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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
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
stereo OP
147 posts
 
Thanks Bobby.
I use a single run of speaker wires and cheep, left over old speaker cables, cut into jumpers. I am on the east coast as well about 2 hours outside New York City. I have to run to Philly tomorrow and will try to give you a call before I leave.

Service from Bobby alone makes it a no brainer to keep the Merlins. What was I thinking?
tms0425
72 posts
 
I also have Gregg Straley's Reality speaker cables that I've used with my TSM-MX's. They are excellent sounding cables, however, I'd strongly caution mixing and matching with others in the system. In both situations I've heard them there is some synergy in using his speaker cables in conjunction with the interconnects. Much the same result with Cardas Golden Reference. When I mixed the CGR and Reality Cables, the overall sound was less coherent and becomes thinner sounding with less slam. Good luck - Bobby will take care of you if you ask questions and listen.
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