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Original Message

REVIEW: Merlin Music Inc. VSM-Master Speakers

Posted by JamesV on June 17, 2012 at 11:41:10:

Model: VSM-Master
Category: Speakers
Suggested Retail Price: $15,000
Description: Floor Standing 2 way
Manufacturer URL: Merlin Music Inc.

Review by JamesV on June 17, 2012 at 11:41:10
IP Address: 24.24.164.214
Add Your Review
for the VSM-Master


How do you review or describe speakers to others when we are not sure we even hear the same. What we see is a common topic often discussed. But how something sounds is not commonly described in detail.
As a musician for almost 50 years and an audiophile for 30, this has often come to my attention. But we call ourselves audiophiles because we have, hopefully, trained our ears to hear differences as others see differences.
So here is where I can start to explain my own experience of listening to others given my own extensive training. Having spent countless hours playing drums in every situation from classical to rock to small rooms to large concert venues. In addition, I’ve spent too many hours to count in studio situations many of which are just a faint memory. I hope this background gives me some credibility when it comes to evaluating reproduced sound. Which, btw, can NEVER equal live music. The goal is to get as close as possible…obviously.
This description (review) is of a speaker. A speaker that has evolved based on a trained ear that desired more. For the seeing crowd, wanted a clearer picture. This speaker or picture has now reached True HD and 3D.
I started with the Merlin VSM-M and have ridden the upgrade train. Each time the picture got clearer. Now owning the final version created through an evolving process, the Master VSM, I’m seeing the best picture I’ve ever seen. The closes to live music I’ve experienced. Very close to hearing that “first playback” in the studio. The Merlin VSM Master is a speaker that behaves like an instrument. It has tonality like a Martin guitar or a set of DW drums. Each make of drums sounds different. As do each speaker make. You know when you hear an instruments tone that fits your ear. These speakers fit my ear. They have a sense of an additional dimension with soul and warmth, resolution and sound staging to spare. Nothing bright and zero fatigue. Listening is pure joy and can go on for hours. The difference between playing a set of overseas knock-off drums or the real thing. There is a difference and IMHO it is big and if your ears are trained, worth every penny. So if you care enough about music to understand the subtle differences of instruments and I’m referring to the maker of the instrument, then you really ought to experience a true instrument, the Merlin Master VSM.


Product Weakness: 35hz and down.
Product Strengths: They reproduce music accurately<br>


Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: ARC VS115 (REF 75 on order)
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): ARC LS27
Sources (CDP/Turntable): ARC DAC8 - Mac Mini etc
Speakers: Merlin Master
Cables/Interconnects: Cardas Clear and Audience au24
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Progressive/alternative rock
Room Size (LxWxH): 18 x 15 x 10
Room Comments/Treatments: treated room
Time Period/Length of Audition: 2 months
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner