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Merlin VSM-mm's a good value at $3000 used?

Hi,

Quick question. I am looking to spend about 3K used, and several people seem to be very happy with the Merlin floorstanding monitor VSM-mm. These are going used for about $3000. Would you say this is a good value at the used price? Preferred music is jazz, classical, and some modern, electronic jazz mixes (I love THE NECKS, for example). Room is about 11x18x10 (with some spillover into a larger room at the end). I would also have the option of a 14x24 room. Electronics TBD-whatever works best, as I have no issues swapping out my current gear with something more suited to the task. I guess the only thing that I am worried about is the lack of low-end: I would like to get a true full-range sound (although I don't listen to organ music, but would hate to partially lose the bass lines so prominent in jazz, which has happened with past monitors I have owned). Most of the speakers in this price range are 3 to 5 ways, so it seems hard to believe that a simple 2-way can reproduce the full-range of the larger speakers. Darn, I wish I had an audition, but there is nobody within a few hours of me here! Obviously there are lots of options for $3K used (Legacy Focus, Tyler Sig System, Audio Physic Virgo III) but it seems difficult to find a bad word about the Merlin's, with several people going through mulitple upgrades over time, as new models come out. Thanks for your help!
dawgcatching
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Rysa4,
Conceptually I agree with you. However, when outright self promotion and grandstanding dominate the discussion, to me it becomes a little over the top.

All of course IMO.
sbank's avatar
sbank
2,038 posts
 
Audiofeil,

You don't read many dealers attacking manufacturers of products that they don't represent in the forums. Why you and why you so often?

Not really all that curious.
trelja
3,215 posts
 
I think the Merlins are a fantastic speaker. Certainly one of the cornerstone products of the industry in the past decade.

The assertion was often made that Vandersteens do so much right, while minimizing/spreading their faults out so well, that they are probably the best overall loudspeaker available to us. And, by "us", I mean the 95% of "us" in this hobby. However, in my opinion, it's the Merlins (along with MAYBE one other company - but if you put a gun to my head, it's Merlin) that deserve that title.

Are they the right speakers for every audiophile? No! And, that is true of every loudspeaker.

But, for your investment in a new or used pair (and, I'd suggest to talk to Bobby before purchasing any used), the odds are that you'll have a pair of loudspeakers that will serve you for a very long time. And, how many other high end audio products can that be said about?
bobbyapalkovic
729 posts
 
bill does not know me personally or know anything about my product on a first hand basis (i suspect). he feels that it is best to comment directly to the individual making the post. he is entitled to his opinion. i disagree and have reasons for my feelings. we are both entitled to think and say what we want. what he thinks is grand standing is just me, sticking up for my work. he may even like them if he heard them but knowing what he likes, he probably wouldn't and that is ok with me.
i comment because i strive to make myself accessable to all and many other manufacturers feel this is not good for them
personally or are too busy elsewhere. i own a small company that has a very personable way of doing business and if he doesn't like it, well, he should just not pay any attention to it.
regards,
bobby
9rw's avatar
9rw
278 posts
 
Bobby: I did a search and couldn't find anything, but please refresh us on how many updates/model changes you have made to the VSM, which started out at being something like $4,000 or $4,500. When that happens, no one wants the obsolete version. How much is a pair today? Also, do you find the speaker to sound absolutely coherent? I never did. Regardless, it is impressive that you are so committed to your product and to customer service.
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