Upgrade from Merlin VSM-M to What?

Stereo you state:

My music taste is old Genesis (pre 1977), Gentle Giant, Yes etc. (head music)

Some of the R&R mixes from this period SUCKED...maybe that's could be a factor. The problem exists on the original master tapes. I have Leon Russell's CARNEY on a DCC Gold CD [re-mastered by Steve Hoffman] The big hit "Tight Rope" was severely compressed; all of the other songs sound entirely different. Record labels would purposely compress songs on many albums if they intended to possibly release them as singles. Made them sound louder on cheap ass FM car stereos of the day [similar to Phil Spector's "wall Of Sound"...which sounds hideous on any decent stereo].

Try some known good recordings...ask for suggestions if you need!

My speaker jumpers stink. They are larger then 15Ga.

The speakers are not bright, but smooth and detailed. When I used my Melos Audio separates (before the Karan) I was able to use the second set of pre outs to my subs. I did not own the VSM's at that time. I was using North Creek Rhythm speakers that I built, and my subs.

My favorite cd is Genesis Trick of the Tale. I know that the mix wasn't great, but some of that low keyboard bass was amazing. I am open for other suggestions. I also enjoy SuperTramp albums Breakfast in America (MFSL gold CD) and Crime of the Century.

I will try other interconnects. I have a pair of 2m Cardas Hex-5 I haven't tried. Gregg tried to talk me into his interconnecs. I should have listened.

Jeez, with already over 20 posts, I don’t think that my post will add much, but what the hell.
I have owned the VSM-SE, M, MM, and finally the MX with the Super BAM. These speakers do not put out the quantity of bass as say the Revel F-30, Gershman Acoustics Avant Garde RX-20, etc., BUT after plenty of equipment/speaker purchases, they DO put out the right amount of bass as measured and by my ear. As stated numerous times via myself and others (including Bobby) these speakers do require more user involvement than others. By that I mean that the matching equipment should be fuller sounding (think Joule Electra type equipment, not highly damped equipment such as Krell as an example) and the room placement/seating position should be followed as per the instructions. As a personal example, I had a Sonic Frontier Line 2SE preamp and wanted what I thought was deeper bass from the speakers, so I bought a REL Storm III subwoofer. After hearing Bobby tell me numerous times that that preamp was not a good match, I finally sold it and bought a used Joule Electra LA 100 MK III preamp. Did the bass go deeper? No. Did the speakers sound fuller, more “relaxed”, and more musical? Yes. I sold the subwoofer.

The VSM’s are such great speakers that they are the cornerstone of my system.

Just an aside, as you (and most everybody else!) are concerned about money, you might want to have a look at the integrated that Bobby now imports from Spain – the ARS Sonum Filarmonia. The retail price of $3500 US is a fantastic match for the VSM’s. I am waiting for mine to come in.
You can email me directly if you want more information/background.

Regards,

David

By the way, I have been over to Bobby’s workshop in Hemlock NY several times. It was always well worth the 3 hour drive!

I like the Straley IC's even better than the speaker cables. Ask Gregg, but I think the speaker wire is actually the same as the IC, maybe not as optimumized for higher voltage/current for speakers. They do need some break in time to sound their best.

stereo,
when the tweeter plays to loudly it sounds nasal and smooth and is too full in the lower treble. the spectral balance will shift up towards the tweeter and this is going to alter the tonal balance.
i still suggest that you give me a call because i want to ask you some questions about your set up and future plans.
bobby@merlin