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Tyler Signature System versus Merlin VSM-MM

For those who have compared these systems, I would be interested in comments.

Use is two channel, but surround speakers may be added using these as fronts for HT.

Room is 19x33. Listening positon is about 11-13 feet from 19ft wide wall. Total room volume is about 5000 cubic feet.

The room can eat low frequencies (basement with carpet, insulated walls and acoustic ceiling). If I do the HT, I definitely will be looking at a 15" or larger sub.

I have a pair to Tyler Taylo Reference Monitors in a small A/V setup and I like the sound for that purpose. They would be far short of the weight needed in the bigger room and lack the lower bottom end.

Amp is a Plinius 8200p (175 watts) and preamp is 20-year-old PS Audio which will be replaced. Arcam CD.

In the used market, the Merlins are slightly more expensive (roughly 4k vs 3K+). I tend to keep equipment a long time, so the price difference is not important.

I would be interested in comparisons. I'm in the Denver area and can't demo either system. My guess is that I would have to integrate a sub with Merlins based on what I have read.

The system will be on at all times since the the TV sound is run though it.

Thanks in advance.

Jerry
jerrym303
bartokfan
664 posts
 
The Ty Signature, with the dual 7's and dual 8's, correct?
You'll have all the punch you'll need.
Just my Thors with dual 7's can fill my cathedral room with all the bass I need. I was not aware of the bass of these speakers until my wife played a jazz cd the other day.
I only listen to classical and was not aware of the bass dynamics of the dual 7's. So I'd imagine adding dual 8's will have your room pounding.
What type/how many drivers in the Merlin?

Paul
jerrym303 OP
54 posts
 
Yes, the Tyler signatures each have two 7's and two 8's. They are magnesium Seas drivers. The Merlins have single 6.5" carbon fiber Scanspeak drivrs.

I'm not bass-hound, but want the full spectrum if possible. Rich and realsitic voices are most inportant.
drseid
201 posts
 
I have not heard the VSM-MMs, but did hear the VSM-MXs a couple months ago on top-of-the-line gear setup perfectly. I own the Signature System (using not as high-end gear but still well matched to the speakers)...

I wrote Bobby an email after the audition and my bottom line verdict was for smaller rooms I would probably go with the VSM-MXs, and on larger rooms (like yours) I would take the Tylers.

The Merlins were in a small to medium sized room where I heard them in a generous owner's house that is local to me. Bobby facilitated the intro and then the owner and I did the rest (thanks again, Bobby!).

In the smallish room, the VSM-MXs were right at home... Vocals sounded *incredible* on them. I remember listening to Fiona Apple's Tidal CD, and the track "Slow Like Honey" was absolutely captivating. I don't think I have heard it sound better quite honestly. The top end was detailed, but not fatiguing in the least. Soundstage was not the speaker's greatest strength, but it got the job done... Low bass extension was the only "achilles heel" to my ears and tastes. Very strong performers, and perhaps the best two-ways I have heard.

The Tylers have much deeper bass extension (bass resolution was about equal, but the Tylers go much lower and sound considerablly fuller down low), and I felt they are a hair faster as well. Soundstage was also in the Tylers favor. Top end was a draw, and vocals I give a slight edge to the Merlins (and that is a strength of the Tylers, so the fact that I prefered the VSM-MXs on vocals is all the more impressive). The Tylers are also a bit warmer sounding (which can be a good or bad thing depending on someone's tastes).

Personally, I think for a room your size the Merlins are not as good a fit as the Tylers... If you had a much smaller room I might be changing my recommendation. I pretty much like the two speakers equally, but they have very different sounds and applications. The Tylers are a better fit for yours, IMO... the Merlins could very well be for others.

BTW: I use 3 Taylo Reference Monitors in the back of my system for HT and they work fine with the Linbrook Signature System speakers...

---Dave
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