BAT VK-60se vs Atma-Sphere M60 mkIII

I have Atma-sphere M60MKIIIs driving Merlin VSMs. I'm using an Atma-sphere MP3 pre-amp. I tried a BAT VK-3I for approx. two weeks and did not like the sound..it was too dry as far as the line stage was concerned. Phono stage was awesome but that was with my AR turntable. I would not recommend a BAT pre-amp with the M60s.
As far as speaker recommendations I second the Merlin VSMs and the Coincident Technologies speakers. And definitely no zero autoformers.

I am using ACI Jaguar 2000's with M60 Mk III's. The 6.5 ohm minimum impedance with 8 ohms nominal on these speakers is a great fit with the amps.

I have been an ACI fan since the Sapphire III opened my eyes to real fidelity in reproduction. They make an excellent product.

6.5 ohm minimum impedance with 8 ohms nominal also happens to be the Merlin VSMs specs - again, match OTLs with the right speakers and I think you will have a very good result.

If you email Ralph he'll recommend some manufacturers that work well. I know Audiokinesis will be on his list and Duke is a super great guy.

You might also consider Coincident for the M-60's.

As for the MA-1's...I have a pair of Mk III's and absolutely love them. Mine are currently mated with Vandersteen 5A's and it is the best I have heard the 5A's sound. This combo produces all the details and texture that the music has to offer while enveloping you in the music.

I did try the Zero's with the MA-1's in a different setup (Emerald Physics CS2's). While it tightened up the bass, it did indeed cast a haze over the sound that I ultimately couldn't live with.

George