Posted by Rich Brkich (D) on August 11, 2005 at 09:09:26

In Reply to: Re: Yes.... posted by Ian Mackenzie on August 11, 2005 at 07:54:13:

1. How is the base out to MXs?

Bass is quite ample and satisfactory. Good body, weight, and definition.

2. How is it compared to Belles 150a Ref?

Best guess (not based on a direct comparison... will be able to do a direct comparison once I get my demo unit): The Belles is a bit more clear in the mids, the Filarmonia is a bit more full sounding through the lower mids and upper bass. I also think the music flows from the Fil. in a more liquid and natural fashion.

3. Berning/Joule.....?

The Fil. is going to be tough competition for the Berning.... it has much of the same drive and verve of the Berning. The Fil. that will be sold here in the states has been built after further listening and refining through the VSM-MM/MXs... so things like the cryo tubes, cardas binding posts, and cardas power cord that the amp comes with (standard/included in the $3,500 price) are all designed to ensure excellent results with the Merlin TSMs and VSMs by just plugging and playing... no tweaking or tube rolling required.

4. Is it "loud" enough @ just 30 wpc?

The way the amp is designed (spent some time with the designer at the Stereophile show going many aspects of the design of the amp), the power rating is fairly conservative and the amp will play louder than what its power rating suggests, though ultimately the Berning is still a little bit more powerfull. For many people, it will be more than enough power. As an engineer, it is nice to see a amplifer that is conservatively built (electrically), measures well, and sounds great.

Now, if you are looking to push the VSMs to thier SPL limits (like we sometimes do with stuff like the Gladiator soundtrack at the Stereophile show or CES), you will need more power! :-)

Happy Listening,
Rich Brkich
Retailer & Audio Asylum Industry Liaison