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Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: TomCat Audio Super Merlita Preamplifier (Tube) by kkak66

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REVIEW: TomCat Audio Super Merlita Preamplifier (Tube)

50.158.12.17


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Model: Super Merlita
Category: Preamplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price: $550.00
Description: 3 input,2 output 4 12au7 tubes or your choice of any 12a-- type tube
Manufacturer URL: TomCat Audio
Model Picture: View

Review by kkak66 on October 05, 2014 at 21:35:53
IP Address: 50.158.12.17
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for the Super Merlita


Seen a TomCat Audio pre amp on Ebay and researched more of his designs, on FB. Liked what I saw and contacted John at TomCat Audio in California . Speaking to John was very interesting and John was great with explaining his take on audio. After about 45 minutes on the phone I decided to order his Super Merlita pre amp. After a three week wait I received his hand made pre with premium parts, bye USPS 2 day air. You can choose any color you like and pre has wood sides in walnut or black. I choose silver with the black sides. The pre is only 9 lbs. with volume, bass, balance, treble and midrange controls. Very nice build quality and nice looking with my choice of black knobs. Hooked it up to my VTL ST 85 tube amp and a pair of Apogee Minor Speakers. What I heard out of the box was very open and detailed with good bass. Soundstage was open and huge. Right out of the box this preamp rivaled my VTL 5.5 pre amp costing $ 3,500 . Now I know price has nothing to do with sound. I am not that good at describing the sound but it was as good if not better than the VTL pre amp. If you decide to check out his design , tell him Kenneth sent you. Just go to FaceBook and look up Tomcat Audio. Sounded good with my HRT Streamer, better with CD player.


Product Weakness: None that I can hear or see.
Product Strengths: Open and detailed , gets deep into recording. Tone controls a plus but I did not have to use them for better sound, but you can add if you want.


Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: VTL ST 85 4 6ca7 Fatboy Tubes 4 NOS 12at7 WA tubes
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): VTL 5.5 All NOS tubes
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Roksan Caspian CD Player,HRT Music Streamer 2
Speakers: Apogee Minors
Cables/Interconnects: Cryo Parts Whiplash I/c, Wire World I/c
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Rock, blues , folk , various 60,s 70,s
Room Size (LxWxH): 12x11 x 11 x 7
Room Comments/Treatments: Room treated RG and Aurelex products, Room Tunes, Corner Tunes
Time Period/Length of Audition: Only 4 hours, pre not even broke in
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Marigo Power Cord on Amp, Cullen Cable power cord on Pre
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition): See my system kkak.




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Topic - REVIEW: TomCat Audio Super Merlita Preamplifier (Tube) - kkak66 21:35:53 10/5/14 ( 11)