Just thought I should mention that after using sim audio w-5 for a year and a half, this amp brings out everything I want from this speaker. I should also mention that I had no idea how good these speakers were until I tweeked my analog set-up to where it's at now. I thought these speakers were great, but little did I know they are much better than I had expected. For those searching for a first rate speaker I most highly recommend the vsm's. Imho I didn't hear anything at the expo (nyc's 2007) that beat my sound , maybe equalled it but not beat it. These are keepers, just keep in mind, get the source right, before upgrading downstream electronics. My pre by the way is sim p-5 and my tt is vpi tweeked to death with leadshot everywhere. Phono is e.a.r. 834p modified and lead shot installed for dampening arm is graham 2.2. with leadshot sitting there too. I know I know I drove the price of lead shot up. cartidge sumiko blackbird. Room treatment all over the place, speakers still suspended from ceiling driven by sim w-5 , only other speaker is a martin logan sub hardly needed, even had to lower the subs output setting to 30 hz. and below, thats how good the merlins are.
