Merlin TSM-MX bookshelf speakers?

[Sleestack]

I have a pair of these headed my way. Anyone ever hear them?

 

[britishbane]

Nope. Todd R has the big Merlins I think. Lucky you, I can only aspire to own such nice speakers. Please post what you think about them once you get them set up and broken in.

 

[Sleestack]

I wasn't even thinking about another set of bookshelf speakers, but someone offered a new pair to me at an incredible price. After agreeing to buy them and reading some reviews, I realized there were many people who absolutely swear by Merlins. Not my favorite aesthetics, but perhaps the piano gloss finsh will win me over. I'm actually more excited about the industrial Billy Bags stands I ordered for them:

 

[Todd R]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sleestack I have a pair of these headed my way. Anyone ever hear them?

Yes!
I have the big ones right now (VSM-MM), but I had the TSM-MM last year. Fantastic speaker. I used them on some Osiris stands with a REL Strata III filling out the deep bass.
The only reason that I switched to the VSM is because that's what everyone was asking to hear (I'm a Merlin dealer).
As great as the VSM is, I would have been perfectly happy with the TSM forever. Killer imaging, huge soundstage, almost perfect tonal balance. And even though they are a small speaker, they can definitely rock & roll.

As for your stands, how tall are they? Your ears will need to be at the right height, which is where the woofer & tweeter meet. Usually that means a 24-28" high stand. Fill them with sand & lead shot if they are fillable.

If you have any questions you can ask me traudio@beanstalk.net or contact Bobby at Merlin info@merlinmusic.com
Todd R

 

[Sleestack]

Thanks for the detailed information.

I'm actually using 31" stands b/c I'll either be standing or sitting in a high office chair in my home office.

What am I getting in the MX that is different from the MM?

One concern I have is that I want to pair them with my EAR Yoshino V20, which only pushes out 20wpc. It will only be used at moderate volumes in a smaller space, but I'm wondering if I'll have any issues using the V20? I have other amps to pair them with, but the beautiful V20 would be my preference.


Quote:

Originally Posted by Todd R Yes! I have the big ones right now (VSM-MM), but I had the TSM-MM last year. Fantastic speaker. I used them on some Osiris stands with a REL Strata III filling out the deep bass. The only reason that I switched to the VSM is because that's what everyone was asking to hear (I'm a Merlin dealer). As great as the VSM is, I would have been perfectly happy with the TSM forever. Killer imaging, huge soundstage, almost perfect tonal balance. And even though they are a small speaker, they can definitely rock & roll. As for your stands, how tall are they? Your ears will need to be at the right height, which is where the woofer & tweeter meet. Usually that means a 24-28" high stand. Fill them with sand & lead shot if they are fillable. If you have any questions you can ask me traudio@beanstalk.net or contact Bobby at Merlin info@merlinmusic.com Todd R

 

[Todd R]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sleestack What am I getting in the MX that is different from the MM?

MX series speakers come in Premium Clearcoat finish. MM series speakers are only available in Studio Black finish. The MX is more resolving where the MM is more forgiving. There are also minor differences in the crossover.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sleestack One concern I have is that I want to pair them with my EAR Yoshino V20, which only pushes out 20wpc. It will only be used at moderate volumes in a smaller space, but I'm wondering if I'll have any issues using the V20? I have other amps to pair them with, but the beautiful V20 would be my preference.

You'll have to try it and see. If you are playing them low in a small space it might work out.
Sensitivity: 87 dB, 1W/1m (2.83V)

30 watts minimum (tube)
30 watts minimum (solid state)
120 watts maximum

http://www.merlinmusic.com/

 

[Sleestack]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Todd R 30 watts minimum (tube) 30 watts minimum (solid state) 120 watts maximum http://www.merlinmusic.com/

I saw those power ratings, however, I'm confused as to why the minimum power rating for tubes and solid state is the same. Isn't the minimum power rating for solid state generally higher than that for tubes?

 

[Todd R]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sleestack I saw those power ratings, however, I'm confused as to why the minimum power rating for tubes and solid state is the same. Isn't the minimum power rating for solid state generally higher than that for tubes?

Usually.
I don't know why in this case, you'll have to ask Bobby.
TR

 

[Sleestack]

Got the speakers in today. Run just fine with the V20, but truly shine in my EAR864/Meridian G57 setup. Talk about speakers that sound bigger than they look. Precise imaging and incredibly smooth midrange. I have them hooked upwith my Velodyne DD-15 right now, and would never know that I'm listening to bookshelf speakers.

 

[Todd R]

That's wonderful.
I'm glad you like them.

TR

 

[Sleestack]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Todd R That's wonderful. I'm glad you like them. TR

That would be an understatement. These are the best bookshelf/monitors I have ever heard. Completely transparent and perfectly controlled. I am definitely stunned.