2. amps-preamps
  3. 1205204657

Good tube integrated for Merlin speakers?

Hi,

Other than the Ars-Sonum integrated, what is the current crop of recommendations to drive a new Merlin MXe?

The Ars-Sonum is a push-pull A/B amp, so I was wondering if a straight SET integrated would work, and/or something strictly class A?

I'm not dismissing the Ars-Sonum (far from it -- synergy is what this game is about), I'm just looking for alternatives (and the Filarmonia has a rather long lead time, so what do I do in the mean time?) ....

I was looking at Audiomat (specifically the Opera Reference or Prelude Reference 20), the Mastersound (300B or 845) amps, Art Audio Jota or Carissa (I think the PX-25 is going to be woefully underpowered but the Concerto might work), and well, I'm not sure.

If possible, I'd like to keep this under $5k (used or new). Oh, and if it has a remote, that's a really nice feature ....

Separates are fine, but a different conversation -- just looking at integrateds right now ...

Thanks for you input!
socrates7
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
I agree that the VAC is very likely to be wonderful with the Merlins. I did not know Bobby ever used SETs or the history behind that. He gently steered me away from going that way, not that they would not work fine or that some might truly like it, but I was not encourage to go there. I would think that you would need an 845 or 211 for it to work though. Would love to try a deHavilland 845G for instance. Was very curious to try the Almarro 318B, but...
sns
3,622 posts
 
I've been running an Art Audio Carissa Signature for going on a couple years with the VSM-MM w/ superbam, absolutely no problems with power delivery. Plenty of slam, bass is filled out very nicely, refined mids and highs. I beg to differ, SET's can work very nicely with even the new Merlins.
Having said that, the partnering equipment is very important. Also, as you probably know, this is not an integrated amp, I can't help you there, although the Ars-Sonum is reportedly very nice on the Merlins. I suspect the EL 34's this amp uses mates well with the Merlins. I only say this because I still occasionally use a Conrad Johnson MV-55 (el 34's, about 45 wpc), and this also works beautifully with the Merlins. I have also used Cary SLM-100 monoblocks, another amp that can use EL-34's and it too was very nice.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
There is an Art Audio Carissa on sale with a built-in volume control for less than $3000. I was very tempted by the Carissa.
sns
3,622 posts
 
I would be very leery about using the Art Audio, and perhaps any amp with volume control sans preamp. I wanted Joe Fratus to install a volume control on my Carissa, asking about my preamp (Joule Electra LA-100 MK.III), he advised against it.
I suspect running any source direct to amp would result in a thin sound, also lacking in dynamics. The pot Joe uses also slightly degrades the sound, something like the DACT volume control would likely be a better choice.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
I think that Joe has a Gold Point Attenuator option that would likely work very well; better than a Joule? Well likely a very different presentation. I can't decide between my Joule and K&K TVC by Keven Carter - both wonderful in their own and different ways.
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