Merlin Mil. w/hybrid amps??

Thanks for the invitations guys. I will email you individually with the dates I will be in your areas to check your schedules. Jim, that is very cool that your wife is going to the show with you. My wife loves music. She especially likes to hear it live . However, I cannot imagine ever getting her to the show. Interesting enough, with the parade of equipment of equipment that has passed through my system, the only time she has ever made an unsolicited, positive comment is when she heard the Merlins for the first time. She said "Wow, those really sound good." Since then, instead of just hearing the music through our in-wall speakers, she will come downstairs to our basement, actually sit on the couch and listen to the system with the Merlins. This is high praise, indeed. Funny enough, she asked me if the were available as an in-wall.

Brooks - I used to live in the Chicago area. Check out Holmes Audio (no affiliation). They are in the Downers Grove area right off I-355. The owner had a Joule Electra VZN-80 that he was using at home. They loaned it to me for the weekend along with an LA-100 pre-amp. This was a few years ago, but he still may have it. I loved the sound, but could not afford the price. At the time I was using Blue Circle gear to drive my Merlins. I have since switched over to the David Berning camp with no regrets. My ZH-270 is currently in Florida getting the wire/capacitor upgrade. I am anxiously awaiting its return.

Brooks, no offense to any other spouses, but I have no doubt that I am the luckiest man on Earth. She is also letting me build a 427 Cobra Replica in the garage.

Jim, what a blessing. MrPaul, Thanks for the suggestion. I have been to Holm audio many times. It is a cool store. However, they are no longer a Joule dealer. They primarily have Cary, ASL, and Elect.. By the way, David Berning is so busy that he is back ordered until December.

Mrpaul,

Hang on to your hat as you will be "blown away" by the wire and cap mods on the ZH270 after 200 hours. The upgrade is that good.

Jim