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Good match for Merlin?

Looking to see what the feedback is for matching my system with the VSM Merlin 2-ways (MM). Currently running Ayre CX7e - BAT 51SE - Ayre V1-Xe - Hydra 8. Tara labs IC and speaker cables. Room size is 16X26. Listen to mostly jazz and female vocals at med volume. Would appreciate any feedback from individuals who have a similiar set-up as myself.
Cheers
efficacy
audiokinesis
1,872 posts
 
I don't own Merlins, but respect them a lot and have a couple of friends with Merlins.

My suggestion would be that you look for an amplifier with a fairly high output impedance, as at least to my ears the Merlins are overdamped in the bass region. A high output impedance means the same thing as a low damping factor. Single-ended triode amps and OTL tube amps are good candidates. Such amps will "warm up" the bass a bit, improving the overall tonal balance. As a welcome side effect, such amps also tend to sound very good, especially when they employ little or no negative feedback. I have heard the Merlins sound very good on OTL amps with a 4 ohm output impedance (corresponding to an 8-ohm damping factor of only 2).

Duke
bluebull
269 posts
 
Efficacy

I use a Pathos Logos with my VSM-MM speakers.Source Levinson 37/36s.Played around with the tubes in the Logos and the sp cable.Best results obtained with Ei Elite 6DJ8 goldpins and Paul Speltz Anti-Cable.The results obtained are more than pleasing,in fact,I think its brilliant !! Balance and tone now spot on....A bit of fine tuning and careful thought can bring out the best out of your system.Not always necessary to "chase components"
I think it is important to replace the stock Sovtek tubes in the Logos.I also did not find the Audience Au 24 sp cable to be the best match in my system.
I have great respect for the heritage and philosophy of design of Pathos and Merlin.
I do like the idea of tubes.. ,at least on the pre amp stage...

Regards

Chris
tabl10s's avatar
tabl10s
1,008 posts
 
BB
Can you post a pic of your system?
bluebull
269 posts
 
Tabl10s

Unfortuanately my Canon camera system is analogue....

Chris
lyp's avatar
lyp
18 posts
 
I have a D1x, K1x, V5x, just bought a pair of Merlin VSM-MM. After a long wait to get them, and a long break in period (100 hours so far, not finished), I can tell you the results are nothing short of amazing. Such precision and resolution, while being so smooth... No lack of bass (very tight and controlled, very extended highs. A superb match. I have JPS suprconductor 2s. I do recommend the Merlins with Ayre, no questions.
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