OTL amps

Merle - Just in case you do have an opportunity to demo (which probably can be arranged through Jed Barber of Joule, if there is no dealer in your area), let me add that from the other posts, the Joule OTLs may indeed be a possibility for use with your Kharma speakers. I use them with Merlin VSM-SEs, the speakers Joule Electra is most often associated with, and the nominal impedance of the Merlins is 6.8 ohms. If your Kharma speakers are basically 6 ohms and fairly stable (i.e., don't drop way down at some point in the frequency spectrum), the Joules will work fine. All the amps mentioned have great reputations. However, if you are curious about OTLs, you should try to give them a listen. Their magic is not at all limited to the mid-range. On the other hand what I hear and love about my OTLs may or may not strike your fancy as much. At the level of all the amps being commented upon, "taste" probably counts more than anything.

Oahuan I too have the Merlin VSM-SE soon to be upgraded to Millenium. Have you heard other OTL besides the Joule with your Merlin's? What is the sonic characteristic in the upper and lower band with the Joules? I have heard the Trancendents work superbly in the bass with Merlins.

does anyone have an opinion on the David Berning ZH270 amp. i m thinking of buying one.

Like Vtvu, I have the 25wt stereo Transcendent Sound OTL and for $1,900.00, it is extremely good. The sound is very transparent and lets you hear everything going on in the recording, which can be good or bad. Because of it's incredible "clearness" it seems to somewhat mask the delicious juicyness that SETs give you. However! I'm now driving the woofer of my Proac Response 2.5s with the Transcendent Sound amp and the tweeters with a pair of Cary 2a3 monoblocks. This set up shows the wonderful midrange clarity and body that OTLs are capable of since the 2.5s cross over somewhere above 2500HZ.

Check out the David Berning products. Just a note, the Berning ZH-270 increases power as ohm load increases, unlike other OTL's, in which it is just the opposite. Really, it has the most advanced designed layout of any OTL. Check out the Berning website for more info. This little, non obtrusive amp had the most power and drive I have ever heard period. The bass had to heard to be believed. Advanced technology and design layout are extremely fascinating, but the sound is where this amp shines. Incredible. Note : To the man that posted above about purchase of the Berning - Hurry there are only a few new units left. David Berning does not build many period. If I had the extra money I would sell my beloved little Blue Circle BC22 (solid state) and scoup one up. BTW the ZH-270 has an estimated 20 year tube life. Amazing.