Linda Lou Posted May 30, 2007 Share Posted May 30, 2007 When speaking with Mark about the best pre amp for my needs he was nice enough to give me heads up on the Hot Rod Merlin on epay. Sure enough one bid and I won (stole) the thing! Funny thing is I also have a Blueberry due in tomorrow. Never owned a tube pre prior to this and now I am knee deep in them. Let the shoot out begin, so one way or the other something will probably need to go. I use no vinyl so if the Merlin is close the BB may be odd man out. Juicy + VRD + Belle = priceless? We shall see! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daddy Dee Posted May 30, 2007 Share Posted May 30, 2007 knee deep in preamps is right. That was a steal for the hot rod Merlin. I'll be most interested to hear your take on compare and contrast this Merlin and BB. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lwhaples Posted May 30, 2007 Share Posted May 30, 2007 Congrats on stealing the Merlin! But,why the Blueberry if you have no vinyl? Good Luck in choosing which to keep. Larry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daddy Dee Posted May 30, 2007 Share Posted May 30, 2007 One more thought, I did extensive listening to the Peach and (stock of course) Merlin. I couldn't discern any difference in the sound. The Peach has more bells and whistles, but my favorite ended up being Merlin because it's such a cute little brick. In the rack it reminded me of the old Dyna preamps, kind of a form follows function champ, only more cool than Dyna because it's JM. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duke Spinner Posted May 30, 2007 Share Posted May 30, 2007 Congrat's .... !!! I LOVE MDennen's ... electronc's Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anarchist Posted May 30, 2007 Share Posted May 30, 2007 You are right Dee. The Merlin looks perfect between a set of Mark III's - not only size-wise but visually if your Mark III's have received the proper treatment. It has already received enough accolades regarding the sound so I need not go there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cjgeraci Posted May 30, 2007 Share Posted May 30, 2007 One more thought, I did extensive listening to the Peach and (stock of course) Merlin. I couldn't discern any difference in the sound. The Peach has more bells and whistles, but my favorite ended up being Merlin because it's such a cute little brick. In the rack it reminded me of the old Dyna preamps, kind of a form follows function champ, only more cool than Dyna because it's JM. As a loyal Peach owner, I guess that I would have to respectfully disagree with Daddy on the Peach and Merlin sonic similarities. Yes, to my ears, the Blueberry (or original) stages of the Peach and Merlin sound very similar, with the bass on the Peach being a little (scosh) tighter to my ears. In contrast, however, the Peach's first mode or superloz mode has a more pronounced bass response and prominent extension on the top end than the Blueberry linestages in the Peach, Merlin, and Blueberry. It just sounds different. Some say better; some not. But, to my ears, there is a noticeable difference with the extra Peach linestage. I use and love both Peach linestages. That being said, Ritchie - congrats on your hod rodded Merlin. I am officially jealous. I love all of Mark's preamps, and this one should be truly special. Carl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tk49 Posted May 30, 2007 Share Posted May 30, 2007 Congratulations on the sweet deal, I have an older model of the Merlin and compared it with the lastest version of the BBX last weekend. Have to say pretty substantial difference, so much so I have a BBX on the way. I thought the older Merlin was sweets, so I would guess the Hot Rod will be well worth the price you gave for it. You and somebody else is going to end up a great pre amp if you can only hold on to one. Take your time they both have their merits. Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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