Upgrade from Merlin VSM-M to What?

" but if my experience ends up being like yours, who would not want to save the money and own a much smaller, lighter, and less expensive to buy and maintain, alternative to the Joule/Atma/BERNING/CAT combos that have long been used to make the Merlin's sing. I'm sure I'll have to wait a while to get them, but I'm very interested in the possibilities. I'm ready to be "schocked". Thanks for your comments."

Well, Pubul I can understand most of what you say above relative to the amp in question but while the Berning is a bit higher in price, IT IS light (10 lbs), efficient (only uses 100 watts at idle and 300 at full power, extremely inexpensive to maintain (is 20,000 output tube hours enough to qualify?) and flexible (it can be used directly from a line source but sounds better to me through a preamp). I can't add too much more other than, oh yes, it is a world class component regardless of price although preferences do come into play in this hobby so YMMV.

It may or may not be more preferrable than the ARS Sonum Filarmonia with the VSM. Just wanted to set the record straight. My enthusiasm can become overbearing at times and those that see my comments on this amp pop up so frequently just might think I have some vested financial interest in The David Berning Co., don't, just want to point out that this amp is a tour de force in design, efficiency, performance but decidedly less so in roadside appeal.

Thanks for listening! :)

I doubt that the CAT's are wanting in too many areas especially dynamics which I can't imagine the ARS or Berning are going to approach at 35 and 70 watts respectively. I too am curious to hear the ARS especially after reading David Berry's comment that he didn't hear a significant improvement over the Joule to keep it. The Joule is quite special with the VSM and to think that one can spend 3500.00 on an integrated that is going to approach that level of performance/enjoyment is saying a lot.