Amp suggestion for Merlin TSM speakers

Joule-Electra is amazing with Merlin’s. I only heard the combo once but it was memorable.  Unfortunately they are no longer manufactured and very difficult to come by should you be interested in trying one out.  Rich Brkich of Signature Sound (info1@sigsound.com) in Liverpool NY is the self proclaimed Joule as well as Merlin expert.  He is great to speak with regarding all things Joule or Merlin.  Get in touch with Rich.  He can give you good recommendations too.  There is also a Merlin Facebook group that Rich sponsors. Another good place to get recommendations.  Joule were OTL amps so Atma-Sphere that I mention above is a very good alternative if you’re interested in pursuing OTL.  Rich also represents Atma-Sphere.  IMO it’s tough to do better than Merlin speakers with an OTL amp.  Again, it’s the best combo I’ve tried in 20+ years of owning Merlin’s.

I had a pair of TSM yeas ago with pass labs aleph series amps. Thought they sounded fantastic 

Scon.....what did you move on to after Merlins, and why if they sounded fantastic? Serious question. Really curious as to your response. Thanks

They  were in a second system at the time. I ended up selling the system when I regained some sanity. 

The main system was Avalon Radian and audio research reference stuff. This was almost 20 years ago though. All different now. But for a stand mount speaker I was really impressed with the Merlins.

I currently run Altec 14’s modified wit ha DBX PA2 for cross over, line level adjustments and room eq. El 34 amp for the 12" woofers , 300b for the horns.

The systems sound very nice

However, I’m moving in a few months and my listening area will be smaller. So the search for a bookshelf or small floor stander started late last year.

Local dealer sells Sonus faber , started with the Sonetto line, bookshelf and the smaller floor standers. were definitely a step backwards.. listened to the Olympica bookshelf and certainly an improvement but not quite there.. then listened to the Heritage line and the Electra Amator nailed it, a better presentation than the old altecs minus bass but a a $ 10K price tag , probably not for me - I’m cheap.

I found a pair of the TSM’s MMM locally for a fair price , took them home and yup they check all the boxes. I’ve tried them with a 30 watt Pass Aleph,. my 35 watt EL34 amp and even the 300b amp( yes I know but I was bored).

The Aleph sounded nice but the El 34 really made the TSM’s sing.

I know this wordy but the recommendations for tubes with the TSM’s is accurate and 35-40 watts is adequate in my experience.