2. amps-preamps
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Replace my Berning ZH-270?

Hi,

I have a Joule LA150 MkII preamp and a Dave Berning ZH-270 running into a pair of Merlin VSM Mx speakers.

Could I poll some views on a theoretical question: if I were to keep my preamp, what power amps do you think I should consider to pair with my LA150? Or are there any members here who have done this move and if so what amps did you buy and why??

All the best,

MontyW
montywoo
montywoo OP
20 posts
 
I can go higher in price - what I like is; fast, open, transparent, with tight bass and soundstage.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
Music Reference RM9 works well (I have the at setup with your speakers)
The Pass XA30.5 worked very, very well for SS.
CAT JL2 (which I also own) is about as good as it gets wiht the Merlins and just about anything else.
I think you would also do well with an Amp from VAC or Manley.
And of course a Joule ot Atmasphere OTL.
tabl10s's avatar
tabl10s
1,008 posts
 
You could purchase Pubul57's CAT.
oneprof
147 posts
 
Just out of curiousity, what is the problem with the 270? Your description of fast, open, transparent, tight bass sounds like the 270. What about trying for a second 270 and monoblocking them?
nkj
119 posts
 
I would agree with Oneprof that your prerequisites sound exactly like what the Berning does best.

I've never heard the big CAT amp but, for the price, I would expect it to do very well. I have had the M60 atma amps and heard the MA1's and VTL 450's (latest version is very nice) but for the price, weight, heat, and sonics the Berning is very hard to beat.

The bass on the Berning would rival most on the list above.

Enjoy the chase, I switch between the 110lb Wyetech Topaz and 10lb Berning, each has its own attributes.

Nkj
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