2. amps-preamps
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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
sns
3,859 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.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
What I discovered over time, though Bobby told me from day one, the BAM sounds best when there is a tube preamp buffering the output to the amp. While I believe in passive for many setups, I think Merlin users are best served with a quality tube preamp.
jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,371 posts
 
If you have extra money go for the monoblock quartet.
Ive heard them with my friend ,hook up with the Andra I
they sounded unbelievable.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
I did forget to mention that the Ars Sonum does actually have a tube preamp linestage, not a passive. Another integrated worth trying are any interation of the VACs.
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