Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Merlin Music Inc. Master TSM Speakers by sonorlite

Model:	Master TSM
Category:	Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:	$5200
Description:	Monitor speaker
Manufacturer URL:	Merlin Music Inc.

Review by sonorlite on December 14, 2012 at 14:51:48
IP Address: 140.107.73.60 Add Your Review
for the Master TSM

Merlin Master TSM and Filarmonia Model J Amplifier Review

I first started using Merlin speakers back in the mid-1990’s with one of the original VSM’s following a review in Positive Feedback. Can’t even recall at this point what front end I was using (likely VPI table and arm and Koetsu RSP cartridge) and a Joule-Electra amp. Even though those VSM’s were worlds apart from the current iterations in refinements borne through Bobby’s diligence, I still recall the cohesive sound, naturalness and dynamics they produced.

As all audiophiles are constant experimenters and never fully satisfied, I later moved to Soundlab electrostatics and Atma-Sphere amps. There also had their strengths; Highly dynamic with excellent transient response and superb bass. The Soundlabs were also very prone to having technical issues and broke down quite often and were very fussy about placement. Moving them at all was a nightmare, always expecting the membrane to detach and fail so I sold both the Soundlabs and the heat-producing Atmasphere’s.

When it came time to replace them I thought about how much I missed the Merlin’s and decided to jump back in. The result was a gorgeous pair of Ruby Red TSM’s, delivered to me about three months back. Associated equipment when they arrived was a Technics SP-10 table, Steve Dobbin’s plinth, Reed 2A cocobolo arm and Miyajima Kansui cartridge. This fed a Herron VTPH-2 phonostage (with Tele’s) and a Cary SLI-80 amp. The phono cable is the one supplied with the Reed, interconnects are Bob’s devices vintage and speaker cables are Discovery.

Right from the start the sound was detailed without being fatiguing, natural, coherent with excellent soundstage and depth. I am confined to a fairly small room (13x10) but it is well treated with bass traps and diffusors. Possibly the most impressive feature of the TSM’s is the generation of clean, accurate bass for 90% of my records. Most of my listening is to blues, jazz, rock and funk with a small classical collection. Yes, pipe organ and large bass drum do suffer but I can almost mentally make up the loss.

As I played record after record I realized I stopped listening for a particular sound and just enjoyed the music in a way I had not encountered in a very long time. All instruments and voices are balanced and provoke a response similar to what I hear at live performances.

At the same time I ordered the TSM’s I also ordered a Filarmonia amp since I had wanted to divest the Cary for a while and the Filarmonia was supposed to be voiced to do well with Merlin’s. As good as the Cary/TSM combo did together the Filarmonia took it up to another level. Even with the limited break-in on both the TSM’s (less than 100 hours) and the Filarmonia (20 hours) they are magical together. Vocals are extraordinarily smooth, natural and well positioned. Last night I played the current Analogue Productions Weavers Reunion reissue and it was spooky. Bass is even more articulate with better tonal spectrum across the board.

So you may ask am I done and satisfied. No, of course not. I have ordered a pair of Master VSM’s to replace the TSM’s since I need to see this final Merlin iteration out and then call it quits. I could probably have just stopped with the TSM’s but I have the opportunity to swing a pair of the VSM’s right now and have no doubt they will make just close my eyes and be transported into the music.

My TSM’s will be for sale soon. Regardless if you buy mine or another speaker from Merlin you will not be disappointed. You also get as part of the deal the heart and soul of the Merlin organization in Bobby P. Bobby is one of the most dedicated and honest people I have met about getting the most out of his products and help the listener just forget about the system and listen to the music.

Product Weakness:	Gloss finish will hurt your eyes, limited very low bass response, may need more power in a larger room.
Product Strengths:	Dynamics, naturalness, linear response, soundstage, imaging, build quality

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Filarmonia
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Herron VTPH-2
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Technics Sp-10/Dobbins plinth
Speakers: TSM
Cables/Interconnects: Bob's, Discovery
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Weavers Reunion, Hugh Masekela, Take 5
Room Size (LxWxH): 13 x 10 x 7.5
Room Comments/Treatments: Floor to ceiling bass traps, side absorbers and front diffusors
Time Period/Length of Audition: 4 weeks
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	Filarmonia
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Herron VTPH-2
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Technics Sp-10/Dobbins plinth
Speakers:	TSM
Cables/Interconnects:	Bob's, Discovery
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Weavers Reunion, Hugh Masekela, Take 5
Room Size (LxWxH):	13 x 10 x 7.5
Room Comments/Treatments:	Floor to ceiling bass traps, side absorbers and front diffusors
Time Period/Length of Audition:	4 weeks
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner