@jzzmn88 well, when it comes to your Merlins, you got in at the perfect place, the top!
Thank you for laying out the issues you have regarding the Filarmonia. Everything makes sense, really. The subwoofer connection can work, as a couple of options exist. Unfortunately, remote control looks more or less a dealbreaker, and understandably so.
I think a lot of us tend to recommend tube amplifiers out of hand. And though a definite pleasure of ownership often comes with them, I don't want to come across as someone who feels solid state amplifiers lack merit, or even cannot represent the best solution. As previously stated, I feel Merlins sound best with more rich and full-bodied partnering amplification. Plinius has just that sort of sound. Tubes don't always come across that way. Maybe trying one to scratch that itch will satisfy your curiousity, but don't sell the Plinius until you see what really works best for you. In complete honesty, I think your Plinius most probably makes an excellent mate, and I'm not sure it shouldn't stay
Thank you for laying out the issues you have regarding the Filarmonia. Everything makes sense, really. The subwoofer connection can work, as a couple of options exist. Unfortunately, remote control looks more or less a dealbreaker, and understandably so.
I think a lot of us tend to recommend tube amplifiers out of hand. And though a definite pleasure of ownership often comes with them, I don't want to come across as someone who feels solid state amplifiers lack merit, or even cannot represent the best solution. As previously stated, I feel Merlins sound best with more rich and full-bodied partnering amplification. Plinius has just that sort of sound. Tubes don't always come across that way. Maybe trying one to scratch that itch will satisfy your curiousity, but don't sell the Plinius until you see what really works best for you. In complete honesty, I think your Plinius most probably makes an excellent mate, and I'm not sure it shouldn't stay