Class D for Repatriated Merlin TSM MMI


I recently repatriated a pair of Merlin TWM MMI from Singapore. Calvin Ho of CK Audio made its return home quick and painless.

I have read the forums and understand that most seem to prefer tube amps. I know that is is against convention so far as I've read, but, due to heat, space, my back and weight, I am inquiring  of any successful synergistic  pairing of Class D amps. (Yes, I am trying to avoid 55 pounds of iron)

My sense are these little guys might benefit from lots of power but like everything the proof and synergy is in the pudding.

Thanks for any experience one can share.

 

 

derekw_hawaii

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@sbank @derekw_hawaii  @marco1 

Sorry folks, I do not check these forums often so I am often late to comment....

If packaging tracking holds correct, a pair of the Atma-Sphere Class D amps will be here tomorrow (9/10). I will have them for several days before I need to send them off to their buyer, so I will get a chance to hear what they do on Merlin's.

In regards to TSM's . . .

Merlin TSMs between their sealed box alignment and crossover design, are a pretty stable easy load (min impedance is in the low 6 ohm range) and moderately efficient (87dB). So, many tube amps play really well with them. Many TSM users have Ars Sonum Filarmonia amps driving their TSMs (about 30W/ch) [I'll put in a plug here for the current generation of the Ars Sonum Filarmonia integrated amp, and its brother the Armonia power amplifier, which have a number of significant improvements over the earlier versions that Bobby P sold back in the aughts and early teens].

Of course good (smooth, clear - not overly damped) solid state works great on them too. For example, there are a number of Power Modules Belles Aria integrated amps being used on Merlin TSMs. Later version/production TSMs IMO can also really show off what even better solid sate amps can do.

I am very much looking forward to trying Ralph's new amps on the speakers. :-)

Cheers

Rich