[MerRev]

thanks for making it out last week guys and sorry for taking so long to post some pics of the terrific amps we had available to us.  I had a great time and heard some new music that I have to own.  A big thank you to Ron for bringing out a Squeezebox and hard drive and TWO amps- definitely above and beyond to say the least.    
The VTL ST85 was first up and it didn't dissappoint.  The EL34's equipped with Upscale Audio tubes  had a lively punchy sound and filled my rather small room quite well.  Ron also brought a pair of Monarchy SE100 Delux Class A monoblocks and boy did they ever have wallop.  I swear we were listening to different speakers.  The last amp was generously loaned by John Hillig of Musical Design / Concepts.  John's little D-75 may be small in stature but it can sure belt out some musical tunes.  The little bugger to my ears was terribly fast and clean.  John's tricked out D-75 featured a true dual mono design,  double current Exicon mosfets and cardas posts.   

The music I remember most was Queen Latifah's the Dana Owens Album, Stefon Harris' Evolution and the soundtrack from Good Night and Good Luck by Dianne Reeves. 

Guys- please feel free to comment on the amps as I always seem to be at a loss for words describing what I heard. 

  Here are a few pics:

[Scott F.]

Hiya Chris,

From talking to you and Ron over at Tim's, sounds like it was a mighty fine time 

So what kind of amp are you leaning towards to power your Merlin's, tubes or SS?

[sturgus]

Chris, I had a good time and loved those giant pizzas. I am a little biased tworads the VTl just cause it's tubes and it sounded so sweet. Great midrange from that amp. I will have to say that John's amp is also a real winner, a very good sounding piece. It was the most neutral of all of them. The problem you now have is that the Merlins are so truthful that you have to be very aware of what you put in front of them. Maybe the VTL with a Platinum mod from John aa. Some custom 845's from Willie might do the trick . Speaking of Willie, Scott what do you think of those amp?
Sturgus