Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Merlin Music Inc. TSM-M Speakers by DKL

Model:	TSM-M
Category:	Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:	$3200
Description:	Merlin Music TSM-M
Manufacturer URL:	Merlin Music Inc.
Model Picture:	View

Review by DKL on December 14, 2001 at 21:04:18
IP Address: 209.26.28.33

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NOTE: This review replaces my rant previously posted on this site....
Simply stated, this is the best mini-monitor I've ever heard. The TSM-M is very different from the SE version. After upgrading to the Millenium version (hence the "M" designation), I noticed that the Coors had moved into my living room (I wish - minus the lad of course). Female vocals are captured from your source music and then released freely to your ears. The layering, texture, articulation, and emotion of the human voice comes through like the first concert you ever attended. Highs are natural as well (particularly with the JPS Labs Superconductor cables I'm now using), and never hard, or glaring. The bass will surprise you - solid down to 50 hz, and fast as a fox. I plan to mate these with a sub, but for most music, there is no want of low bass to distract you from the tremendous enjoyment these speakers provide.
Also very worth mentioning is the owner and people that drive this company. Bobby is the James Brown of speaker building. He truly is the hardest working man in the business. You wind up dealing with Bobby as a friend, not as an unseen, unheard (Bobby answers the phone at Merlin) primadonna pushing overpriced speakers. I can't recommend these speakers and their passionate staff enough. If you're reading these reviews you already have seen total Midas Touch syndrome - everything Bobby makes is golden.
My system consists of the following components:
Merlin TSM-M
JPS Superconductor bi-wire speaker cables
Osiris stands
Rogue Audio 99 Preamp
Rogue Audio 88 Power Amp
Sonographe CD player

Product Weakness: Wife and kids left wondering why dad is drooling on the sofa in the music room.
Product Strengths: Musical, engaging, spirit lifting.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Rogue 88 (70 wpc in ultralinear mode, 30 wpc in triode)
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Rogue 99
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Sonographe CD
Speakers:	Merlin TSM-M
Cables/Interconnects:	JPS Labs Superconductor Biwired
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Coors, Manheim Steamroller, and everything in between
Room Size (LxWxH):	14 x 14 x 8
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Wife and kids left wondering why dad is drooling on the sofa in the music room.
Product Strengths:	Musical, engaging, spirit lifting.