Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Merlin Music Inc. TSM-MXe Speakers by Ed C

Model:	TSM-MXe
Category:	Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:	$4000
Description:	2-Way Monitor - No lead Version
Manufacturer URL:	Merlin Music Inc.

Review by Ed C on August 27, 2007 at 16:10:25
IP Address: 207.155.229.226 Add Your Review
for the TSM-MXe

I must say that over the past two years with my Merlin TSM-MXs I have really enjoyed the Merlin magic these speakers convey. A delightful listening experience.

Two weeks ago, I upgraded to the TSM-MXe.

Very first impressionâ€¦
Midrange clarity and texture were excellent, an immediately noticeable difference. No strain for my ARS Sonum Filarmonia amp which effortlessly presented the music. The greater clarity here seemed to offer better contrast to the background. Like a lower noise floor. I guess I'm fortunate in that I have a basement (all to myself) that is dead quiet so I can really hear these improvements in sound quality. The highs were very good but at first sounded a little less clear on the top. I called Bobby and he advised that the new no-lead jumpers needs a little time to settle in.

By the end of the 2nd week â€¦
The mid-range clarity was excellent. Highs were clear and overall presentation top to bottom was smoother and more balanced. Lower mids and base developed a clearer fuller tone with rich texture. I can best describe this by the reproduction of the tones of a stand-up base, which sounded fantastic. Piano (my favorite), sounded clear with excellent decay.

As I mentioned, these MXes are mated with my beautiful ARS Sonum Filarmonia. Although my Filarmonia has the ability to drive the TSMs quite loud even in my large room which is 17 x 26 x 8, I do use a sub for tonal balance due to room size. The combo is superb.

Let me just say this is a no-brainer upgrade which improved the performance of this already excellent speaker beyond my expectations. Thanks Bobby for the fast turnaround in less than a week!

Product Weakness:	Large rooms may require a sub
Product Strengths:	Clarity and Transparency

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: ARS Sonum Filarmonia
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): None
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Cary 303/300
Speakers: Merlin TSM-MXe
Cables/Interconnects: Cardas GR
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Jazz
Room Size (LxWxH): 26 x 17 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments: None
Time Period/Length of Audition: 2 weeks
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): PS Audio Ultimate Outlets
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition): Home system

Amplifier:	ARS Sonum Filarmonia
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Cary 303/300
Speakers:	Merlin TSM-MXe
Cables/Interconnects:	Cardas GR
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz
Room Size (LxWxH):	26 x 17 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	None
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 weeks
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	PS Audio Ultimate Outlets
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition):	Home system