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
I've always be interseted in the First Watt amps and wonder what the new F5 would sound like with Merlins.
It would be very interesting to try the F5, which I beleive is a P/P design versus single-ended. It too seems very easy to drive for typical tube preamps. Based on the sixmoons review it sounds like it is less warm (2nd order harmonics) and more linear/leaner than the J, which would not generally be my first choice with Merlins, but of course, "theory" is no subsititute for listening. The design creativity of Nelson Pass is really incredible.
I have the TSM's fed by the Dodd Preamp and VAC 70/70 monobloc's. The combination is excellent.
Cruz, I recently purchased a Dodd (that I use with my Music Reference RM9 Special Edition) and am very impressed with it. I've recently owned a CAT,Lamm, and Joule pre, and I think it is right there with these and works very well with the Merlins.