How close can Merlin TSM-MX's go?


I have Merlin TSM-MX's in my office and, despite the fantastic accuracy, neutrality and coherence, they do not project or sound-stage as well as my Allison 3's, in the corners against the wall, as they should be, or my Kharmna 3.2s, placed as they should be. (in 2 different rooms at home) The issue is this: They cannot be placed more than 24" from the rear wall for physical and logistic reasons in my office. The dimensions are 14 X 11 feet, ceiling 9 feet, listening point 8.5 feet, 7 feet apart, 18 and 20" from side walls. None of these distances can be changed due to room and furniture configuration. Except they can be moved backwards, against the rear walls - ideal. They are toed in according to the sighter supplied. Am I wasting these beautiful little speakers, and does this room placement negate their potential to such a degree that I need sell them and find a modern equivalent of the Allison Ones, that can stand against a wall (which would be ideal in my room) ? Is there any such speaker - designed like the Allison One, to be placed square against the wall? Does this sound plausible to you, Bobby and does this placement negate their qualities a lot or a little? (System: Nottingham Spacedeck, Spacearm, Shelter 501 II, Mini-Max Phono pre-amp, Jadis DA88 Sig, Cardas GR single-wired SCs, Merlin-supplied resistors, APL Denon 3900)
springbok10
s,
single wire with my cardas jumper?
you may also want to try a different speaker cable that is a little more reticent in the mids to balance the location. talk to chris about his findings using a pair of vsm mms with a tv in the center.
he went through this same thing.
b
Honestly, I can't recommend anything right against the wall. NHTs are designed for such setup, but they haven't impressed me sonically.
I would try to brainstorm on totally reconfiguring the furnishings of the room, treat behind the speakers or I'd move the stereo elsewhere and use a good pair of headphones in there. Best of luck,
Spencer
>>Honestly, I cant recommend anything right against the wall<< (SBank)

How about 12-18", then?:) Some have recommended Linn/Naim, but cant find anything suitable used or within budget or requirements. Bobby has recommended wall treatments or change in SCs - wall treatments are not feasible - this is a professional (supposedly) consulting room, already looking like a high-end stereo show-room, with a huge TT and int amp exposed, so not aesthetically/professionaly feasible. But the music is important enough to me to not give up and use the PC, as suggested by others. Anybody tried GMA Callisto's closer to the wall than the recommended 24-52"?