Getting Back In - But Doing it Sanely
Hi everyone!
I was once an active buyer here, but after a couple of decades of kids, it's time to get back in. This time, however, I'm doing it with a sense of sanity. I could use your help! I'm in the USA.
I kept my Merlin VSM speakers, which are 8ohm 89db sensitivity speakers that were great with tubes. I would like to use them in my new system. I also purchased a Wiim Pro for a source - I'll be using Apple Music or another streaming service. No video / theater system connectivity is planned or wanted!
My listening room is 20’ x 18’ with high 10’ ceilings. I live in a townhome and can't blast the music, but I want to enjoy it at casual listening levels. Music in like is acoustic, folk, singer songwriter, and some top 40.
I need a preamp/amp, preferably integrated. No monoblocks, for sure. Fine with tubes. Fine with digital.
I want to spend less than $4k used. Preferably under $2k!
Can anyone make suggestions?
Thanks!
Prima Luna, Rogue, Raven Nighthawk are all well regarded. The latest Willsenton gets good marks too, and has addressed some former issues with earlier versions. If you're willing to pursue separates, the VTA amps represent great performance for the money. What you like is always subjective, but rolling tubes is a fun way to dial in exactly what you like. Enjoy your Merlins! Bobby Palkovic was a friend of mine, and taught me a lot about speaker building....had several pairs of earlier Merlins.
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The Yamaha A-S801 ticks all your boxes. |
If my PS Audio GC250 ever dies I would probably get the Technics SU-G700 Mk II https://www.stereophile.com/content/technics-su-g700m2-integrated-amplifier |
Most of the amps mentioned might lack the refinement to get 100% out of your Merlin loudspeakers. The Mastersound 845 Compact is over your budget but might be an amp to consider and even demo. The 845 has a liquidity and sense of ease that most budget amps lack. Another positive is the 845 can survive many speaker upgrades. If you consider a SS amp in your price range the Belles Aria should be on a short list. I picked this amp for my sister’s budget level system. The Aria has that non mechcanical flow/liquidity that few(if any) amps at this price can claim. If there is a weakness with the Aria it’s more of a finesse amp when compared to a Hegel, can’t have it all for $3k. Had a brief listen to the Denon PMA A110, the potential is there. |
