Another one to consider especially if you're on a budget is the Transcendent OTL. Dead silent, quick as any solid state I've ever heard and as Jtinn notes, quicker than transformer coupled tube amps. This amp also has excellent bass definition along with all the other attritubes of OTL designs which is that harmonic purity and clarity and second to none high frequency extension with air on top. You have to hear these amps produce a well recorded operatic soprano, say Renee Fleming or Kathleen Battle to really appreciate this. It is a beautiful thing. Another nice thing about this amp is it doesn't run as hot (300 watts at idle) as the single ended OTL's which can really heat up a room.
I am using this amp with the Merlin VSM-M which is an 8 ohm load and 89 db efficient. The Transcendent mono's will drive a 4 ohm load according to Bruce, the designer.
I am using this amp with the Merlin VSM-M which is an 8 ohm load and 89 db efficient. The Transcendent mono's will drive a 4 ohm load according to Bruce, the designer.