What new amp for my Merlins

I am using an ARS filharmonia on my VSM-Mxe's and it is a wonderful amplifier.

It doesn't run out of steam like the Joule Stargates do and the little amplifer is built like a tank. There is no remote control, and the tubes do tend to put out a good bit of heat, but the sound is glorious and full with outstanding resolution and an incredible soundstage. The amplifier doesn't sound tubey in terms of a diffuse bass or rolled off high end, but does offer the microdynamics and air of tubes with a palpable midrange. It really is made for the Merlins.

My only criticism would be the lack of preamp outputs and remote control, but the trade off is worth it for world class sound.

troy

It could fit on the bottom but I have my 5 channel amplifier in there. In addition, I have 6 and 8 year old children and I'm afraid they may hurt my tubes.

It does put out heat, but every tube amplifier does. I had a 50 watt deHavilland SET that put out twice as much heat, and a RAM Labs labs amplifier that put out about the same amount. I've also had VTL MB450's that put out a lot more heat, and the VTL tiny triodes that put out a little less. I guess its all relative, but the ARS puts out more heat than most solid state unless it is biased into class A.

troy