Best tube integrated with Merlin TSM-MMI?

Class A amps may run them famously, this maybe true. Class A might help with the slightly nasal upper midrange I heard when I had them. I doubt you really meant infamously which means having a very bad reputation. I have heard them with the Berning ZH270 and agree with Egidius it is a fantastic combination. The Ars is good but not great in comparison.

Anybody tried the Eastern Electric M88 with the Merlins?

Egidius & Mechans, Please elaborate. What makes the Berning ZH270 so good in comparison with Ars and other amps? And given that all components have their strengths and weaknesses, What are the Bernings and the Ars?

Berning ZH270 is out of production.

pmb, the 270 is an otl and the fila is a class a transformer coupled amp. the otl will sound very open and natural and the fila offer wider bandwidth in the bass and expanse. both great but different. either of them will not be everything to everyone. i know of many that cannot live without the otl's uncomplicated character and know of as many again that cannot live without the superior tonal balance and depth of the class a transformer coupled amp.
jmtc.
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