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what subs for merlin vsm-mx

hi gang, since i last posted, i have opted against going with soundlabs. i have happily settled on purchasing merlin vsm-mx speakers due to the fact that i may have a chance to go for a house and do a real deal listening room (read converted bedroom) and the fact that i do not want to deal with lugging big gear( for now) i have been greatly impressed with press i have seen the tbi magellan VIIIsu passive sub get as of late. i am seriously considering powering it with a ml 33H:here is the planned gear list:

audio aero capitole cd player
stereo sacd player
grado statement phono cartridge
nottingham deco turntable w/ space-anna tonearm
w/ deco power supply
art audio vynil ref phono preamp
mac mcd205 cd changer
vtl 7.5 main preamp
1pair thor audio tpa-60 60 watt mono tube amps
1pair merlin vsm-mx speakers
tact audio rcs 2.2x (will only use on the subs)
1pair mark levinson 33H 150 watt mono solid state amps (will use on passive subs)
2x tbi magellan VIIIsu passive subwoofers
shunyata or cardas cables (undecided)

this is the planed setup. the only areas i am trying to review are the cables and the passive subs. any ideas for subs? and yes i will run stock electrical(untill i get to winter and sart the room revamp)
audfile74
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,084 posts
 
Here are the " active " links:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1117893153&openflup&27&4#27

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1117893153&openflup&31&4#31

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1117893153&openflup&84&4#84

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
lanzahomes
1 posts
 
Hello all, I have struggled with suitable components for my Merlin VSM MX series I have some premium upgraded Counterpoint pieces NP220 gold upgrade and SA5000 premium upgrade the Merlins do not like this equipment very much I bought all Cardas golden ref interconects and speaker wires helped some tamed the highs down but still very disappointed. any suggestions?
david_berry
211 posts
 
Good morning,

Please list all of your current associated equipment.
How, exactly, do you have them setup in your room?
What are your room dimensions?

There are many owners of the VSM speakers here that can help.

David
avguygeorge
2,300 posts
 
Hi David; Sold the speakers I bought from you and got the Wilson Sophias. What I can't understand is how both speakers,on paper, would appear to go down to about the same figure + or _ a few hrtz. I gave all kinds of thought to picking up a sub while I owned the speakers. They certianly have their charm. They image like nothing I've ever owned. Their upper mid/treble is in that same league. I feel they just leave out so much energy at the low/mid .-- Small wonder;they give up so much in cabinet volume and driver size;--Compared to say the Sophia and the Montana EPS I used to own. To me this is all fun; and finding out what floats my boat. As you know I live in an apt. so 16hrtz organ notes aren't my cup of tea---Just what musical information in the normal range is there. It actually ended badly with Bobby. He just about demanded I remove my ad--the day the speakers sold.--3 emails later,I gave in.--I feel the new owner should be able to look back at my ad to see if I made any unfounded claim etc.
tomryan
796 posts
 
Lanzahome,

Punctuation would help quite a bit. Kinda got a headache reading your response.

I had TSM-MXs for a while and they really need a warm, musical tube amp. Joule Electra would work nice but, damn, are they expensive. I bet Quicksilver V4s would sound good as would the Dehavilland stuff which can be had used for a decent price. In going the "Merlin route" I ended up with a Joule Electra LA150 II and Cardas Golden Ref wires. All are keepers and I use a Plinius 50wt SS amp with Harbeths. Am happy camper now. However, it took some getting used to a SS amp after nearly 20 years of only tubes.
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