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Is 40w int. tube amp enough to feed MerlinVSM

Hi all,

I am happy user of the older version Merlin VSMse, where lately I just have an gear change of a German Made integrated tube amp made from LUA Sinfonietta and German Made CDP LUA Appassionato with Cardas Golden Reference cable all around. After the setup of the new system and run-in, I felt the sound is still rather thin, where now I am wonder that 40w per channel power is not enough to feed the Merlin. Any comments will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Reference link for amp spec
http://www.lua.de/d/seiten/amplifier_a_06/sinfonietta/produkt.htm
Reference link for cd spec
http://www.lua.de/d/seiten/cd_spieler/appassionato_mk2/produkt.htm
michaelytt
bobbyapalkovic
729 posts
 
i have a lot of things for you to do and try that will help you. rcs will make the sound more continuos and smooth if the amp is not terminated with a zobel. the feet will also make a big difference as will the sixth toe mod to change the footer position. the instructions could be sent to you where ever you live. you may also need the proper jumpers and an lignment tool. the distance from the side walls, rear wall and seating position would also help. what kind of wire, single run or internal bi-wire or shotgun?? what interconnects?
regards,
bobby
michaelytt OP
5 posts
 
Bobby,
you are the best in help for all Merlin User.

Equipment List
Lua Apassionato CDP w/ TwinLink Powercord >>
Golden Reference 1m IC >>
A/C Bam (1000w down voltage transformer) >>
Golden Reference 1m IC >>
LUA Sinfonietta Tube AMP w/ Golden Reference Powercard >>
Golden Reference 2.5m Single Run Fork to Fork speaker cable >>
Merlin VSMse (Serial No. 3921) w/ Merlin Jumpers/No RC/No Z feet

Please see link on diagram below:
http://michaelytt.sinaman.com/sale/diagram.jpg
michaelytt OP
5 posts
 
Sorry here is the correct link

http://michaelytt.sinaman.com/sale/diagram.html
bobbyapalkovic
729 posts
 
hi michael,
i would move the speakers in to 5 feet 6 inches apart (center to center) to reduce side wall reflections. do you have the alignment tool to set the speakers toe angle?
check on the termination of the amp with zobel or not.
the side walls will reflect much energy and i would damp the immediate and primary reflection points along with the rear wall with a wall hanging or hanging rug. most of what i see are room issues. and i would sit at 9 feet away or more if possible. is the floor carpeted? please also describe the jumpers as you may have an older pair and the new ones are very superior. are the terminals on the speaker edison price music posts or cardas patented binding posts with a single knob.
so in question, rcs, feet, jumpers, listening distance, side wall/rear wall reflections, alignment tool and where you have the bam hooked up. the bam will sound much fuller and more right in a tape loop or between a cdp and pre amp.
the bam has a capacitive input and will sound much better hooked up as i suggest.
let me know please.
bobby
michaelytt OP
5 posts
 
Will test again as you are suggested.

I do have the newer version of your Merlin jumpers. And the speakers binding post is the single knob Cardas version as well. I have also already have the alignment tools and hook up the bam loop between the CDP to my integrated amp.

I had just see a fairly good deal on a pair of the Atma-Sphere MA-1 (the first version 100w mono block http://www.atma-sphere.com/reviews/tas/index.html) come across, is it a good match to the VSM, if so, what pre-amp will make a good match? or should I just start look for a pair of vintage Quad II, as there is no Joule overhere.

Thanks a lot for your help!!

Michael
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