Merlin TSM-MM vs. Tyler Reference Monitor

Cruz123,

Very nice system. I own a Cary SLI-80 Sig as well. I used to own the Tyler Taylo Reference Monitors and they took about all the SLI-80 would muster in the Triode Mode which is what I prefer to listen to. The speakers did not seem as efficient as they were rated.

Needless to say. I sold them. If I am correct, the Merlins are around 87dB as well. I would email Bobby at Merlin and ask his advice. I would also suggest you look at some other speakers in the 89-90dB range if you plan on running your amp in triode mode as I do.

My 2 cents would be that you check out the Reference 3A monitors, the Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor, or even one of JM Labs higer serious monitors.

Good Luck!

Chris

Kid, thanks for your input. I'm curious, how big is your listening room? I have previously e-mailed Bobby at Merlin and he felt the SLI-80 would drive the TSM fine in my room. I am intrigued by the Merlin, but they are at the high end of my budget, so I am looking for a few other options before I make a decision.

Thanks.

Cruz123,

You are very welcome. My listening room is about the same size as yours. I would trust Bobby's advice 100% if he said it will be fine. I think the Merlin Speakers will be heads above the Tylers. As they cost more.

Like I mentioned, I don't think the Tylers are rated accurately. I was in our old house which I had a smaller listening room at the time and they just ate the SLI-80 up in triode mode. I would say they are closer to 84dB than the 87dB they are rated.

Enough so that I sold them. I now run a pair of Sonus Faber Grand Pianos which the Cary Powers effortlessly. You might also want to look at the Totem Model 1 Signatures. They sound amazing and would work well in your size room.

I have also owned both Sonus Faber Concertino and Concerto home monitors and really liked the Concertino. I wanted more bass so I upgraded to the Concerto but could never get the "magic" I got out of the smaller Concertino. The Concertinos with SLI-80 really sound nice. They will just be a little shy in the bass department but so will the Merlins.

If you want to email me and tell me what you really want to spend, I will be happy to give this more thought. I use to run a high end store when I was younger and have heard about everything out there. Well, almost everything. Good Luck!

Cruz123,

BTW: I really like your setup. I just upgraded from a Cary 308 CD player to a SONY SCDXA777ES. I was looking for a 308T but could not find one in my price point when it was time to buy. However, no regrets with the Sony.

Chris