Best tube integrated with Merlin TSM-MMI?

Who takes the "best" question literally!? It's shorthand, folks. For pity's sake, let's not keep reinventing the wheel... over and over and over.

Capt369, it would be very interesting to hear your observations regarding 6550 versus EL34 with your Merlins after you have had a chance to compare. Has anyone had experience with both the Cary and Manley's (with Merlin or other speakers)?

Pubul57. I did some research on here regarding people who have used both the manley and cary products with their merlins. My instinct told me to go with the cary, altho, I think the manley would be great as well.

This pure class A, 40 watt triode mode that the cary sports is incredible with plenty of power in a fairly large offset room. 14"x17" that offshoots into a dining room.

The musical presentation is almost spooky in its life-like presentation.

I`ll get the e34l`s later in the week and let you know about the new tubes. In the mean time, the eh6550`s are making beautiful music...

I wonder if anyone has tried the SLI-80 F1 Triode version with direct coupling and Zero NFB (wired for triode only). Certainly 40 watts would be more than sufficient to drive the Merlins. I see Upscale Audio advertising it, but I've not heard of anyone having used it or commented on it. Sounds like the Merlin (VSM in my case) would be an easy load for the amp.

10-02-11: Pmboyd
Who takes the "best" question literally!? It's shorthand, folks. For pity's sake, let's not keep reinventing the wheel... over and over and over.

Obviously a lot of folks do because the question of "what's the best...." is asked daily and answered enthusiasticly by folks who really think their equipment is the best.