Merlin TSM comparisons


Hi,

I've been reading up lately on all kinds of monitors, and have been intrigued by Merlin's TSM. The latest iteration is the mmi, I believe.

If you've heard the TSM lately, especially in comparison to other, current monitor offerings out there, I'd love to hear your opinions. I know that there are other Merlin threads on Audiogon but I am especially interested in hearing from folks who have compared them to others, especially if you've lived with them.
rebbi
Yes, as Rebbi pointed out, OHM Walsh (and omnis in general) do imaging differently than monitors, planars or any other more directional designs. I will not say necessarily better or worse, just different. Some will take to it and never look back and others will not. To me, it is more like what you hear at a live event and less like a typical stereo presentation. The large sweet spot is a unique feature as well.

I like good monitors for their ability to allow you to focus into recording details, particularly at lower volumes. You can do this with properly set up OHMs as well, but it is different. Also I like to play music at realistic volumes and delivering a live like presentation at live like volumes is a forte of the OHMs. If not for that, I may have been satisfied with my Dynaudio monitors which I acquired prior up trying out the newer OHM Walshes.
Bobby,

Thanks for the info.

I'll keep an eye out for the opportunity to audition teh MErlins and see if they convince me to jump from what I have.
Bobby,

Curious about the two versions and use with SS versus tubes.

My understanding is the difference is the finish and perhaps cabinet construction. IS that correct?

Is the extra rigidity or damping ability of the upper model what makes it more tube friendly?

Thanks.
Also one last comment about OHM Walshes and monitors.

I see OHM Walshes properly matched to room competing more with full range speakers in general, though they are certainly good for near field listening as well, which is a monitors in general. Other than for nearfield listening, I consider the OHMs and monitors to be two totally different solutions intended for two totally different kinds of listeners.
m, the two speakers are essentially the same but the crossover components are picked to a different tolerance, the woofers have a different amount of latex coating on them, the torque settings on the fasteners are set differently and the undercaots of the finish are different. a polymer coat adds mass to the mx-r which makes the cabinet a little quieter, the sound more continuous from top to bottom so there is more resolution.
there is an obvious difference in the way they sound because they are tuned differently.
the mmi is easier to get great sound out of while the mx-r does sound more right/better but you need a better system to get it out of them.
ok?
best, b
best, b