General Asylum: REVIEW: Merlin Music Inc. TSM-MMe Speakers by davehg

Model:	TSM-MMe
Category:	Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:	$2800.00
Description:	2 way sealed box monitor
Manufacturer URL:	Merlin Music Inc.
Model Picture:	View

Review by davehg on August 10, 2007 at 22:45:17
IP Address: 24.16.3.40 Add Your Review
for the TSM-MMe

I've owned and loved the TSM for four years. My original pair was the M, then later upgraded to the MM. About eight months ago, I began experimenting with SET amplifiers and decided the time had come to try something new, more efficient. I had been smitten by the sound of various speakers which, to my ears, had better dynamics than the MM. These included the Sonus Faber Cremona's (and Auditors), and the nice sounding Devore Super 8's, which I ended up replacing the Merlins with. I enjoyed my time with Devores, but always missed that special Merlin magic of microdetail without harshness.

I had recently read the TSM-MMe review in Enjoy the Music and was surprised at Todd Warnke's conclusion that the MMe bested the Devore in dynamics. As far as I knew, the key difference between my MM's and the MMe's was the removal of lead from the speaker's solder and crossover. The review left me wondering about the MMe and I was able to quickly obtain a pair for comparison. I figured the results of my listening would be similar to the last time. Was I in for a huge surprise!

The gear I used was identical to that I had used with the older TSM, except that I was using new Dayton Audio stands instead of the older Target RS4's. (I've learned now that if you turn over speakers, just keep a pair of excellent stands on tap since you will eventually need them again). The MMe's landed in almost the identical spot the MM's had been.

First listening was really eye opening. Merlin TSM's have never wanted for micro-detail, but the MMe had more than I recall with the MM, and WAY MORE than with the Devore. I expected the Merlin to sound a bit more compressed on soundstage (where the Devore excels) and a tad less dynamic (the Devore has better bass extension). Wrong again. The MMe bested the Devore everywhere except overall bass output, but its bass detail, slam, and definition was simply more accurate. The MMe blended with my REL Strata III so much better than the MM, and the two of them together (still less than the Devore, at retail with the more expensive finish) easily bested the Devore. That special Merlin magic of presence, detail, warmth, and musical sound was so much better than my previous comparison of the MM with the Devore. My wife noticed it immediately: "Wow, they really improved the sound quality from the last model!"

So what has really changed from the MM? More detail but not at the expense of harshness or brightness. More palpability of voices and instruments. More clarity. Significantly better bass definition and detail, and probably a tad more extension. The biggest change is dynamics, particuarly on the top end. I recall the MM being a bit laid back and polite; the MMe is just incredibly detailed. Horns are more brassy, brushed cymbals more refined, and more "air". Voices are more flushed out, particularly harmonies.

I recalled a thread a while ago where some trolls gave Bobby heat for claiming a 30% improvement (how can he measure that???). They obviously did not listen to the MMe's vs the MM's. Having spent years with the MM's, I noticed the difference immediately. Subjectively, I would easily agree with the 30% improvement. In truth, having heard the MMe's, I really couldn't go back to the MM's. Thankfully, I won't. Nor will I be returning to the Sonus Faber or the Devores (already sold to a happy camper).

For a year before, I had been seeking something like a cross between Merlins, Sonus Faber Cremona Auditors, the Devore's, and the JM Labs Micro Utopia BE, but efficient, easy to power, and happy with tubes. That is a tall order, and I frankly had to compromise. No longer.

Glad to be back in the Merlin family, and hats off to Bobby for improving a speaker that has already been through so many iterations. It's nice to be off the merry go round, and I hope it lasts as long as the last ride with the MM's did (three years).

Product Weakness:	None to think of, other than the stock Studio black is no where near as pretty as exotic woods or automotive finishes.
Product Strengths:	Incredible microdetail, bass integration and definition, that Merlin Magic house sound

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: VAC Avatar SE
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): none
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Bolder modded SB3 with TriVista 21 DAC
Speakers: Merlin TSM-MMe and Rel Strata III, Devore Super 8
Cables/Interconnects: Acoustic Zen Silver Reference/Hologram II
Music Used (Genre/Selections): vocal
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Foundation Research/Cardas AC
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	VAC Avatar SE
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	none
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Bolder modded SB3 with TriVista 21 DAC
Speakers:	Merlin TSM-MMe and Rel Strata III, Devore Super 8
Cables/Interconnects:	Acoustic Zen Silver Reference/Hologram II
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	vocal
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Foundation Research/Cardas AC
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner