Merlin VSM-MM v. VSM-MX

CN: I've owned my VSM SE speakers for about 7 years now and should have them back this week from Bobby after doing the MM upgrade. There may very well be some performance difference between the standard and premium finish (I don't know for myself), but I think in the grand scheme of things you'll be better off taking that $1,000 and upgrading some other component. The VSM, regardless of finish, will be one of that last places you'll need to look for enhanced performance. The SE version was already better than the other components I own - and I've got Joule stuff. I've considered getting a premium finish pair but only for it's aesthetics. Don't go into the purchase thinking you are giving something up or *settling* by not getting the MX. If the speakers were *that* fundamentally different with one being much better, I doubt Bobby would offer the lesser version. Think about it, you don't tweak and refine a speaker for more than 10 years only to allow an inferior product to go out the door. Whatever the case, you will be tweaking the sound to taste with cables.

Piano black is what I was considering. Whichever you choose, if you like them, they may be the last speakers you'll ever buy.

Jim

hi coffee,
the ss and tube wiring harnesses went with the millennium models. the crossfield litz harness used now sounds much better on tubes or ss than either of the versions available in the millennium.
jim is correct, both versions of the vsm are ferraris. but the mx version has more cabinet damping due to the extra coats of finish. this centers the mids a little harder which makes the speaker sound a touch more continuous. the more continuous a speaker sounds, the greater the resolution potential so we can cryo two extra parts in the network and change the q circuit value in the hf to take out a hair more noise. the torque setting on the fasteners are then changed to be in better tune with the altered mechanical and electrical damping. for the mx, you will require a more absolute best matching system with a more fleshed out and relaxed character because the speakers have a touch more damping.
the mm version is capable of great sound with a lesser system and the mx is capable of a little better sound but you need a more thoughtful approach to reap its benefits.
thanks b

Coffee_nudge,

OK, my take on things after owning the VSM-SE,VSM-M, VSM-MM, and now the VSM-MX (piano black): the sound difference between the VSM-MM and the VSM-MX is not huge. In other words, practically speaking, pick the MX version if you really want the premium cabinet (which is outstanding, by the way). If you do not, the standard studio black (VSM-MM)has a great "pebbley" finish. Note that one benefit of the studio black version is that it is more forgiving of hiding slight scratches, fingerprints, etc.
I finally chose the MX version because I was able to put them in a locked, dedicated room away from the prying, sticky fingers of 2 young boys!

David

Bobby's answers as usual are spot-on and with regards to the VSM-MM's,I would like to add,they are the best speakers I have had.Cheers,Bob

I'll add my 2 cents as a new owner. I had a pair of MM's on order and ended up changing my mind at the last second and ordering MX's. From everything I read I was under the impression that the differences weren't huge. That being said, I know me and big or small, I knew I would always wonder what the MX's would be like.

Taking that into account along with the fact that I would like these to be my last speakers, I'm glad I went with the MX's, (piano black). It was the right choice for me. I'm listening to them right now and they are absolutely wonderful and I'm sure you'll be happy with either choice.

Regards,

Bryan