Merlin Mil. w/hybrid amps??


My usual amps are VTL MB-450s. They are in for repair and I have a Bryston 4B SST on loan in the meantime. I really like the low end control and extention. However, I miss all of the appealin qualities of tubes. Have any of you found a hybrid amp that gives you the best of both? Are there still compromises? Any experience that you can share is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Brooks
brooksl
Tubegroover, thanks for the very interesting report. I think that I need to defer my decision until I can hear the Joules and maybe the Berning on Merlins. I will try to get the spring NYC show or see if I can find someone with them who wouldn't mind me coming over for a listen. I live in Chicago but in the next several months I will be in St Louis, St Paul, Ponte Verde, Princeton, and New Haven - just in case anyone knows Joule/Berning/Merlin owners in those areas. Thanks to all of you a lot for sharing your experience. It is a big help. Also, this Tenor hybrid stereo 150 has me so intrigued, I am going to try to hear it too.
Brooks:

I agree with Tubegroover on the Berning, which I have and that is fully "tweaked" out. It is paired with the Merlins. I live in Minneapolis and would be more than happy to have you over when you are in Mpls. Just email me and we can set up a time. You really do owe it to yourself to hear the Berning with the Merlins. I have not had the pleasure of hearing a Joule but, can also tell you that since getting the Berning I have not been hankering or even wondering about something else. This was true before the latest mods to the Berning. Since I had the Berning moddedI have been in awe.

Peter
BTW, Yes - Merlin and Joule are currently planning to do a room together at the NY HiFi show in May.
Brooks, I understand that Merlin will be teaming up with Berning and Stillpoints in Montreal this March. It might well be worth it for you to listen and then check out the NY Hi-end show with the Joules. You will get a good idea of the differences. I DO know some folks that actually prefer the Berning to the Joule. It might be worth it to hear both. Of course you are always welcome to come down to Florida and listen to both Jim's and my system, we live quite close to each other. I'm sure Jim wouldn't mind, right Jim?
Musiclovers are always welcome :)

Brooks, my wife and I are planning to go to NYC in May and we'll be going by the show. Let's keep in touch if you plan to go and maybe we can meet up.

BTW, bring your checkbook. :)