Merlin VSM and SETs?

Per JohnK; I'd agree; if you try SET do it right. Matching the speakers to the amps are absolutely critical with low-powered SET - don't bother with those 89db sensitivity Merlins if that's what you are considering. The combination does not sound compatible unless all your listening is done below 75db or so (beyond that you're likely to get distortions you won't enjoy). OTOH, if you are looking at higher powered SET options, such as those using tubes in parallel or perhaps even those using 845 tubes in the output stage you might squeak by and like what you hear with your Merlins. I don't know your other gear to tell you with any authority how it may differ, but I'd speculate given only experience with low-powered SET and some exposure to the higher powered SET options. At it's best SET amplification seems to render the most holographic sound staging I've ever heard. The midrange is astounding giving a whole new meaning to "presence". Vocals sound particularly natural. Actually, "natural" is a very good descriptor where SET is concerned. Where it lacks traditionally is in a tight low-end. I'd imagine that in the realms of the level of gear you'd be considering you'll be sacrificing less down there, but I'd still speculate that your CAT would perform better in lows and highs (more so in the former), while I'd guess the SET (paired off with the right speakers) would excel in midrange magic and soundstaging abilities. What kinds of music do you listen to mostly? If you are into music with lots of vast dynamic shifts and slam, I think you'd be better served with the alternative. SET would not be my choice to listen to Symphonic scale music, or rock if I listened to that (dense music with great complexity). For vocals, intimate music, chamber music, acoustic stuff...more simple arrangements and those which feature vocals, SET is just wonderful, and certainly worth your consideration.

Marco

I've tried flea 2AE monoblocks with VSM-MXs and the sound was pale & underwhelming. Merlins present a stable high impedance that would appear to be SET-friendly, but they aren't sensitive enough for low-powered SETs. By comparison, I am able to get slightly more sensitive Watt Puppies to work well with 2A3s using autoformer impedance multipliers. This is surprising, knowing the uneven impedance curve and difficult phase angle of the Wilsons. However autoformers only degraded the sound of the Merlins with flea SETs.

You could probably make it at 20wpc.

I ran my VSM's with a WAVAC 572 for a while--apparently not their most popular model. Supposedly put out 50 WPC, although I talked to some people who said that was a bit optimistic of an estimate. Couldn't stand the bass, very loose and boomy. I much preferred the ZH270 to the Wavac.

So far I am not too encouraged. I was thinking of SETs in the 16-18 Watt range, but I suspect this may be pushing it with the Merlins (I'm not changing speakers). I was thinking something like the Art Audio Carissa (16 watts 845s) or Almarro 318B (18 watts 633CC) - something like that. While the Merlins (89dbs) have excellent phase specs and impedance for driving with tubes, I suspect SETs (even the "higher" power ones may be too much to ask. I listen mostly to acoustic jazz ('55-'65 hard bop), chamber music, and singer/songwriter and folk rock. I suppose I would be better off with something like Zu Defintions for speakers in this application, but the Merlins are staying. Thanks for you input so far.

I agree that flea powered SET need not apply for Merlins, BUT high-powered SET and Merlins are an awesome match. I run my Merlins with a pair of Cary 805 SET. No problem with bass and dynamics and I have power to spare.

I have also heard Merlins with J C Verdier 845 amps and that combo also sounded awesome.