SS amps for merlin vsm

@Pubul57 - yes, but it has been several years and on a different set of speakers. I had the Rogue 99 preamp and Model 88 power amp with the TSM-SE's and then the TSM-M's. The midrange was just ridiculously palpable, almost "wet" with realistic tonal color. The Coors (female singing group) sounded utterly real with the Rogue...(and here comes the "but") - BUT I ultimately preferred solid state power amp because the bass was a bit slow and muddy in comparison, and Merlin speakers (in general) have too great a coherent sound to introduce any lag. My current setup is with the VSM-MXe's with the latest Master BAM and RC networks - still don't plan to go with a tube power amp, but would never give up the tubed preamp. Just a great combination....

The Merlins (for better and worse) are more revealing of the upstream chain than any other speaker that I've heard. So.....

You might want to try a tube amp that allows rolling. I've recently been using my VSMs with Prima Luna 6 monos that allow a wide variety of tube choices. I've tried a half dozen different output tube types and the results varied widely. I know that Bobby (and many other folks) prefer the EL-34, but there's a lot of tube sound in the territory betwen that tube and SS.

You might well find that KT88s get you a combination of tube/ss sound that appeals. It will definitely be a more SS feel than EL 34s. I ended up running KT66s (which kind of split the difference between KT88s and EL34s) FWIW.

OTH, you might prefer SS....

Marty

I tried few KT 88 based sterio and monoblocks and found good bass response..but the sweetness of EL 34 was lost

the KT 88 based amps i tried were not class A

Fila in 25watts class A EL34 based amp

may be KT 88 in class A will do good

but i am looking for a simple solid state integrated amp that will go close to EL 34 mid and KT 88 bass

.

If you have to have tubes for your Merlin, go Ars Sonum.

If you're worried about power (and I think the 25wpc is not enough, myself), have you heard about/looked at the new (some time this year) Gran Filarmonia? Ask Bobby about this one or Google it. It's not up on the web yet except as a rumor w/some spy shots. Its a real looker.

That said, I would personally recommend 120wpc or more for the Merlins. And then add better cables. If you've never tried something other than Cardas -- and you're using tubes on them -- then you've never heard what these 2-ways can do. It's punch-a-hole-in-your-chest bass, but something I never got with a tube amp. Any tube amp.

08-14-11: Masilu

but i am looking for a simple solid state integrated amp that will go close to EL 34 mid and KT 88 bass

When you find that, please let us know:)