I know I am nuts

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Posted on April 28, 2025 at 05:49:45

troutbum
Audiophile

Posts: 429
Location: NW Ohio
Joined: January 14, 2001

I've had the upgrade itch for over six months. I have a pair of Merlin TSM MMs presently, driven by a Billie Amp (Version 1). They sound quite nice, but.....I've the itch...bad. I did a lot of internet searching and posting in forums looking for a recommendation for a step up from the Merlins. The advice, almost across the board, said I was crazy to stray from the Merlins. Quite amazing accolades. However....humor me if you will. Give me some recommendations. If I find a replacement is not really an improvement (over what specifically I do not know) I can keep the Merlins. I've considered B&W, Fritz, Totem, Spendor, KEF and others.

C'mon folks, help me out here. I am not at all disking the Merlins, I'm just looking to try something different. Surely, many of you have been there.

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RE: I know I am nuts

Krav Maga

06:04:39 05/02/25

Sure, why else post in an asylum?...

musetap

17:33:47 05/01/25

3

Had them both

DKL

07:32:08 05/03/25

2

...

Show full thread outline!

RE: I know I am nuts

Krav Maga

06:04:39 05/02/25

Sure, why else post in an asylum?...

musetap

17:33:47 05/01/25

3

Had them both

DKL

07:32:08 05/03/25

2

RE: Had them both

DKL

13:31:35 05/03/25

That's cool and I believe it...

musetap

12:43:04 05/03/25

If you want something different

Doublej

04:37:50 05/01/25

RE: I know I am nuts

6bq5

22:09:09 04/28/25

Black Magic?

DKL

20:13:55 04/28/25

You have a nice setup there!!

Bobby.Peru@myyahoo.com

16:03:43 04/28/25

More info from you will get quality recommendations rather than just names

Edp

09:01:09 04/28/25

3

RE: More info from you will get quality recommendations rather than just names

troutbum

10:40:22 04/28/25

2

SEAS A26, Focal Daline 3.1 or Snell E/iii

Edp

08:08:53 04/29/25

RE: SEAS A26, Focal Daline 3.1 or Snell E/iii

troutbum

14:40:35 04/29/25

Consider Upgrading to Black Magic version

Charlie8521

08:54:52 04/28/25

Matching Merlins

M3 lover

07:42:48 04/28/25

4

RE: Matching Merlins

troutbum

08:50:53 04/28/25

3

More quality power might bring what you're looking for

M3 lover

11:24:44 04/29/25

Well anyone, any thought on how a Schiit ...

Charlie8521

13:53:53 04/28/25

RE: Well anyone, any thought on how a Schiit ...

Kurtle

19:59:43 04/28/25

RE: I know I am nuts

swfarrar

06:18:03 04/28/25

RE: I know I am nuts, posted on April 28, 2025 at 06:18:03

swfarrar
Audiophile

Posts: 186
Location: Austin, TX
Joined: June 1, 2000

I had a pair of Merlins driven by a Cary Audio tube amp and was happy with the sound but at some point one of the woofers failed. After a consultation with Bobby at Merlin I sent both speakers off for replacement of both woofers. It took nine months for them to be returned, the explanation being that the cryo lab had lost the crossovers. In the meantime I bought a used pair of Devore 8 speakers. When the Merlins finally arrived I spent enough time comparing the two to conclude that I much preferred the Devore sound and sold the Merlins.

Matching Merlins, posted on April 28, 2025 at 07:42:48

M3 lover
Audiophile

Posts: 6781
Location: SW Mich
Joined: May 29, 2005
Contributor
Since: July 4, 2007

I was friends with Jud Barber of Joule Electra. His electronics were often matched with Bobby's Merlins at the CES and possibly other shows. That meant at least 100 watts of OTL power.

What is the rating for your Billie? I'm not familiar with that.

I always found the Merlins (various models over the years) to provide musical and surprisingly near full range performance for their size. Bottom line, if your Merlins are fully functional then you itch might be better scratched by different amplification?

"The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing, if you can fake that you've got it made." Groucho

RE: Matching Merlins, posted on April 28, 2025 at 08:50:53
troutbum Audiophile Posts: 429 Location: NW Ohio Joined: January 14, 2001	class d 60 @4ohms

Consider Upgrading to Black Magic version, posted on April 28, 2025 at 08:54:52
Charlie8521 Audiophile Posts: 932 Location: South East Michigan Joined: October 2, 2004	Signature Sound I believe picked up servicing and upgrading Merlins. Maybe talk with them. I have the TSM Black Magic version paired with some subs and they are going no where. Maybe consider posting the rest of your electronics and cables. I think Bobby was always high on the Cardas Clear Speaker Cables with the Merlins. I should have tried that :(

More info from you will get quality recommendations rather than just names, posted on April 28, 2025 at 09:01:09

Edp
Audiophile

Posts: 4705
Joined: September 23, 1999

Your request leaves most responders guessing as to what to recommend

Are we to offer suggestions limited to about the same size bookshelf or are floorstanders an option

Do you prefer a sealed unit like the TSM ( key for some owners )?

Are you looking for a different sound signature from the TSM or just same but bigger/better?

Are your music preferences big band/full orchestra or jazz trio/vocal dominate type?

What is your budget ?

Without that extra info, your most likely get a bunch of names of units you'll hate and pay a lot to find that out

RE: More info from you will get quality recommendations rather than just names, posted on April 28, 2025 at 10:40:22
troutbum Audiophile Posts: 429 Location: NW Ohio Joined: January 14, 2001	See my set up in Inmate Systems. Budget under $3k

Well anyone, any thought on how a Schiit ..., posted on April 28, 2025 at 13:53:53
Charlie8521 Audiophile Posts: 932 Location: South East Michigan Joined: October 2, 2004	budget tube preamp would match up with a Class D amp to enhance his system without going overboard on cost? I would guess someone has some experience of matching such. Just a thought.

You have a nice setup there!!, posted on April 28, 2025 at 16:03:43

Bobby.Peru@myyahoo.com
Audiophile

Posts: 81
Joined: March 11, 2025

I was thinking of maybe adding the subwoofer instead. If you need to get something "different," I'd go with Tannoy Stirling for your music tastes (which are similar to mine).

https://upscaleaudio.com/products/tannoy-stirling-gold-refer

RE: Well anyone, any thought on how a Schiit ..., posted on April 28, 2025 at 19:59:43
Kurtle Audiophile Posts: 415 Location: Salem Oregon Joined: December 21, 2002 Contributor Since: April 6, 2011	The only current (new from Schiit) tube preamp is the Freya+ at $999, not sure if that fits your definition of 'not going overboard on cost'. You likely could find an older Scjiit Saga Saga or Saga+ tube preamp on the used market at a good low price though.

Black Magic?, posted on April 28, 2025 at 20:13:55

DKL
Audiophile

Posts: 1065
Location: Deland, FL
Joined: November 20, 2001

Have you considered contacting Rich Brkich at Signature Sound to see about upgrading to the latest version? I had the Merlin VSM-SE speakers at one point, and then tried several other speakers. Had the TSM-MMs also. Eventually, I worked with Bobby to purchase a pair of VSM-MXe direct from Merlin (the first lead-free model he made), and noticed a major change for the better over my previous VSMs. That was in 2007, and I haven't felt the need to upgrade since (although I have upgraded electronics, including a fabulous Neodio integrated amp). Point being, it may be worth a shot to upgrade to the Black Magic version as Bobby mentioned they sounded fuller and even more real than his previous efforts. Once I paired my VSMs with Audience AU24SE cables (speaker and interconnects), I was set. Still very happy with them.

RE: I know I am nuts, posted on April 28, 2025 at 22:09:09
6bq5 Audiophile Posts: 4687 Location: SF Bay Joined: August 16, 2001	I will gladly trade your Merlins for quad '57s, or Shahanian Elfs I have some JM Labs Electras If you really want to lose the magic of the Merlins.... Happy Listening

SEAS A26, Focal Daline 3.1 or Snell E/iii, posted on April 29, 2025 at 08:08:53
Edp Audiophile Posts: 4705 Joined: September 23, 1999	Either will fit your music tastes, be in same vein as TSM strong traits, plus adding more in different ways

More quality power might bring what you're looking for, posted on April 29, 2025 at 11:24:44

M3 lover
Audiophile

Posts: 6781
Location: SW Mich
Joined: May 29, 2005
Contributor
Since: July 4, 2007

Suggest contacting Rich at Signature Sound to discuss your itch.

He was a Merlin dealer and close friends with Bobby. Also he continues to service them. I suspect he knows more about getting the most from all models than anyone.

This could apply to finding a new replacement for the Merlins as well, if that's your decision.

"The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing, if you can fake that you've got it made." Groucho

https://sigsound.com

RE: SEAS A26, Focal Daline 3.1 or Snell E/iii, posted on April 29, 2025 at 14:40:35
troutbum Audiophile Posts: 429 Location: NW Ohio Joined: January 14, 2001	My Merlins are bookshelf speakers

If you want something different, posted on May 1, 2025 at 04:37:50
Doublej Audiophile Posts: 771 Location: Boston Joined: January 11, 2009	Try a different type of speaker. Horns, Planar, Open Baffle.

Sure, why else post in an asylum?..., posted on May 1, 2025 at 17:33:47

musetap
Audiophile

Posts: 33208
Location: San Francisco
Joined: July 8, 2003
Contributor
Since: January 28, 2004

Fortunately you are NOT alone hear.

Never heard the Merlins, only great things about them, none of which
ever made me want to part with the JMR Trente I used for many years.

Those are in need of repair and somehow I bought a pair of (used - ALWAYS
used) Reference 3A De Capo instead of investing that money in getting the
Trent repaired.

So, didn't buy used Merlins and am in no hurry to have the Trente repaired.

For about 2 years now?

Food for thought there while highly recommending two brands/models of GREAT monitors.

Really, if the Trente hadn't failed I'd never have known how fantastic the De Capo are.

Maybe pretend the Merlins aren't working?...

"Once this was all Black Plasma and Imagination"-Michael McClure

RE: I know I am nuts, posted on May 2, 2025 at 06:04:39

Krav Maga
Audiophile

Posts: 2510
Location: Texas
Joined: October 19, 2017

Based on what I've read about and viewed online (plenty of reviews on the net and YouTube), I'd put the Epos ES14N, a Karl-Heinz Fink team design, on the list.

"If people can't control their own emotions, then they have to start trying to control other people's behavior."

- Robin Skynner

Had them both, posted on May 3, 2025 at 07:32:08
DKL Audiophile Posts: 1065 Location: Deland, FL Joined: November 20, 2001	and for me, the Merlin TSMs were/are much better than the Trente. I also owned the little Twins and the floor-standing Evolution 3's. The Merlins just sound more realistic to my ears. I've owned the VSM-MXe speakers since 2007 and still have no desire to upgrade.

That's cool and I believe it..., posted on May 3, 2025 at 12:43:04
musetap Audiophile Posts: 33208 Location: San Francisco Joined: July 8, 2003 Contributor Since: January 28, 2004	But both old speakers and Reference 3A and JM Reynaud are still thriving and producing really nice speakers which would be the food for thought in buying new speakers in place of the Merlins. Choices x 3! "Once this was all Black Plasma and Imagination"-Michael McClure

RE: Had them both, posted on May 3, 2025 at 13:31:35
DKL Audiophile Posts: 1065 Location: Deland, FL Joined: November 20, 2001	I always wanted to try the Offrande (mainly back in the late 90's / early 2000's) - Reynaud makes nice speakers for sure. Luck would have it that Signature Sound still services Merlin speakers though, so I'm comfortable with mine for now :)

Speaker Asylum

I know I am nuts

72.240.196.26