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Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Merlin Music Inc. Merlin balanced SuperBAM/VSM-MM Speakers by Blue Bull

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REVIEW: Merlin Music Inc. Merlin balanced SuperBAM/VSM-MM Speakers

168.209.98.35


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Model: Merlin balanced SuperBAM/VSM-MM
Category: Speakers
Suggested Retail Price: $9400
Description: Merlin SuperBAM
Manufacturer URL: Merlin Music Inc.
Manufacturer URL: Merlin Music Inc.

Review by Blue Bull ( A ) on December 25, 2005 at 23:02:12
IP Address: 168.209.98.35
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for the Merlin balanced SuperBAM/VSM-MM


I have owned the Merlin VSM-MM and balanced BAM(Modification to accept SE connection)since January 2005.Previous speakers were the Revel M20s.I used the Mark Levinson 37 transport,Stealth Audio Varidig AES/EBU,Mark Levinson 36s,Pathos Logos int amp with various tubes(Sovtek 6922,Ei 6DJ8,EH 6922 and Siemens CCa)BAM used between the 36s and Pathos.Ics were Madrigal CZ gel 1 XLRs,which were changed to Ridge Street Audio Poiema !! XLRs.Speaker cable were Synergistic Research active,Paul Speltz Anti-Cable and finally RSA Poiema !

The Merlin BAM were sent back to the States to Merlin Music Systems earlier this year for the SuperBAM upgrade(Thanks Bobby..!!).In this waiting period for the return of the BAM,I sold the Levinsons(..for a very good price..)and a used Gryphon Callisto 2100 int amp came up for sale, at an absolutely fantastic price.The Levinsons were replaced with the newest version(Sony mechanism) of the Audio Aero Prima Mk II.

The system therefore changed substantially from the original BAM to when the SuperBAM returned.Different CD player and int amp.This makes it difficult to say what positive changes the BAM to SuperBAM upgrade has made to the sonic picture, as a whole.I can, however ,very positively say ,that where the difference between running the original BAM in AC mode vs battery mode was quite audible,the difference with the SuperBAM is not that large.Battery mode still do sound more balanced and natural,more "right".This is convenient,since I leave it on AC mode most of the time,for less critical listening.The detacable powercord from the new power supply also leaves the option for experimenting with different powercords.I have ,however, not felt the need to do that.The fact that the new power supply can be used at any voltage,makes it very user friendly for any part of the world.The CE stamp on the power supply is also important for import into some countries.

I had my doubts when I purchased the Audio Aero Prima Mk II cd player,since it was replacing an excellent Mark Levinson 37/36s combination.I am pleased to say that it is simply superb.A bargain .

The Gryphon Callisto 2100 int amp.The "Audio Gods" were smiling on me when they landed this used unit in my lap ....A Danish solid state amplifier masterpiece.

Then finally the Merlins .What can I ad to all the accolades ? Show reports and prizes,press reviews,reviews and comments from end users on Audio Asylum,Audio Review Audiogon etc...?

Well,here's in a nutshell...The "magic" lies in the balance .The natural tone and the complete "rightness" of sound .As simple as that .Perfect.


Product Weakness: Nothing
Product Strengths: Everything


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: Gryphon Callisto 2100
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): None
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Audio Aero Prima Mk II
Speakers: Merlin VSM-MM and balanced SuperBAM
Cables/Interconnects: RSA Poiema!! XLR and Poiema ! sp cable
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Everything ...
Room Size (LxWxH): 8m x 6m x 3m
Room Comments/Treatments: Family room
Time Period/Length of Audition: Jan 2005
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Powercords of own design
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: Merlin Music Inc. Merlin balanced SuperBAM/VSM-MM Speakers - Blue Bull 23:02:12 12/25/05 ( 69)