Merlin VSM and SETs?


I would like to hear from those that have tried an SET (integrated or amp)with the Merlin VSMs. What do you think? If you prefered the SET, what were you comparing it to. I have an Ars Sonum integrated and CAT JL2 amp, and am wondering if an SET will provide a worthwhile option, and if so, in what way.
pubul57

Showing 1 response by dgarretson

I've tried flea 2AE monoblocks with VSM-MXs and the sound was pale & underwhelming. Merlins present a stable high impedance that would appear to be SET-friendly, but they aren't sensitive enough for low-powered SETs. By comparison, I am able to get slightly more sensitive Watt Puppies to work well with 2A3s using autoformer impedance multipliers. This is surprising, knowing the uneven impedance curve and difficult phase angle of the Wilsons. However autoformers only degraded the sound of the Merlins with flea SETs.

You could probably make it at 20wpc.