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Upgrade from Merlin VSM-M to What?

I have a wonderfull pair of Merlin VSM-M speakers, but I want fuller range. I have the balanced/single ended battery bam and it does extend the bass, but not as low as some other full range speakers. I have been lead to believe that my Karan KA-i180 integrated amp could sound even better with fuller range speakers. I don't want to spend a bundle of money. I just purchased a Pioneer 5060HD plasma and my budget for speakers are $1000.00 more then I will get for my VSM-M's. So my hope is for used speakers costing between $4,000.00 - $4,500.00. My thoughts are toward Dunlavy or Eggleston. Shipping these speakers must be taken into account. I do have sub woofers, but don't use them. They are Velodyne servo 1200's. My integrated does not have preamp outs and I think using the subs x-overs in the speaker line would harm the sound.
stereo
stereo OP
147 posts
 
My amp outputs over 200 watts into 8 ohms with pure class A to 75% of the max output. A damping factor of 2500:1 and 72 Joules of stored energy per channel. The bass control is fantastic and the Karan loves the Merlin VSM speakers. I can't overstate enough about the Karan integrated quality! My music taste is old Genesis (pre 1977), Gentle Giant, Yes etc. (head music).
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,379 posts
 
Chris Squire, Tony Levin & Mike Rutherford all vote for the speaker mod! ;-)Cheers,
Spencer
cenline
238 posts
 
After reading all these fine answers, I think that your cables maybe a source of concern.I know the amp and speakers are excellent but also know that they are only passing a signal.A cheap solution would be to try some well rounded cables that have full bandwidth capability.Also one should look into the grounding scheme that the system is utilising.I have found that improving ones ground is a fundemental improvement to the whole system. Also the amp uses the ground as a push off point, like a runner using starting blocks for a sprint.The other thought is that your electrical power maybe suspect, this would also limit the fine Karan in current and voltage. I hope this helps and gives some alternatives before you decide to update your very fine speakers ( I would blame the speakers last).Take care Dennis
stereo OP
147 posts
 
Love your post Sbank!!
Cenline, my speaker cables are Gregg Straley's Reality Cables. My interconnect cables could be suspect and my power cables, I am ashamed to say, are tied to a power strip connected to a 14 gage extention cord.
I own a construction company and I have wired a few homes myself, so I have no excuse. All of your posts prove to me that I should not upgrade my speakers. Maybe I needed some re-assurance. I feel much better now. I will upgrade my power supply and maybe experiment with interconnect cables. I am using the Eastsound CD-E5 with one set of cables that came with the cd player and distech platinum cables to tie in the BAM between the cd player and the integrated.
bobbyapalkovic
729 posts
 
this amp has a very high damping factor that may be over kill for the speaker which has considerable damping of its own. this is why i asked. what cables are you using and source electronics? are the cables shotgun? are you using my jumpers?
it is not a question of extension in the bass but of tonal balance that leaves you wanting more. i feel that the set up may also be suspect. you really should consider giving me a call at 585 367 2390 during business hours. i am on the east coast and get in around 10 am.
i will do my best to help you and this could save you a lot of money in the end.
regards,
bobby@merlin
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