Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Merlin Music Inc. TSM -MX Speakers by jbullock32

Model:	TSM -MX
Category:	Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:	3600
Description:	TSM - MX upgrade
Manufacturer URL:	Merlin Music Inc.
Manufacturer URL:	Merlin Music Inc.

Review by jbullock32 ( A ) on March 18, 2004 at 19:32:24
IP Address: 141.154.55.152

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for the TSM -MX

I've had the Merlin TSM-MX upgrade up and running for about two weeks now and am happy to report that this is one excellent upgrade. As there are a number of reviews for the TSM-M, I won't go into the strenghts and weakness of the standard speaker, but if I was to describe the MX upgrade in one word it would be "MORE". More detail, even at lower volume levels, More three dimensional (front to back) imaging, and More encompassing sound.
Bobby has somehow figured out how to balance the clearer details with a smoothness that pulls you into the music. Female Jazz vocals are just amazing and even with harder rock and at higher volume levels everything seems to stay together extremely well. I've actually found myself breaking out older hard rock vinyl that I haven't listened to in years. (it just didn't sound right before, I thought I was just getting too old.)
I've always had low expectations for upgrades as many of my past cable, tubes, and assorted tweaks, have yielded some marginal performance benefits but this upgrade has not only surpassed, but has shattered my expectations. The MX's are true team players, sort of in the Larry Bird tradition, in that they seem to make all the other components in the system play better. It's pretty funny that while the TSM's were in the shop getting their steroid injections, I was seriously contemplating upgrading my amp but after listening to my sytem over the past couple of weeks, I'm set. This upgrade actually saved me money.

If you're looking to take your TSM-M to the next level you should definitely give Bobby a call. If you don't currently own Merlins, pick up a pair of the TSM-M premium finish and send them in to Bobby and for relatively short money you will have a pretty amazing speaker.

Product Weakness: Can cause extreme time lapses to occur during listening sessions.
Product Strengths: Everything in the TSM-M's but more-so.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Audio Research VT100 MK II
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Joule-Electra LA100 Mk III
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Basis 2001/RB900 / ZYX Yatra
Speakers:	Merlin TSM - MX
Cables/Interconnects:	Audioquest Anaconda/Python
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classic Rock/Prog Rock/Jazz
Room Size (LxWxH):	14' x 12 x 7'6
Room Comments/Treatments:	Jon R's Bass Traps
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 Weeks and running
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Can cause extreme time lapses to occur during listening sessions.
Product Strengths:	Everything in the TSM-M's but more-so.