[drphoto]

I recently rebuilt a pair of vintage Merlins for a friend. (the old foam wrapped type) They used a Morel MDT-30 tweeter and an 8" Vifa mid/woof.

These were one of most pleasant speakers I've had in my system. The biggest fault was back in those days (mid 80's) Merlin used a very flimsy cabinet and I think the mids were coloured by cabinet resonance.

Now I know the modern Merlins are a completely different beast, using very inert cabinets. Every review just gushes over them. I've been thinking lately of finding a used pair of the TSM-MM (monitor) which also uses that Morel tweeter.

Since I live in an audio wasteland, I can't audition. Anyone here have any comment?

[claud]

Two years ago, I decided to buy a pair of Merlin TSM-Ms as an alternative speaker pair to my B&W N804s. Something to use as a change of pace. I found an 8 month old pair on Audiogon with the correct Osiris stands. I paid $1600 inc. shipping. While setting them up. I played two songs to get placement right, but by the end of the second song, I decided to sell the B&Ws. They sounded like crap after hearing the Merlins. In January, I sent them back to Merlin for the "magic mod" for $500. Boy was that worth every penny. More air, bass and focus than I thought possible. My room is 11x13, and I have not missed a sub.

[WEEZ]

I own the TSM-MM. They are everything that Bobby Palkovic says they are. The reviews you read are not hype. They are really quite amazing speakers.

1) they are not 'colored'- they are neutral to an amazing degree.

2) they really flesh-out the midrange (where all the music is).

3) they are far more amplifier friendly than people who have never heard them say they are. Just don't use a thin, sterile sounding amplifier.

4) they are extreemly well made. Inert. Dead quiet. Smooth. Revealing but not 'in your face'.

5) they have a high impedence (not less than 6.5 ohms) so they are an easy load on the amplifier.

6) they simply sound natural. Instruments sound like they're supposed to. No mistaking a viola for a cello; or a cornet from a trumpet.

7) the bass is defined and well damped. No mud. (Just don't expect that that 6 1/4" driver will produce "hit you in the chest' bass. It will not.

the highs will 'float' with proper placement. These little guys will sonically disappear. Sonic holograms are in your reach.

9) they don't need a lot of power. The 87db rating is accurate, in my experience. Reccomended power is 30w min.- but I have used mine with less in a small room with no problems.

10) Call Bobby if you have no dealer nearby. He will help you.

By now, you may have guessed that I'm a happy and satisfied owner. You would be correct.  

WEEZ

[drphoto]

Thanks for the replies. Do either of you run a sub? If so, what brand and do you hi-pass?

One of the things I noticed w/ the vintage speakers, that despite the 8" woof, they sounded much better w/ a sub rolled in around 80hz. (not hi-passed)

I've currently got a Mirage sub, certainly not the best. Luckily, I have a potential buyer. I'm thinking dual VMPS w/ a Marchand (or maybe vintage ARC tube) active x0ver as I have an old Adcom GFA555 smp that should be fine for sub duty.

I'd love to order from Bobby, but I don't think I can pony up the cash for new. Besides....used means 'broken in'.

I'm swear, that those vintage puppies, while not being the 'best' speaker I've ever heard, were incredibly musical. I hated giving them back to the owner, who's a complete phillistine (sp?) and doesn't even begin to appeciate them.

[WEEZ]

I do not use a sub. IMHO, unless you have a huge room you do not need one. If you must; consider REL or ACI. The sealed design of the TSM will be easier to integrate w/ a sub than some ported designs.

Seriously- you will probably not need one. The bass is very natural. There is useful response to 35hz.

It is likely that your recordings do not contain much energy below 60hz or so anyway. Most small to medium rooms will not support deep bass- and you may just screw-up the superb balance of the TSM.

Of course, YMMV.

As far as 'break-in'; mine sounded 'weak' for only 8 or 9 hours. After a week they were relaxed and 'singing'. Not to worry....

WEEZ

[drphoto]

Thanks again WEEZ. I'm convinced I want this speaker.

What associated equipment are you running if you you don't mind?

I've read they love tubes.

[WEEZ]

I am still using a Proton AM-200 integrated; Toshiba digital player; VPI turntable w/ Grado Sonata (sometimes a Gold).

I am trying (and have tried) several different amplifiers- all with good results. Quicksilver Mini's and Jolida 302's work well on the cheap. I'm sure ther are many others that will be fine like Manley; Cary; and most probably an AVA U-70.

For solid state I have tried Ayre and Musical Fidelity and they worked well also. But I'm likely going to settle for a MOSFET amp with a tubed or hybrid pre-amp in the end.

It's worth a call to Bobby. He will be very helpful- trust me.

good luck,

WEEZ

[claud]

As I said earlier, no sub. My Cary V12R powered system is listed among the members systems.

[WEEZ]

claud,

Your system appears to be awesome. I'm curious to know if you use the V12 in triode or tetrode, and your recommendations (and/or preferences).

As you may know, Merlin is (or will soon) be the U.S. distributor for the Ars-Sonum Filarmonia amplifier made in Spain. A control amplifier/ integrated that is said to be heavily biased in class A to 25 or so of it's 30w rating. ( I read that to mean mostly triode    ).

Anyway, comments would be appreciated.

Every amp I've tried with the TSM's has sounded good. Some 'gooder' than others   .

WEEZ

[spwal]

Merlins rule. you will never find a more natural speaker, neutral across the bandwidth.  Old addage: you get what you pay for.