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Former Merlin Owners

I own Merlin VSM-MX. For the music I listen to (Jazz, Acoustic) and my room size (20x13) they are the best speakers I have ever heard. I have owned Alon (Nola), Proac, Vandersteen, and a few others - I have also auditioned many others. I am happy with the Merlins and believe they are great speakers and SOTA for two-ways.

I'm wondering if anyone has been a previous owner of the Merlins and found something they liked even better. If so, what speakers? What was it the new speakers did that you prefered to what you were getting from your Merlins. Just curious. I'm totally satisifed with the Merlins, but just curious what experiences others may have had.
pubul57
dgarretson
2,394 posts
 
I never heard the SuperBam, but I moved the std. BBAM way ahead by removing voltage regulation from the unit & powering it with large SLA batteries and fast parallel cap arrays. Also the VSM-MXs take very well to a sub to fill out that last bottom octave and add a tad of warmth.
9rw's avatar
9rw
278 posts
 
I owned a pair of VSM-SE's and used them with a REL Stadium II, which integrated perfectly. Ultimately, though, they failed to satisfy because they were nowhere near as coherent and natural sounding as the Dunlavy SC-IV/A's that replaced them. I like the Von Schweikert speakers better, too. Still, Bobby's customer service is outstanding and his speakers feature top-quality drivers and parts throughout. As noted above, different strokes.
1markr
525 posts
 
I really liked the Merlins (VSM-Ms) when I had them, but their narrow profile and a couple of active pups just didn't go together.

Anyhow, my Andra IIs really satisfy and have taken me to another level that I am really satisfied. I would not hesitate to get to get the Merlins for a second system.
rhyno's avatar
rhyno
642 posts
 
owned VSM-Ms and they were / are terrific speakers within their limits. they don't like high SPLs, and they don't do rock & roll as well as what i upgraded to (watt/puppy6s).

very amp friendly, very musical, great customer service. wish i could bad mouth them, but i cannot. they're great speakers.

rhyno
pubul57 OP
3,712 posts
 
In many ways I think they are perfect speakers for me. I don't listen too loud, never had a problem with SPLs, and I listen mostly to acoustic jazz (think Blue Note)and other acoustic type of music. I don't feel any lack of bass in my application, in my room. I may consider "upgrading" to the lead free version, but want to consider other options should there be a viable alternative. I agree Merlin is a great company to deal with, and Bobby's understanding of how to make his speakers shine is an invaluable service.
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