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amps for Merlin VSM-MXE

Hi guys,

Soon to be selling my anniversary Yamaha NSX-10000 and taking delivery of brand new Merlin MXE speakers.

Bobby tells me these new speakers are much friendlier to solid state designs...anyone using the MXE's yet and how do they fare?

I used to own the vsm-mm model with a modded Berning otl...both are now sold!

I also found that the little Leben CS-300X worked alarmingly well...enough to convince me that i could sell the Berning, use the Leben and save a bit of cash for the MXE's!

It seems that the market is choc full of very high quality amps at the moment! I was wondering about the red wine sig 30 myself.

Richard
enjoy_the_music
12 responses Add your response
bobbyapalkovic
729 posts
 
forgive me for budding in,
the bass of the vsm is partially controlled by the bandpass filtration in the bam. since the woofer's fs is 28 hz and x-mechanical is one full inch, there is a great and obvious potential to decrease power handling/increase distortion through excessive cone excursions. filtering out of band energy decreases im distortion in the mids while reducing 2nd and 3rd order harmonic distortion by keeping the driver in linear drive longer and at higher levels. the latter distortion sounds like boomy bass.
regards,
bobby
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
I have not heard the Dartzeel, but those that owned them certainly seem to like them - no doubt it is a good amplifier. I will say that the CAT JL2 is neither rolled off or syrupy - it is full spectrum and fast. I think the Merlins are intended to match best with tubes and will almost always (always?)sound better with great tube amps than great SS amps, it is the way they are voiced and to some extent a result of their highly damped bass which works best with the relatively low damping of the bass that tubes provide.
chaz801's avatar
chaz801
77 posts
 
Tabl10s,
Not sure by experience with dartzeel. But I did get my info about this match up through a dealer who carries both Merlin and Dartzeel and he mentioned that the sound was pretty good. If you like a more of rolled off or syrupy sound then tubes will work for you. If you want resolution other qualities this amp brings and money isn't a matter to you, then you might like the sound of dartzeel. Again, its a matter of taste and budget.
georgemg
69 posts
 
I am using with audio aero capitole 55 watts classe A, I do not think I will get better , maybe one SET with 30 - 50 watts , but in this case may I loose the great bass I have , and the mediuns I have are sweet and pristine, I know this audio aero is expensive but I do not wish to change this amplifier.
tabl10s's avatar
tabl10s
1,075 posts
 
It's been said(by someone with much experience)that the DarTZeel won't work with Merlins.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
A used CAT JL2.
chaz801's avatar
chaz801
77 posts
 
Ars Sonum Filarmonia, Joule, Cary, Dartzeel and have heard VAC gear sounds stunning. Its all a matter of taste and budget.
jbcortes
45 posts
 
In second Jond's recommendation for Air Tight, they're very good. If you're ready to wait a long time, the Ars Sonum Filarmonia will be even better for one third of the price...
JB
usblues
1,217 posts
 
Had an AyreV5x on some VSM-MM's a while back[2004] and it was excellent on all levels.Perhaps a touch hard at very high levels....good luck,bob
enjoy_the_music OP
39 posts
 
Hi,

Thanks for your comments. I'll check them all out and get back to you....Joule is a bit pricey for me at the moment, think $6k tops!
jond's avatar
jond
5,798 posts
 
Joule Electra amps are supposed to be magic with Merlin speakers. I'm personally a big fan, and owner, of the custom tube amps from Deja Vu Audio in Mclean, VA. I'm not affiliated just a happy customer. You might also look into another favorite of mine Air Tight amps, they aften pop up here used. Regardless of your decision, you should absolutely go with tubes. Happy listening!
capt369
152 posts
 
j/c...what will you be using for a pre amp?
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