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Have you heard the latest Merlin VSM-MXe speakers?

Have you heard the latest Merlin VSM-MXe Speakers? — "Wow!!!" That's what I said after setting up these wonderful and beautiful speakers and listening for about one minute to a very familiar CD. I mean straight out of the box with only about 8 hours of playing time at the factory they simply overwhelmed me! Where have they been all my audiophile life? Why did I not find Bobby Palkovic's masterpiece before now?

How could he make this kind of music with two drivers in not so big, but absolutely drop-dead gorgeous piano black lacquered, cabinets, and an electronic box called a 'Super BAM'? I don't know! Wow!!! In my 50 years of putting systems together... including such speakers as double KLH-9 and Martin-Logan electrostatics... Fulton Premiers... the biggest of the Magneplaner speakers with the four bass panels... Wilson Watt Puppies with the Whow... and, on and on. Merlin VSM-MXe's are the BEST!

I've had them breaking in for 10 days now, and they have compelled me to listen to one favorite CD after another into the wee hours of the night. They are so musical! They have just the right texture... female vocals have that "slobber" factor... strings twang with all the nuances. They are coherent and transparent... and, oh so dynamic! The soundstage is deep and wide with the right height. And, when you close your eyes they simply disappear, leaving you with the people and the instruments performing right there in your living room. They make music!

Folks, don't ever listen to these speakers if you can't buy them... you will be sick until you can. Bobby, you did it!

I first purchased the Merlin TSM-MMe Monitors about one year ago after a respected dealer told me I should try them. I was totally satisfied with the sound, even though I was missing a little on the bottom end. They are the best monitor speakers I've ever had. But, I kept thinking, "If the TSM's are this good, how could the VSM's be so much better?" So, I just had to see... you know... the audiophile thing.

If you have never had Merlin speakers, the TSM's are a good place to start, and they will wet your appetite. But, just know that one day, as I was compelled to do, you will have to step up and get the big ones. They are complete! You will instantly hear what you have been missing in other speaker systems.

Now, I can sit back, relax, and enjoy the music. It's all there!
Skooks
skooks
arkio
74 posts
 
Tabl10s
Ah yes … the “50 years of putting systems together” should have been a big hint Skooks would not be able to help me with some of the music genres I mentioned . Sorry bout that. But maybe other VSM owners can chime in with their experiences with other musical styles. I currently own Von Schwiekert VR4jr with a W8 Sim Audio Amp, Supratek Preamp …. I am looking to move up the speaker food chain, have been for some year and a half but have been ending up upgrading other equipment as I do appreciate my VS alot. They have been adapting to my electronic upgrades very well. However sooner then later my Vons are going to home theatre duty and I wanted something in the 10-12K range that will give me the ability to appreciate all types of music with the same authority and even more refined – but I think because of my musical interests I really think I need to go to full range. I don’t think I want to have to add subs. I think at that price range you should be able to get a decent speaker that can do it all very well.

Bobby – I’m sure you have been asked many times, but is there any plans for a 3 or 4 way full range speaker in your line up in your company’s future – or would there likely be too many compromises? Just curious.

Good listening
mariasplunge
174 posts
 
So Bobby,
If I don't have a tape loop and I have multiple sources, whats the next step for the SBAM? Am I out of luck and should I sell the speakers right now!? The pre amp stays so there's no wiggle room there.

What are my choices? I certianly do not want to be switching from source to source just to hook things up to the SBAM as the Italian reviewer suggested.
bobbyapalkovic
729 posts
 
marty,
see if you can find a used bel 1001a.
ss but i think no feedback and low damping.
have a friend that used otls and prefers this amp on his vsm mxs.
your mxes sound more fleshed out and richer than mxs so they sound wonderful with ss, imho. and...should be even better sounding with this amp.
let me know if you find one and how you like it.
best,
b
tabl10s's avatar
tabl10s
1,070 posts
 
Marty
What are your thoughts on the P/E's versus the Merlin's? Have you ever thought about doing a review? Do you use the Verity's bass port facing forward or aft?
bobbyapalkovic
729 posts
 
m, we can upgrade the bam to a dual input version if need be but if you have more sources than 2, you are in the same position. again, call the pre distributor or manufacturer and see if they can add a tape/processor loop. if not then i am sorry to say that you will have to sell the speakers. the bam is a very important piece and if you have a pair of mmes or mxes, you are lost without it. what pre is it?
best,
b
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