What amp should be used with merlin vsm's?

Any Merlin SS amps users out there? What are your experiences? While I use two tube amps with the Merlins, I find the Pass/First Watt Aleph J works very well indeed, though frankly the Atma-sphere OTLs are at the top of my list after having tried many with the VSMs. Perhaps the Aleph J works well because it behaves a bit like OTL in having dropping wattage into dipping impedances (not a problem with Melrins), very low NFB, and tube like damping factor (2).

For mostly logistical reasons, I switched out the Odyssey monos for the smaller chasis TAD ss monos. They are a happier match with the VSMs and probably the best ss match I've yet found. Still go back to tubes pretty frequently, though.

Marty

I don't know if it is the case with all speakers, but to my ears, the Merlins clearly and consistently show the superiority of tubes, no matter how good the SS. That being said I can live with the Pass gear. But at the end of the day, they're still not tubes. Just my personal preference, some may actually like SS better. But for me, Atma-sphere and Merlins are a world-class combination. Still, I would like to have an SS "back-up" or option and the best I've heard so far are the Alephs and the XA30.5.

have a look at the bel amps paul. bel of ca. i think it is the 2002.
best,
b

Hi Bobby & all,

I think you may be thinking of the BEL 1001 amps. The BEL (Brown Electronic Labs) amps, read similar, but not to be confused with the Belles or Bel Cantos. Maybe the other two work well, but I don't know.

I have a BEL Mark IV model I'm now using, but just purchased a monoblock pair of the Mark V's and currently waiting on their delivery. Fwiw, I have my Mark IV up for sale on agon. Great amps and synergy with the VSM's imho.

Kenreau