Class D for Repatriated Merlin TSM MMI

It seems in the realm of possibility that a machine similar to the ones that build the smd boards, could troubleshoot and rework them. For now it seems mostly that only the factory will service smd boards and after warranty expires well...  For myself, my hands are too big and my eyesight is not good enough to want to go near one of those boards...

@pwayland I don't think anyone has eyesight good enough to work on surface mount boards like that without magnifying glasses. But if you have those its a different matter. Its all about the tools you have and like cars or bicycles, the tools change with the times. FWIW we build our modules by hand. If the components were any smaller that likely wouldn't be the case.

WRT the old module, that's not unlike what you run into with bad filter caps and other parts in older stuff. Last year I repaired a set of Adcom amps that had caps that had leaked and thus destroyed the driver boards in the amps. You can't clean them up- the material of the board was damaged in this particular model. The only solution is to replace the boards which is what I did. Not cheap and not particularly easy, plus you wind up with a waste board that is about 3x larger than the typical class D module. So while I understand your concern, the simple fact is this is nothing different with class D in any way whatsoever!

I’ve had Merlins, both floor standers and the TSM MMM Black Magic editions. They respond nicely to higher power delivery though Bobby P ran them a lot with ARS-Sonum tube amps.

I’d be careful with class D amps as anything on the lean side or bright on the top end will sound particularly bad with these revealing speakers. If you can find a used H2O S250 Signature, then you’d be in for a real treat. The H2O is a fantastic amp, detailed yet full-bodied. I haven’t heard Ralph’s amps but they’re on my bucket list.

@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

@signaturesound  Thanks Rich. It will really interesting the hear how the AS Class D compares to and pairs with the TSMs. Probably the first and only class D pairing observations to date. Please especially comment as to the clarity and soundstage aspects vs the other amps that you have experienced. Happy evaluating over the weekend.

@signaturesound Always enjoy hearing your observations. You're still the man!