1. Home
  2. speakers
  3. 1119793949

Merlin TSM-MM vs. Tyler Reference Monitor

I am looking to upgrade my Soliloquy 5.0 monitors and am interested in the Merlin and Tyler monitors. Both have excellent reviews and a loyal following, but I have not had the opportunity to hear either one. Has anyone had a chance to compare these two monitors? Also, how would these monitors compare with the comparably priced offerings from Proac?

FYI, my system consists of a Cary SLI-80 tube integrated producing 40w in triode mode/ 80w in UL, a Cary 308T cdp, and Acoustic Zen and VH Audio cabling. I have an 11 X 20 room, but have to place the system on the short wall and would prefer to stay with a monitor speaker as opposed to a floor stander. I listen to a wide range of music from jazz, alt. country, bluegrass, etc.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks
cruz123
the_kid's avatar
the_kid
465 posts
 
Drseid,

That is great that you are getting better results with the Tylers. Thanks for the Kudos on my speakers as well. I think I have read some of your posts. I started with great results with my Taylos as I had an Electrocompaniet ECI-3 integrated amp (70WPC). Then upgrading to the SLI-80 just did not do the trick with Tylers where I thought it would.

The 40WPC of the Cary was just not enough. I listen at medium to medium loud volumes, not terribly loud. I do turn it up on occasion when the mood strikes me but you would just tell it did have enough juice. Well, being the Audio/Music Addict I am, I sold them and went back to the Sonus Faber and have not looked back.

The Tylers are nice speakers and Ty is certainly a gentleman. However, with the SLI-80, I would suggest going another route speaker wise.

Chris
plinko
223 posts
 
Cruz123, I have Taylo Refs on the way that will be used with a 40W Primaluna. I'll post comments and room dimensions/info if you would like. The speakers on the way are used and broken in. I do not believe the idea that any speaker must be better because it costs more is sound advice but maybe I am wrong.
the_kid's avatar
the_kid
465 posts
 
Plinko,

Sorry if I made the point that the Merlins were better because they cost more as that was not my intention. I was just stating that they were more expensive for his budgetary concerns.

The Taylos are wonderful speakers in the right application. I would personally prefer the Merlins if given the choice between the two. I have owned a pair of Taylos and did enjoy my short time with them.

Respectfully,

Chris
plinko
223 posts
 
No problem mate, I think I misunderstood! :-)
cruz123 OP
585 posts
 
Thanks for everyones input, including the private e-mails. Looks like I have a lot more research to do. I have had a couple of recommendations to try the Green Mountain Callistos and I find them intriging in this price range. Has anyone compared the Merlins to the Callistos?

Kid, thanks for your comments. I have just recently upgraded to the 308T from a Jolida JD100. I was frankly surprised at how much more detail the 308T has over the Jolida. The Jolida is very good for the money, but so far I am thrilled with the 308T.
More to discover