CAT versus Berning

Jafox, you have pretty much done ii for me, I won't be giving up the CAT. I'm very interested in any tube recommendations you could make (I'm using stock), and what supplier you trust for them.

Jafox

I personally feel that the Berning is compatable with the Merlin speakers. For that matter I find the Berning compatable with every speaker I've heard it paired due to its unique impedance converter design. The issue is one more of taste than compatibility. I have owned the Berning with the Merlins for 5 years. What will throw things off is system synergy due to the fact that the Berning is quite neutral and seemingly leaner than other tube amps. This might lead to the impression that it is characteristically "lean", not so. Many but not all tube amps appear characteristically "warm" to my ears.

Wiring can make a significant difference as can the pre-amp used. I have heard the Berning sound utterly spellbinding with the right compliment of components, capable of reproduction of music to the highest level I've heard. I have not heard it spellbinding in my set-up but I know what it is capable of. My set-up is lagging in several key areas most importantly the room itself which would lend ANY system delivering less than its potential.

Pubul57, I would think the CAT would give up very little to any amp when used with the Merlins but this would go back to an issue of taste and what you are looking for. Bobby certainly has his favorites and his own tastes which would be tough to argue as he is always getting accolades at the shows. I've heard his Joule/Merlin set-up at the 2002 Stereophile show and was more than a little impressed. I've also listened to the Joule extensively in my own system and like it very much although it is richer than the Berning.

I am always reminded when I listen to a live performance, of an orchestra in particular, is how far off reproduced is to the real thing. I've about given up trying to get "there". Kind of like the greyhound chasing the rabbit upon catching it finally realizing it isn't what it appeared to be. Such dogs can never chase the "rabbit" again. Sorry for the ramble but this is how I currently feel about the situation as I'm not willing to keep on spending to keep discovering that there is often no correlation between the cost of a system and the enjoyment it offers. It is about synergy and taste and how much disposable income one has and is willing to spend to keep up the pursuit of the illusion.

Tubegroover, you are right abou the CAT, but boy is it hot in summer, one reason I got the ARS, which in terms of synergy, is really ideally matched with the Merlins - I can't see changing my speakers any time soon, or until Bobby figures out some wat to improve them. You also state a deeper truth, when I come back from a live jazz concert, I realize how far off equipment is from live, at first I feel a little disappointed, but then I realize that reproduced music, on its own terms, has its own beauty and certainly pleasure, but like you say - it is not live, and never will be.

Pubul57 - I sent you an email with some details on the various tubes in the 6922, 12au7 and 12ax7 sockets. Hope this gives you some ideas to try a few things vs. the stock Sovtek and Ei tubes.
John

John, got your e-mail, thanks for all the interesting ideas.