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Couple of questions on the Merlin VSM speakers...

I'm interested in these speakers. I thought there used to be a dealer in the SF Bay area, but none is listed on the Merlin web site; I'll check to confirm this, but I'm asking these questions because I may not be able to demo them. They will be located in our living room and serve double duty as serious listening and casual listening. Most of these questions are in regards to casual listening. Our room is about 24x14x9. Side reflections are not an issue.

How do they sound at low volume?

How do they sound off axis?

How do they sound placed close (10-18") to the wall behind them (we can pull them out for more serious listening)?

For more serious listening, how much of a difference does the BAM make? We'd like to avoid the clutter of extra boxes.

Finally, just how red is the Ruby Red color???

Thanks.
budrew
Ag insider logo xs@2x
signaturesound
83 posts
 
Tubegroover, when I first heard the VSM-MX at the Merlin plant just a week or so before we brought them to CES, I thought the improvement was about 15% over the VSM-M. However, after spending more time with the speakers at CES I think the improvement is greater.... I find it very tough to put numbers on things becuase when you get down to it, one guy will think a 15% improvement is nothing and another guy would think that it is a major difference. I will say the improvement is *significant* and that I tend to be conservative when assigning numbers to descibe improvements.

Rich Brkich,
Owner, Signature Sound
bobbyapalkovic
729 posts
 
Which Audio Note Dac do you have?
Bobby@merlin
budrew OP
467 posts
 
2.1x balanced
bobbyapalkovic
729 posts
 
I think you have a fine system and would be a solid candidate for the VSM M. Let me know when you are looking for speakers because I may be able to find you a second hand pair at a great price that has the latest technology.
I MX is very new and will not be out for 3 months. It will not replace the Millennium but be available in addition to it. It retails for $10,000 and has some additional proprietery technology that makes it even better but only if you have the finest of systems.
Regards,
Bobby@merlin
budrew OP
467 posts
 
OK, I'm back with another question on the Merlins : ) What size room is too small? Is a fairly nearfield setup with the speakers about 6 feet apart and about 7 feet from the listening position too small for the VSM? The room is perhaps 13 x 11 but the system is in only part of that space. I'm looking for a speaker for the deHavilland Ios 845 SET amp (20-25 watts depending on breed of 845 tube). Would prefer a floorstanding if I can find one that does OK in the small room. Merlins were recommended, along with several other brands along the same vein of a tall, thin floorstander. I'm looking for a bit more bass extension and transparency (musical transparency rather than analytical transparency) than my JMR Trentes provide. Thanks again!
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