Merlin VSM and SETs?

Canadiandog, are the Wytechs PP? Or dual output tubes? That is a lot of power for 300B

Snx, did you prefer the Joules?

Goergemg, that is the concern. You had pretty powerful SET, but ultimately seem to have preferred the 50 watt PP.

This makes me think that the CAT JL2 with 100 Watt Class A Triode, and the Ars Sonum which is mostly Class A and 30 Watts might not be improved upon with SET on the Merlins; without some sacrifice. I would make the move if the there was a signficant improvement in dimensionality without the cautious sense that I would be missing out on the full spectrum bass to highs.

The Art Audio Carissa and Jota have been recommended, but I'm not yet convinced they would offer something better than what I have. The other direction would be an Atmasphere MA-60 or Joule VZN80. But that is another kettle of fish.

I think that Bobby once wrote that he uses low power@home...try a search of the archives.

a clue, wattage is less important than the actual sound/tonal balance and bandwidth of the amp in question.
at 22 watts in pure class a, the fila flys!
so it is not that.
and georges amps are class a, another clue?
:-)
best,
b

Pabul, I can't compare the Joule amps directly to the Carissa as I didn't use the Joules in my system. I can say I prefer the Carissa in my setup to the Joules in the systems I've heard, I suspect my fully treated room had much to do with this. I much preferred the dimensionality, holographic presentation over the mostly untreated rooms of the Joule systems.
I can't imagine you would have any bass issues with the Joule LA 150, I use the Joule LA100MK.III and bass is just fine for me.
You will only know if an SET is better for you by trying it in your system, I can guarantee it will sound different than any push/pull or OTL amp.

Pubul, dual output in a "quasi-parallel" circuit according to the manual.