What new amp for my Merlins

Talk to Bobby on the phone and describe what you're trying to accomplish. There are certainly many threads on this already if you'd rather wade through it. Many here have Joule Electra VZN80 stereo, VZN100 mono's (I do), VZN160 mono's, and the Berning ZH270 which all match well with the VSM's. If you must have solid state try Ayre.

If you have $20K, then I would strongly suggest you upgrade the speakers to current MM status with SuperBAM. Significant improvement in the BAM alone. Then you would still have plenty left over for Joule or Berning or (My current favorite, but its a bit contrarian) Atma amp. Mine M-60 monoblocks sound great with a VAC pre; Bobby likes the sound of the Joule pre with the Joule amps. If you are in the northeast, feel free to drop me a line to hear the Joule and the Atma amps.

Jay, I appreciate that you are asking about which amp to use but besides that, you really should send your speakers for the "MM" and Super Bam upgrade. I just got my SE speakers back and the improvement is astounding. They are head and shoulders better than the SE.

With that said, I have the Joule VZN80 amp and just got a Joule LAP150 pre. Very pleased. If an OTL like that is not practical for you then the Berning is also very good. I haven't heard the ARS integrated but I'm sure it's worth a listen.

Jim

Does anyne have a pic of the Filarmonia in their system?

Get the Dodd Audio 120's, save a ton of $$$$, and fughettaboutit, SERIOUSLY, I have been thru over 35 amos in the past few years, including Joule, berning, lamm, et, JMHO.