What amp should be used with merlin vsm's?

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

There is a 2002 designed in the early 80s by Richard Brown; in fact, one is up for sale now, apparently rebuilt in 2005 after UPS totalled it in transit.

these are the amps i was talking about.
very cool. many merlin owners use them and love them. some had big tubes amps, even otls.
b