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Pass Labs X250 with merlin VSM-mm/system overhaul?

Hello,
This is my first post on this board. I own a pair of Merlin VSM-mm's with Super Bam - current CD player is a Sony SCD-555es and amplification is bryston B-60 with occasional berning EA-230 and Bedini 25-25 amplification. I understand that this is not the perfect situation - solid state preamp section on my bryston running the berning or bedini.
I guess I need an overhaul of my system - looking to run a new preamp - ditch the bryston bedini and berning and get a new amplifier. I don't believe that the super high end esoteric stuff is my game - so I don't want to spend more than 2000 for a preamp and similarly on an amp(used). Oh - and I NEED a remote for the pre - not having a remote for the bryston has driven me nuts. tube preamp and ss amp - that's what I'm thinking. Not really interested in an integrated - actually not at ALL.
Best Regards,
Brian
77cooper

Showing 2 responses by sbank

sbank's avatar
sbank
3,382 posts
 
Consider the Dodd preamp. It's battery powered, so you also save by not needing an expensive power cable. Tremendous value, and dead quiet. You can tweak it a bit by your choice of tubes. Looks gorgeous and has a nice matching volume-only remote. In your price range.
For a ss amp to match w/the Merlins the Belles Hot Rod is a good choice that's affordable. Cheers,
Spencer
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,382 posts
 
Brian,

My recollection is that regarding the Joule 100's that the upgrade from mkII to mkIII is VERY significant. Cost difference is negligible, so I'd say to avoid the mkII. FWIW, I've owned the LA100mkIII, the LA150, and the Dodd, and the Dodd is my favorite. When you factor in no need for an expensive power cable, and it's striking looks, it is a hard value to beat. If you have phono, the joule's LAP150 version might be the best value of the Joule line. These are all good pieces, so it comes down to personal taste and is almost splitting hairs. Cheers,
Spencer
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