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Tube Pre/Monoblock Recommendation

Hi everyone. System is posted. New home and design changes are mandating, (which I'm happy about), going from a tube integrated, (ARS Sonum) with my merlin VSM-MXe's to a Pre/Monoblock config.

Monoblocks are for aesthetic balance in room so while I recognise there are a million good stereo amps, solid state amps, etc... for the purposes of this request, if you could suggest some nice looking and great sounding Pre and Tube Monoblock suggestions to go with my Merlin's. I would be most appreciative

I'm not averse to a pre with a phono stage included as vinyl is my number one source and I currently have a separate phono stage, (Tron Seven), so I'd at least like it to be as good as that.

Let see what else... distance from amps to pre, about 25 feet or so and room is about 15x25 feet.

Music is Jazz, Classical and Contemporary/Alternative

Finally, would like to keep it in and around 8 to 10K all in if at all possible and used is fine.

Thank you for any and all help.
bhoage
bondmanp
1,789 posts
 
A nice preamp to look into is the McIntosh C2300. It includes a MM/MC phono section with adjustable parameters - adjustable from the remote, on the fly, even. List is below your target, IIRC, ~$6500.
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hk_fan
416 posts
 
In my opinion if you own Merlins you really should pair them with Joule Electronics. That's what you will find being displayed at EVERY show and the sound is simply outstanding.
bhoage OP
112 posts
 
Thanks for the responses so far guys. I'm pretty well down to Atma M60's or Joules I think. With the Joules the heat and need for that variac thing are a bit of a concern as I'm trying to keep the setup as clean as possible in my living room and I don't see me needing 100 watts of power but I need mono-blocks. Which I think rules the Joule's out. So I think the M60's might be the best option for me?
rfogel8's avatar
rfogel8
192 posts
 
I think you'd be extremely happy with Atma M60's and either an MP-1 or MP-3. I own the MA-1's and while they were very good with a CAT Ultimate, an MP-1 took everything to a much higher level.
trelja
3,223 posts
 
I have the Atma Sphere and Quicksilver amplifiers and Merlin VSM loudspeakers. Both amplifiers surely work well, and which you would prefer depends on your own tastes. In a 15 X 25 room, the M60s do have enough power, but folks often go for more with the MA-1.

Anyway, a bit of a contrarian suggestion, but I'd keep your ARS Sonum. Though the other amplifiers make me happy, the ARS is a terrific amplifier in its own right, and outside of power, you really don't wrest improvement.
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