Ok....Audiogoners: need some tube amp ideas

Indofunka- the Atma was the M-60 2.3; the Joule VZN-80. And to keep the discussion current; after several back and forths, I believe that I am sticking with the Joule but with a quicker, more dynamic i/c.

I am going to go out on a limb a bit and talk very briefly about the diff btwn Berning, Joule and Atma OTLs. I have had all 3 in my system over the last 2 years. I think that the Berning is the most neutral, the Joule the most emotional, and the Atma the quickest and most dynamic. Right now I am going the Atma way; the Berning is gone, and the Joule may be looking for a new home soon. In my system in my room, with my tastes, I like the Atma and the Joule better than the Berning. Others disagree. They are all great amps and you really can't go wrong. There are ergonomic/space/cost factors that probably will be important to many. The Joule is the biggest, heaviest, and runs the hottest. The Berning is the smallest, lightest, coolest running. The Atmas are monoblocks and have better seperation but also have an unusual form factor (AC inlet on opposite side from audio inlet. They also sound best running balanced or at least with an XLR cable from a quasi-balanced source. Decisions, decisions. If you live in the northeast, you are welcome to come hear the Joule and the Atma (at least until I need to free up some cash ans sell one.

I have no idea about the VAC PHi amps, but I can tell you that the VAC Ren Mk2 pre is magnificent with the Merlins.