Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Merlin Music Inc. TSM-MM Speakers by WEEZ

Model:	TSM-MM
Category:	Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:	$2800
Description:	2-way Monitor
Manufacturer URL:	Merlin Music Inc.
Manufacturer URL:	Merlin Music Inc.

Review by WEEZ ( A ) on June 26, 2004 at 19:16:02
IP Address: 24.159.18.171

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I have been a music lover since childhood. When I was growing up, there was always music playing either on the radio- or on the console stereo in the living room. There was also an RCA 45 rpm record changer that kept me occupied for hours (it had a built-in tube amplifier). Later, I got a record player that played stereo lp's, and my record collection began. I was probably 15, or so. After high-school, I bought my first "system" which included the Large Advents; AR-XA TT w/Shure cart.; Pioneer receiver; and a Teac open-reel deck. I was hooked: amazed by how much realism I had compared to the stuff I had listened to in my youth. I studied piano starting at age 8. Trumpet starting at age 12. Played in the school band. Also the school jazz band. Even played in a rock band in my late teens and early 20's. Now I don't profess to have perfect pitch, or "golden" ears; but I do know what music is supposed to sound like; and having been trained in music- I have grown to appreciate all forms of music from the classics to jazz; and rock, pop, and even some country.
I have upgraded my hi-fi gear countless times over the years. Big amps and small; big speakers and small speakers. I've owned phono cartridges of almost every brand. And each time I've up-graded there have been improvements in my system(s). Having grown-up with vinyl and analog tapes, my bias is toward a fluid, analog sound which I will only describe as "natural". So anyway, I've been at this music/audiophile hobby for almost 53 years- more than 35 of those years quite seriously. And the up-grade bug has bitten again. After acquiring a decent new vinyl rig a while ago, I began my search for a new pair of speakers which has culminated in obtaining the latest version of the TSM from Merlin Music Systems- the TSM-MM. Now, I am not a professional writer or equipment reviewer- but I hope my thoughts and comments on the "double" M's will be usefull to some of you.
It took what seemed like forever just to unpack them. The carton and inner-pack is designed to withstand the merciless handling of freight carriers. It took less time to hook 'em up. The binding posts (Cardas) are first class and easy to use. I am using mine single wired with the supplied Cardas jumpers and RC network. I will not spend any time discussing specifications (you can read all about that on the Merlin website or by visiting your Merlin dealer) except to say, 1) the MM version incorporates some cold-tempered parts (Cryo-treated?) not used in the M version, and, 2) the depth of the speaker is closer to 11.5"- not the 10.5" stated in the specs.
I began playing the speakers from various music off my digital music channels offered by my local cable company (Charter) to get an immediate flavor of the speakers with different music (clssical, jazz, r&b, etc.) The clarity was astonishing- however, the treble seemed a little tizzy; and the bass seemed locked into the cabinet. The midrange was right there. So, I left the speakers playing while I did some other stuff. After about 3 hours, I sat down for another listen. The tizzy highs were gone; the mids were more full; and the bass was improved. The overall sound was 'small', however. But I could tell something special was at hand here. Layering side to side; top to bottom; and front to back were obvious regardless of what music was playing. My wife sat down with me to listen. After a few minutes, we just smiled. I let 'em play for a while longer, and returned in a few hours with some lp's and cd's that I new quite well, and would consider favorites. This was about 9 hours after first firing 'em up. Voila!
The sound was huge, airy , and relaxed. No longer small. Every instrument had a realistic timbre; vocals were natural; and drums sounded like sticks hitting skins. Each instrument had it's own space- and yet everything integrated into a whole and complete ensemble. My wife sat down with me again. We listened in stunned silence- with the exception of a few "wows" and lots of smiles.
These speakers reveal the recording and everything that's on it. I can follow a harmony line in a backup vocal; track the piano behind (or beside) the vocalist; hear everything that's going on- and never lose the emotion of the total performance. I guess the correct audiophile terms are micro-dynamics and resolution. I call it natural and real. I have never heard a speaker with resolution of this calibur that still retains a fluid-like realism of a live performance. It's hard to describe.
Before hooking up the "double" M's, I will confess to a bit of nervousness as to whether the speakers would be so revealing as to render some of my less than perfect lp's and tapes unlistenable. I am no longer nervous. The TSM-MM allows all recordings to sound like music. If there is detail in the recording- you hear it. If the mix is less than steller... you hear that too-BUT- it still sounds like music. I have been enjoying all my recordings.
The TSM-MM's are balanced well from top to bottom. I feel no need for bass augmentation whatsoever. For home theater, maybe. But not for music. Save your subwoofer money for a new dac or some more discs to add to your collection. They are more forgiving of room placement than I expected too. While moving them away from walls and furnishings works best- the music pours out of these little guys no matter what. Maybe it's because there's no port to contend with; Maybe it's just the excellent Morel drivers- I don't know. What I do know, is that the music just sounds natural through these speakers. (I would use stands at least 22" high so the sound doesn't fire directly into your furniture or any other obstructions that could detract from the sound.)
I am not using esoteric components with these speakers- although I am building a new system so my electronics will be changing in the months to come. I thought maybe the Merlins would sound awful with my electronics. I was wrong. While I can surely pick out some defects in my system; for now I can listen past them. The "double" M's will reward me with each upgrade in the future, so I have more to look forward to. The TSM-MM's have not only met my goals and requirements- but have surpassed my expectations. There are many good choices in loudspeakers today. If you are looking for a 2-way stand-mount speaker; and really love music; you can likely do no better at any price.
I cannot conclude without thanking Bobby Palkovic for creating an exceptional product. I have exchanged e-mails with Bobby off and on for several months. My questions were always answered promptly, with courtesy, and always with some 'food for thought'. Kudos to Bill Hooper for his cabinet work. The TSM-MM is a refined and well built loudspeaker. It just doesn't get much better than this.

Product Weakness: They are unusual looking with the grill cloth fronts on.
Product Strengths: Open, clear, and natural sound. Instuments and voices sound real. Heavy, solid, and refined.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Proton AM 200
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	none
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	VPI Hw-19JR/Audioquest PT-9/Grado Sonata; Toshiba SD 3109
Speakers:	Merlin TSM-MM
Cables/Interconnects:	Cardas Neutral Ref. Phono; Bryston Interconnect and Speaker Cables
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz; R&B; Classical; Rock
Room Size (LxWxH):	24' x 16'5 x 10'
Room Comments/Treatments:	Wood floors w/ area rugs; Speakers on long wall.
Time Period/Length of Audition:	owned for 2 weeks
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Tascam 112 MK II Tape Deck
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	They are unusual looking with the grill cloth fronts on.
Product Strengths:	Open, clear, and natural sound. Instuments and voices sound real. Heavy, solid, and refined.