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In Reply to: Re: Okay I'm down to three speakers: La Folia, Merlin VSM, and Cremona?? posted by Alleria on January 06, 2002 at 17:35:14:
What are your reservations about the Merlins? I auditioned them on the weekend and think I've found my next speaker..I think they need an amp with a fullsome midrange or they might sound a tad threadbare.
Follow Ups:
Mainly the bass. I'm a little leary of the BAM.
Have you made a phone call to Bobby Palkovic to talk about how the BAM is integrated into the system and what it really does? There are some real pluses that component brings to the table. And from my experience, it has to do much more than with just helping the low end...Jim
It would be simplest to just say that something didn't sound quite *right*. Probably a touch of coolness in the upper midrange, but hard to say for sure. I posted my experiences on the Verified Reviews section of Harmonic Discord.
Hi AlleriaSee what happens when you cross Merlin Owners? :). Certainly everyone won't agree on the VSM's but one can't overemphasize how good this system can be. Whether you heard them at there best I can't say but as a 2 year owner I can only say they do it for me but it DID take a while to get there, system matching is very critical. They are neutral as it gets. I really like the Harmonic Tech Truth Link interconnects which work very well. I've done a lot of playing around with different speaker cables. As Celluloid notes, it can make a dramatic difference.
I read your very thoughtful objective review with music you're familiar with. I can only say that you really have to hear a REAL well recorded piano reproduced with an OTL amp to know how well they get it right. Every recording of Diana Krell I've heard makes the piano sound electronic. Whatever you heard in your review would be most likely attributable to the recording or ancillaries, not the speaker. They are Class A speakers all the way. Seems you have found your nirvana and who could argue with Quads? Me, I'll take the Merlins!!
Take Care Will
Hi,YES ! it is right. If I was not totally convinced with the VSM-SE, now that I have upgraded to the Millenium, Tube harness, and purchased the Transcendent grounded grid along with the T8 OTL stereo, it is REALLY good, wonderful should I say, and I'm not the kind of guy to be enthousiastic for nothing. I do agree with your comments about Diana Krall, and many others discs : provided you have a good source (As neutral/linear/transparent as possible I mean) you will hear everything. Musicality !
Regards,
Jeancarmet, ex-audiophile.
Funny that...after a long day of listening yesterday in a cable shoot-out at chez celluloid...the verdict was the VSMs were exactly the opposite of your experience. I was able to make it sound "cool" in the mids/tops by merely swapping cables. My own take on them is that they are so transparent that one can 'flavor' them easily with ancillary components...whereas, imo, Mahlers have a definite signature. I find that the VSMs really don't have a "sound" of their own...and are one of the few speakers which can make that claim. The original poster really would be better served by actually auditioning various speakers in home...it is worth the effort if one is spending this kind of money. Asking inmates to help him choose isn't really the best method.
Believe me the VSM-M has a sound of its own. You'll find out when Bobby comes out with VSM-BTM (better than millenium) sooner or later hehehe. :)I personally wish the VSM were 1' taller and deeper, and have one or two dedicated woofers, and have a Revelator 8530 midwoofer instead of 8545. And more importantly - a wider than 7' optimum speaker separation. :D
I agree with this. The only thing about trying the Merlins in your own home is that your gear may not be up to the task of getting the best out of them. These speakers or more like a "franchise player" - you build everything else around them. That's what I have done. If there is something better out there then ignorance is bliss because I am happy as hell. I've stopped looking for "my next pair of speakers" like some always seem to be doing. One good thing Bobby has done is make the speakers more accomodating to more equipment via the "s" or "t" harness.If you are going to try them at home I would talk with Bobby about what gear you have and what you can expect. If he is familiar with it and doesn't like it with his stuff, he will tell you. And he'll give you specifics. He gave me that hard news and I'd rather know that than still be looking for answers. (That is what we are all looking for here, right?) Then just have a listen. BTW, you don't have to spend a ton of money to get them singing. Several have had success with the Belles solid state amp. And it doesn't get much easier on the wallet than that. I do have a word of caution, don't listen to the speakers with a high-quality analog front end, good wire and otl amplification - it'll drain your checking account dry. Ask me how I know...
Good luck,
Jim
sorry to hear your "difficulties" jim!fyi everyone: i am one of the lucky ones to have TERRIFIC luck w/ a belles amp. while i know a # of people are using the 150a hot rod($1495 msrp) to great effect, i have its big brother the 350a ($3495 msrp) and it is a wonderful match.
(ps: if / when i get these entec subs working seamlessly, i may take home a T-8 stereo for comparison--figure 20wpc is plenty for 100hz & up, which is where i'm rolling off the mains)
rhyno
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