Merrill Audio THOR: A Preview

I don't understand why anyone would pay $4.8K for these amps, when you can buy the same NCore modules and build your own for a faction of the cost.
 
The differences in these amps is no different than the difference in flavor and price of SS amps. It has as much if not more to do with the implementation of the input stage as it does the device. That is why there are good and bad of both types as well as wild variations in price. If you can justify the price of Solution, Constellation, Vitus, D'Agastino, etc. then you can justify the difference in price between Merrill and W4S and others, though some of the difference with these appears to be in the cases, power cords and footers. These guys seem to be a little more concerned with appearance than W4S and some others. Which one you think is better is up to your eyes and ears.
 
AFAIK, Merrill does nothing to the stock NCore modules other than putting them in a very nice boxes with good connectors/wiring, something anyone can do.

AFAIK, none of the other manufacturers you've listed sell their internal components.
 
No none of the other companies I listed sell their internal components, but the suppliers they buy them from do. DIY crowd buys these parts from somewhere to build all three types of amps.
 
mep said:
Ugh! It's probably just me, but I think it looks gimmicky. Reminds me of people who put lights under their cars.
Click to expand...

LOL. I like the Red, because it's a little different (and I love, power buttons...that are on the side or bottom; so as not to muck-up an otherwise clean faceplate). But I agree; defeatable would have been nice, for those who are not so bold ;)
 
Yeah...I don't get this DIY argument. I mean it's valid; but it's predicated on the "anyone can do it" supposition. Why not build your own cabinets (to tried and tested ratios, ala Fitz, Linkwitz, etc); and then put off the shelf drivers in...for a fraction of the cost?

I think the reason is...not anyone, can or wants to do it. By why single out Merrill?
 
CDLehner said:
Yeah...I don't get this DIY argument. I mean it's valid; but it's predicated on the "anyone can do it" supposition. Why not build your own cabinets (to tried and tested ratios, ala Fitz, Linkwitz, etc); and then put off the shelf drivers in...for a fraction of the cost?

I think the reason is...not anyone, can or wants to do it. By why single out Merrill?
Click to expand...

I know a guy who never built anything before, but put together a really nice pair of NCore mono amps by following all the info over on Audio Circle.

If you've got woodworking skills there are lot of excellent speakers that you can build based on plans and parts from companies like GR Reseach and Linkwitz Labs.
 
^^ Guys, I'm sorry; everyone is entitled to their opinion...and I have admiration for the guys who DIY (and plan to tackle a speaker build at some point; not because I don't want to pay for speakers...but I think it could be fun, and personally rewarding).

But can we stop mucking-up my thread, about Merrill THORs...with this non-sense? Why do we have restaurants; why not just cook at home? Why buy beer; why not just brew your own? Why buy a car; why buy a house, when you can just Google...:rolleyes:

You see where I'm going with this? TY
 
I just want to say that I retract what I said earlier and the more I look at these pictures, the more I like the look.
 
mep said:
I just want to say that I retract what I said earlier and the more I look at these pictures, the more I like the look.
Click to expand...

Mike,

You can buy cases like these:

attachment.php


From:

http://www.aluminatisound.com/

All the holes and connectors are installed, all you have to do is install the NCore modules.
 

Attachments

  • Ncore.jpg
    Ncore.jpg
    38.6 KB · Views: 142
Jack said:
Chris

Any more thoughts on the Thor's especially as compared to the mAMP's.
Click to expand...

Jack...unfortunately; I haven't spent as much time with the THORs, or my system as a whole, as I would like.

Part of it, is just a busy life; but part of it is the system itself. Turns out...IMO; the KEF Ref 1s, are very stand-dependent. The correct height is crucial.

The companion stands, are seriously back-ordered; and I'm waiting, as my dealer is working with Bob @ Sound Anchor, on a custom solution.

In the meantime...my make-shift arrangement, is not allowing the speakers to put their best foot forward. It's kind of an unfair way, to judge the THORs. So I decided last night...for the interim; I'm going to put my FACT 3s back into the loop.

They may not be the best match, for class-D; but it will give me a solid frame of reference, as opposed to the newer KEFs.

After I get a handle on that presentation...I'll slip the mAMPS back in, and make some comparisons.
 
a.wayne said:
Any updates .........
Click to expand...

I know; I haven't had much to say, have I? :blush:

At first, it was because I was shifting too much gear. I didn't feel it was right, to judge the THORs...when so much else was in flux; I just didn't have a great handle on the base-line of my system.

But then I moved my old, and familiar FACT 3s back into the mix; and then...honestly...I wasn't quite sure what to say. You ever read one of those reviews...even professional ones; where the reviewer confesses...a piece has almost no sonic signature, and therefore is hard to review? That's kinda how the THORs have left me. If I had to pick an adjective...that adjective, would be lack of adjective...lol; lack of coloration...or completely neutral.

Now...does that mean "sterile"? Well..."completely neutral" can be that way; if you don't dress it up a bit, right? I was not crazy, about the Wyred STP-SE into it; but then I've always found, a tube pre-amp a necessity into class-D amps. Even with the Aesthetix Calypso; I didn't find the THORs a great match, with the FACT 3s. However...plus or minus; the FACT is an ultra-revealing and detailed speaker, IMO.

To be honest with you...I didn't have high hopes, for the THORs; and I didn't think they'd be, much of a match for the incoming Twenty 26s. Boy was I wrong! The 20-26s are a little more warm, and a little fuller sounding...than the stark truth of the FACTs. They sound fantastic, driven by the THORs.

Now...is that because the 20-26s are just incredible, lol; or do we have to give some credit to the amps? IDK yet; it was the incumbent in my system, when the new speakers arrived...and they've been doing yeoman's work since. I will say this about the THORs: I like the styling...I like the build quality.

They have effortless power, and again; just a clean, unadulterated presentation. If I had a warm front-end, and/or warm speakers; and I wanted such an amp. Just signal in/signal out...without adding any flavor of its own. If I needed 200/400, and appreciated the boutique parts throughout (custom PC, Cardas binding, Stillpoint footers); the THORs would get significant consideration.
 
Well gents...I think it's about time, to pack up Mr. Wettasinghe's amps; and get back to the stuff, I actually own ;)

I'll say one last thing, about my experience with the THORs. I did, swap the THORs out...and quickly replace them, with my in-house mAMPS. Now...I hold the Wyred units, in high regard. They've never sounded anything less than great, wherever I've run them; and I've even carried them elsewhere, and seen them stare-down...some pretty stiff, class-D competition.

You read my impressions of the THORs; I wasn't expecting much difference. In my head...they were both, very good examples of modern class-D; and I didn't expect much, in the way of "signature"...to differentiate them. But I have to say...I did notice some.

The mAMPS were a little more forward; had a little more edge. The Merrill units, had a more r e l a x e d presentation; made them sound, as if they strained less...even though the Wyreds are rated to be more powerful. Now in fairness...I did have to swap out speaker cables. Merrill's excellent cables, which I used for the duration with the THORs...would not fit the "granny-guard" on the mAMPS. So whether it's the amps, or the cables; cudos to Merrill. I think between fit, finish...and sonic presentation; what the extra cost gets you, in this case...is "finesse" :audiophile:

I want to thank him, for his most generous accommodation. I don't anticipate class-D, as a great match with my new 20-26s; but for someone whose system was on the warm side. Were they looking for clean and lean...with a little dollop of elegance; they would do well, to audition these little dynamos.

And OMG; in the right room...the Pearl White would look sooo cool!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top