amps for Merlin VSM-MXE


sorry i posted this by mistake in the speakers thread so reposting here...taking delivery of new MXE speakers soon and wondered what would be peoples choice of amp. I heard the new speakers work also well with SS, although my choice has always been tubes.

Given the rise of low cost/high quality components in recent years can someone provide me with a solution for $6k?

I have had the berning and it worked well...just looking for options!
enjoy_the_music
hi David...your system is Joule and Belles?

In what way do you enjoy the ARS? Is the price/performance ratio better?

Richard
01-13-07: ryle202@hotmail.com
I´ve owned previously Joule LA150/VZN100 combo and Berning ZH270 with my VSM-MX and right now my amp it´s the Ars Sonum Filarmonia SE and I´m EXTREMELY happy with it.
ryle202@hotmail.com

I was reading the topic of what amp sounds good with Merlin speakers. You mentioned you had owned a few prominent amps but now you own the Filarmonia. I've heard some good things about this amp but im a little skeptical. Also ive read threads where people are waiting in upwards of 11 months to get their amp. I'm going goo goo over VAC amps if i can get them at a fair price. I've heard they sound wonderful with the merlins. I havent heard any of this equipment except for VAC. Im sold on this sound. Can you elaborate on the filarmonia? Have you heard vac gear? If so what are the differnence...

Thanks,
Chaz801,
Haven't heard the VAC. As for the Fila, nothing more normal than to be suspicious. Until you hear it. As Bobby would put it, it's stupid good. It shouldn't be that good. But it is. In a blind test, I'm confident it would trounce anything below 10.000, and probably a lot of competitors between 10 and 20.000.
Now the wait is long indeed, but worth it.
I have recently changed form Cary Sixpacs which I liked to Quicksilver Triodes (which is a 6C33C tube based amp ----same tube as LAMMS) which I like better. Very direct sweet sounding amp with drive that is more true to the music. The Sixpacs are more of a flavor albeit a flavor I like.
I have heard very good things about the Filarmonia integrated which you can speak to Bobby about.