Owned/own Merlin TSM MME and TSM Black Magic with Master Zoebel. Ran them well with Manley Jumbo Shrimp pre and Mahi Mahi mono blocks. Also, Sugden A21SE integrated. Speaker cables were Decware Silver Stix. All of this sounded quite good.
Don't think it is SS or tube dependent, just the quality of pieces. Merlins do like quality massed stands. Merlins are more forgiving than many monitors. Best of luck in your search.