Class D for Repatriated Merlin TSM MMI

I’ve had Merlins, both floor standers and the TSM MMM Black Magic editions. They respond nicely to higher power delivery though Bobby P ran them a lot with ARS-Sonum tube amps.

I’d be careful with class D amps as anything on the lean side or bright on the top end will sound particularly bad with these revealing speakers. If you can find a used H2O S250 Signature, then you’d be in for a real treat. The H2O is a fantastic amp, detailed yet full-bodied. I haven’t heard Ralph’s amps but they’re on my bucket list.

@sbank @derekw_hawaii  @marco1 

Sorry folks, I do not check these forums often so I am often late to comment....

If packaging tracking holds correct, a pair of the Atma-Sphere Class D amps will be here tomorrow (9/10). I will have them for several days before I need to send them off to their buyer, so I will get a chance to hear what they do on Merlin's.

In regards to TSM's . . .

Merlin TSMs between their sealed box alignment and crossover design, are a pretty stable easy load (min impedance is in the low 6 ohm range) and moderately efficient (87dB). So, many tube amps play really well with them. Many TSM users have Ars Sonum Filarmonia amps driving their TSMs (about 30W/ch) [I'll put in a plug here for the current generation of the Ars Sonum Filarmonia integrated amp, and its brother the Armonia power amplifier, which have a number of significant improvements over the earlier versions that Bobby P sold back in the aughts and early teens].

Of course good (smooth, clear - not overly damped) solid state works great on them too. For example, there are a number of Power Modules Belles Aria integrated amps being used on Merlin TSMs. Later version/production TSMs IMO can also really show off what even better solid sate amps can do.

I am very much looking forward to trying Ralph's new amps on the speakers. :-)

Cheers

Rich

@signaturesound  Thanks Rich. It will really interesting the hear how the AS Class D compares to and pairs with the TSMs. Probably the first and only class D pairing observations to date. Please especially comment as to the clarity and soundstage aspects vs the other amps that you have experienced. Happy evaluating over the weekend.

@signaturesound Always enjoy hearing your observations. You're still the man!