General forum. You also don't need a preamp with the Berning; it has a built in volume control, two inputs, et.
Since I have a single-ended battery bam, never had a chance to compare to balanced.

Dear Yag, I just remembered when I visited the old schoolhouse were Merlin speakers are built, the amps that were being used were "Puchini" . You will have to ask Bobby the exact type. These amps sounded fabulous with the Merlin's as well. I think it may have been an integrated type. Good Listening, Happy Dad's Day to All

I believe Audio Analogue is the company that makes the "Puccini" integrated amplifier. I seem to recall others stating the the Pathos Twin Towers integrated tube amplifier also works very well with these speakers.

I use a Joule-Electra LA-100 mk. 3 preamplifier and Joule-Electra Stargate monoblocks with my Merlin VSM-SE bBAM speakers. When I spoke with Marianne Barber about the Stargates, she said that the sound of the Stargates were very close (actually, too close, in her opinion) to that of their much more expensive OTL designs, lacking primarily as much high frequency air as the OTLs. These amps are "only" 30 wpc SET, but sound very powerful (my prior amp was an Audio Research VT-100 mk. 2, which could player louder than the Stargates, but which didn't sound as controlled and powerful as the Stargates at reasonable listening levels).

When combined with a Meridian 508.24 CD player, I feel this is truly a music lover's system at a moderate price (especially used).

Merlin seems to match their VSM-M ("S" harness) with Sim Audio solid state electronics at shows. I would talk directly with Bobby at Merlin; he obviously knows his speakers very well.

anyone here try the Cary 805c with the merlins???

If I had my druthers I would own both a Berning zh270 and a pair of Joule Grand Marquis or maybe Atma-sphere M60's and stop fretting over the right choice :) Own the Berning and love it for many reasons which have been well documented on Agon over the past few months, it is a great choice with the VSM and it will never leave my possession. With the Merlins you have other excellent options as well. They are an easy load and work with a wide variety of amps and as noted by others above will reveal the intrinsic character of the components leading the parade.

Whatever blows your sails is the right choice. Some will prefer ss some tubes, my biases are well known. A great high efficiency speaker with a great OTL is the best seat in the house IMHO. Ask Bobby for the insider's choice. He hasn't heard them all and has his own preferences but will certainly guide you in the right direction.