Positive-feedback.com, Impressions
June 28, 2019
Merrill Audio Element 118 Solid-State Monoblock Amplifiers
June 28, 2019The Element series of monoblock amplifiers (118 is $36,000, the 116 is $22,000, and lastly the 114 os $15,000) are essentially a completely new conception of Class D technology from the previous Merrill Audio offerings (Veritas monoblocks, Veritas Twin [dual mono], Veritas, Siamese Twin monoblocks [twice the headroom of the standard Veritas], Thor, and Taranis monoblocks). Whereas, the Veritas are designed around the Hypex NCore NC1200 power modules, the Element 116 takes advantage of the latest, faster transistor material technology using Gallium Nitride (GaN). Additionally, Merrill has developed a zero feedback, open loop proprietary design within the Element series (Code named ZXOL), that provides a quantum leap forward in both detail and immediacy. These innovations, combined with the LLC for the power supply, have placed the Element designs at a new level of sonic clarity and realism. Additionally, it should be noted that both the Veritas and the Element 116 are no slouches with power output, both offering up to 1,200W into 2 ohms, easily providing enough juice for most any speaker. WBT speaker binding posts on the 116 are built like a tank ? beefy, with fantastic grip and feel. IMHO, a significant improvement on the Cardas binding posts on the Veritas (which only accept spades or wire).