What amp should be used with merlin vsm's?


Maybe merlin owners can help me with this, I am looking for an amp to go with my merlins. Should I get a belles 150a hotrod or sim w5 or a b&k st140. Are there any other amps I should look at? Which of these can bring me the best sound? I would like to get joule's vzn100 but am not financially ready, but if there is a tube amp that costs less- something under $3500 used, I would consider it.
pedrillo
I recently moved from Cary Sixpacs to Quicksilver (6C33C0) Triodes and have found the change to be terrific. I also know that Bobby really likes the 6C33C tube. Clear, impactful with a beautiful midrange. The sixpcs were really good (seducctive and velvety) I just think that the Quickies are more live.
Pedrillo, I'd give a listen to the Quicksilver V4 tube amps, which put out 120 watts per chanel. They are very liquid, have very good 3-dimensionality, and a convincing presence. They are about $4000 used, but worth it.

waltcertain
BAT VK60 or VK75 with V-Cap TFTF coupling caps. I'm using a recapped VK75SE with VSM-MXs. Transparent, neutral, authoritative with Merlins, particularly when biwired. Hardly a typical configuration, though.
I've used a bunch of different amps with my VSMs over the years and most have worked out very well.
My personal favorites include:

Cary 805 (might be over your stated budget, but really excellent)
Cary 300B monos (magic with vocal music)
Pancor Dyna re-issues (Power + pre should be under $1K used - if you can find 'em. Sound is really good, but these eat tubes and then get noisy. Even so, this is the best value I've come across).

These also worked well, but were less striking to me:

ARC VT 130SE
KRELL KSA 50s
Odyssey Monos
Pathos Classic One Integrated
Original Quicksilver monos

Good luck,

Marty