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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
Post removed 
martykl
3,578 posts
 
I use a Joule pre & several different power amps with my VSMs. The right SS amps actually sound great with this speaker - the bottom end really firms up. (And who among us doesn't enjoy a firmer bottom end?) The TAD Hibachi monos are a very good match - and they're priced in your neighborhood. That said, I, too, usually end up going back to tubes with the VSMs.

Prima Luna monos are a good tubed choice at your budget, and allow for easy output tube rolling. This excersize is really rewarding with Merlins because they are unusually revealing of any upstream changes.

Marty
77cooper OP
5 posts
 
yep - I think I might need to go for a joule preamp - 100mkII or III but I NEED a the remote option. I need to review the info on the Dodd pre as well. Amplifier is wide open at this point - maybe I'll just do the pre first and then see if the Bedidni is to my liking - to be honest the Berning doesn't have much grunt but the midrange is great - maybe monoblock bernings...
Best Regards,
Brian
77cooper OP
5 posts
 
Oh - and the BEL 1001 - I almost pulled the trigger on one of those but I wasn't sure of the model 1001 as they appear to relatively different between MK#'s. Anyway - lets say that I will probably get a joule 100 mkII or III - the 150's are still too expensive.
Looking for that liquid midrange smooth top end with controlled and tuneful bass. I'm not asking too much,right?
I am NOT there with my current setup.
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,378 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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