Why don't you try the Blue Circle power amps.They have a special 5-7 channel HT amp that ears I trust say sounds wonderful. Bobby used to use BC gear and likes it. It is fast, tonally accurate (to me at least) and places peopel in the room. It is solid state though I'm sure if you ask Gilbert the designer at BC he could make the amps a hybrid tubs/ss but it'll cost you imagine. Couldn't hurt to ask though. check out www.bluecircle.com and look under the amps. Then you can use your joule preamp and have a reallynice combo system.
As far as subs REL's are awesome in the systems I have heard it in. You can plug in a LFE for HT effects and run it in line with the amp and have it balanced well for music. VSM's are great speakers! hate to see you let them go!
Vik

vikkysingh June 30, 2003 05:52

You got them there lamps in your photos from Ikea, didn't ya? have the same pair in my room...

slipknot1 June 27, 2003 18:03

Vikvi,

Well kinda. I got Earthquake CineNova, 5x300w for use for HT paired with my Lexicon. Now I am looking at some Joule-Electra tube amps for 2 channel to pair with my Joule-Electra LA100 and Merlins.

I also bought M&K 150's for HT use but still prefer the MErlins. But they still lack some oomph, so I am still trying to figure how to get around that. Bigger and better sub? Replace Merlin's with something like VMPS that supposedly does both HT and 2 channel very, very well. I should update the pictures. But still kinda in disarray.

blueshirt June 27, 2003 12:38

Did you end up replacing the Rogue monos yet?

vikkysingh May 30, 2003 05:38

Well i did it. I am seperate. HT and 2 channel are divorced ;)

blueshirt March 22, 2003 06:40

System edited: Changes.. Sold the Rogues. Added Joule-Electra LA-mkIII pre amp. Now looking for Joule Electra amps. Possbily the VZN100 or Stargates. Also sold my Sony 775 SACD and bought the 222es. Was a hundred dollar difference and the ES model is built much better.

blueshirt February 06, 2003 22:53

You might want to check out Albertporter's system. He does an all tube home theater and loves it.

judit January 10, 2003 11:29

Been there done that! You will NEVER BE HAPPY with a combo system!!!You are a audiophile who likes video also and the two are absolutely not compatible. Get a devorce and seperate. Do 2 channel first and go for the best sound you can afford. Take your back channel Merlins and put them up front with the Merlin center and use a sub for all the bass. Get cheaper back speakers like Dynaudio for $800.00 then repent for ever putting a screen or tv between the VSM's. Buy a good five channel amp of your choice and be done with it. Ex Aerial 8b,CC3,5-EAD2000,Ovation-PioneerElite DV-09-HGS18-want to be audiophile. Current Merlin VSM-M Rubey Red,tube harnes-MarkLevinsonNo.37-AudioMagic Stealth Kukama DAC- Herron VTSP1 Pre-McIntosh2102 Amp- audiophile.

mahandave January 10, 2003 04:16

I don't think you are nut.
All the equipments in the old movie house that we used to go to are using all tubes equipment!!!

edle January 10, 2003 03:59