Is it possible it was Class A/AB with 20 watts in Class A? The spec sheet shows both that spec and 100 watts AB. Sure would explain why some consider it to be such a nice hybrid integrated. |
The Vamp could not be switched, at least the two I have owned in the past. Ran it with Merlin VSM's going back about 7-8 years ago now.
Wish I had kept it as it is a steal for the money used. |
I never knew the Vamp to be switchable, at least not the integrated version. I had a big interest in the Vamp a few years ago and I think I would have recalled this feature. Then again... |
I forgot about the Joule VAMP, just don't see it that often. Granyring? Anthony? is the VAMP switchable between Class A and Class A/B - the spec sheet seems to suggest so, though it may be a factory setting - it would be nifty to switch from 20 watts Class A to 100 Watts Class A/B when needed.
So --
Ars Sonum Fila
Manley Stingray
Cary SLI 80
Joule VAMP
I would also think CJ MV55[?] EL34 integrated would be worth considering. |
No such thing as too much information. |
IMO you've had more than enough substantive input on this thread versus other similar threads I've perused of late. Kudos to Grannyring for suggesting the Joule Vamp. Rare, but a killer suggestion. |
Definitely haven't ruled out Ars! Like I aid, just doing due diligence and looking for substantive input rather than just "I like this , I like that." |
Well, if you don't want to go with the Ars, I think the Manley Stingray would be worth considering, though it has recently gone through a very steep price increase, and those that bought it at the old price are trying to sell based on the higher price to get an windfall - a problem for me. |
Very aware of the Ars as a possibility... Not the only possibility, however, so I want to do due diligence. |
Bobby has been at shows with the Ars Sonum, Bobby is no fool, other than the OTL route, I prefer, the Ars is one heck a good amp, especially matched with the Merlins. And, though only 30 watts, drives the VSMs about as loud as could take it, not sure how much easier or harder the TSM are to drive. |
Anybody auditioned the Bel Canto S300i with the Merlin TSM-MMIs? |
Driving mine with a Cary SLI-80 F1 Signature, All Triode, Zero NFB and love it. I listen to mostly acoustic jazz and chamber classical but female vocals are spooky. |
Unison Unico or other hybrids? But what does one give up? |
I drive TSM-Mmi + RC with a Manley Stingray II. They sound great together. |
If you can get lucky enough to find one Joule made the VAMP integrated amp that is magic with that speaker. Only $1200 or so used. Rare to find, but worth me letting you know about. |
The Merlin website features a link to the ARS Sonum product. Presumably, if there weren't product "synergy," they'd not be implicitly endorsing the ARS. By reputation, Merlin is well-respected for quality so it's fair to assume the two products match well. |
Thanks for your input, Chuck. The SLI-80 was recommended by Bobby Palkovis as well. I'd like to hear from MMI owners, however, since system synergy is paramount. |
The Cary SLI-80 would be a good choice for a tubed integrated. Although this recommendation comes without knowing the load specs of your speakers. But I use a Cary to drive a pair of Focal Be monitors in triode mode and enough volume is not an issue. I listen to primarily classical symphonic and chamber works along with contemporary jazz and female jazz vocals.
Chuck |
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.
b |
Berning ZH270 is out of production. |
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? |
Anybody tried the Eastern Electric M88 with the Merlins? |
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. |
I would consider the Berning ZH270 as good as it gets, if you have only two sources.
I have since moved to the ZH230 with a Berning ZOTL Pre.
It works well.
e |
Never heard of ARS Sonum Filarmonia?
You can do a search on it here :) |
Not tube, but the Luxman and Sugden Class A amps will run these infamously. |
