I've got the cryo'd output tubes and NOS AT and AU7s. Can't remember which. When I try it again, I'll open er up and post.

swampwalker March 17, 2005 05:17

another question - does your berning have upgraded tubes? I found a pretty dramatic difference between the stock and upgraded tubes (Allan B cryo'd output, Mullard 12AT7, GE 5-star 12AV7). Much smoother, with better inner detail.

Do drop in the berning and give us your impressions. BTW, should you ever decide to sell the Nerning, im sure there ar eplebty of willing parties here to take them off your hands.....

Also - Im (pleasantly) surprised the Atmas had enough uummph for the Merlins.

artg March 17, 2005 00:34

Hi Artg- I am now leaning very heavily toward the Joule, although its unusually large chassis and high heat output are definately a disadvantage compared to the Berning. The Atmas put out even more heat and you have 2 chassis, but I liked both of them better than the Berning (like trying to decide between Chocolate chip, chocolate chunk and chocolate swirl). I did finally get the right tube combination for my Supratek (Brown base 5692s and a GZ32 rectifier) and the imaging and soundstaging really improved. I shoult put the Berning back in now and give it another whirl. NOte: the berning does NOT have the internal wire upgrade.

swampwalker March 16, 2005 23:03

very nice indeed! I once auditioned a pair of Atma-Spheres for use with my SF Guarneri Homage's and LOVED them. Ultimately, I ended up with a Berning, which I thought sounded as good or better, and was far more convenient to deal with. Of course your mileage may vary. I have heard that Joule Electra + Merlin make a very sweet match, as well as Berning + Merlin. I wonder if the ATMA's will provide enough drive for those things....

Pls report back!

artg March 16, 2005 18:57

Thanks, Keith- I am having fun and am now trying a pair of Atma-sphere M-60 2.3s. I will swap them in & out with the Berning and report back.

swampwalker October 22, 2004 21:33

So you got the Merlins after the extended wait. I hear lots of buzz about Bobby's babys. Hope these work out as well for you as they seem to have for so many others. Bobby seems to understand what it takes to put together a system around his speakers that makes music. Have fun!

maxgain October 04, 2004 14:52

I had a pair of the 2Ws for a while and liked them very much. They seemed to work especially well with a pair of single driver horns that quit at about 80 hz. The WAF of the Merlins w/o subs is way better than the 3Asigs w/2 subs, and my room seems visually much bigger as well. 'Course, if Bobby ever gets the Merlin sub on the market, I suppose I will give it a try.

swampwalker September 19, 2004 04:53

System edited: Went to an all tube system and large 3 ways w/stereo subs to 2 ways w/o a sub. Sound is very clear and recording brightness is audible. No complaints so far.

swampwalker September 18, 2004 22:41

Nice newbie system Swampwater. Nowhere to go from here but up!

[email protected] January 26, 2004 00:14

Nice system!

david99 January 16, 2004 01:25

System edited: Bi-amping w/0.5s is a distinct step up from a single 1.0; I'm also going to try a single Llano Trinity 300 w/NOS Telefunken 12AX7s.

swampwalker December 24, 2002 05:26