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
Mark, I think you will find those Music References to work very well for you. I've been through RM10s, RM9s and finally the RM9 Special Edition. They all sounds excellent with the VSMs. You could do worse:). Another option is to keep the Ars Sonum in your sights for a "low" cost integrated solution that works marvelous with the Merlins.
Thanks for your comments Pabul57. I’ve followed some of your other posts and I know you’re quite a fan of Music Reference. I’ve even thought about trying the RM9 SE’s, but I think I’ll keep my sites set on speakers for now.
I think you are on the right path; you will find very few former Merlin VSM owners. I have had many auditions at my home and I would say they have always garnered praise. Amazing for a smallish two-way. But its what you get when you combine a great designer obsessed with improving a basic idea over time. I won't say they are for everyone, but they sure do please me.
Mark, For your long-range plan consider a third TSM for center channel. I'm using this in a HT system. FYI, Vel DD integrates well with VSM, provided you have down-reved V2.1 or below on the sub. AFAIK, newer DD sw precludes setting the crossover below 40hz.
Thanks Dgarretson. I don't use the center channel but I'm glad to hear the Velodyne works well with Merlin. I have an older model so crossing over below 40 Hz is not a problem.

And Skooks please pardon the misspelling of your name in my previous post. I don't mean to hijack your thread but you had such a good response I was hoping to hear back from some of the same people.