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Here's my different opinion for you to consider

Posted by romandoc on January 10, 2002 at 00:31:48

In Reply to: Okay I'm down to three speakers: La Folia, Merlin VSM, and Cremona?? posted by ELECTROSTAT on January 6, 2002 at 16:42:38:

"I've been leaning towards the Merlin VSM due to the amazing
reviews that come from every direction"

It's your money, so choose your speaker based on your tastes and, most
importantly, on your own auditions. Don't let the almost fanatical supporters of
certain designs, brands, flavors-of-the-month or whatever make the decision for
you. I should know, since I almost purchased a pair of Revel Studio based on the
"amazing reviews coming from every direction" until I actually sat
down to listen seriously and focus on my own priorities and trust my own ears.

Despite what its loud supporters might say, the  VSM is  a little
overpriced for what it does. Although it has high quality parts inside, it's a
two way speaker and thus makes its woofer try to cover both the bass and the
bottom half of the midrange, putting it at a disadvantage when compared with
three way speakers of similar parts quality, where the drivers have a more
specialized function. On top of it, the bass is augmented by an equalizer (the
BAM). The Esotar tweeter is great, but it starts rolling off at 18kHz as opposed
to another great tweeter, the Revelator, which is flat to 30kHz, so in no
circumstance does it have the same out-of-this-world airiness as the Revelator.
Esotar has twice the Revelator's handling power capabilities, unnecessary
because VSM can't fill a very big room anyway, and it's also very expensive,
which makes this 2-way speaker cost more than it needs to. The midrange used in
VSM is the same as the one used in Wilson WATT/Puppy and here it's called to do
double duty: bass (boosted by BAM) and midrange. Hmmm... 

"and the fact that the speakers can be powered by 17 watts or less
of tube amp."

Merlins are not the only easy to drive speakers. 

"Anything else to consider?"

Yes. Von Schweikert VR-5 might be what you're looking for in a speaker. Much
better bass, also easy to drive, a better value in my opinion. It's just that
its supporters are not as loud as Merlin's.

Disclaimers: 

1. Yes, I'm biased. I own a pair of VR-7 MkII. Albert offers 90 days money
back guaranty, so please anyone don't try to imply that I'm trying to justify my
purchase by recommending my speaker to others because it's moot. Rather, try and
give VS a listen and see what I'm raving about.

2. No, I have absolutely no affiliation with or interest in VSA, Merlin or
Revel.

3. Any way you'll go, you'll get excellent speakers, no doubt. High-end is
about splitting hairs, isn't it?

 

 

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