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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
dgad
782 posts
 
From what my friend w. Merlins same as yours says, he was told by Bobby the Rel Britannia series. Sorry about using your amplifier.

How do you like your Decco. I have a Hyperspace. Fremer didn't give it a positive review.
bluebull
269 posts
 
Buy the VSM-MX Merlins and match with a suitable OTL amp eg. Berning,Joule-Electra or Atma-Sphere and you perhaps wont need the sub.If you still find the need for a sub ,look at the Rel active subs ....

Chris
wc65mustang
524 posts
 
>>Fremer didn't give it a positive review.<<
Big deal. I wouldn't lose much sleep over that.
david_berry
211 posts
 
Agree with Chris.
I had a REL Storm III paired with my Merlins (VSM-M at that time) and, in short, sold it after getting gear more suitable for the Merlins. In my case it was a preamp switch (from a Sonic Frontier Line 2SE to a Joule Electra LA 100 MK III).

David
aldog
17 posts
 
I own a Revel Sub30 and have been able to achieve a staggering level depth and detail in the bottom octaves. The balance between sheer power and finesse is truly uncanny. The built-in 3 band EQ and additional controls certainly help to dial things in. I've also been able to integrate the sub30 more seamlessly than any other sub i've owned before. I've never owned or listened to REL, so I can't comment other than some models in their line-up do come highly recommended. You owe it to yourself to add Revel to your shortlist of potential subs. Also if the 30 is a bit too pricey, the B15a is also terrific and has many of the qualities of the 30. Best wishes!!
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