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REVIEW: Merlin Music Inc. VSM-M Speakers Review by Kenreau at Audio Asylum

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Fwiw, I thought I would share my impressions of the new Merlin VSM-Millennium speakers. Bottom line is, add me to the long list (and growing) of positive reviews and recommendations. In a word, I think they are magnificent!

I have had two previous VSM models and was quite familiar and happy with their sound. The changes incorporated in the VSM-Ms provide an overall improvement that is substantial and very impressive considering how good the previous models were.

The ranges of improvements I hear are extensive. The speakers cast a substantially larger soundstage that also provides a more transparent window into the music. The speakers virtually disappear as sound sources. In addition, the overall sense of the soundstage size, images, sonics, etc. changes with every recording, faithfully recreating what is on the recording. Very transparent. Great recordings sound incredible and poor recordings sound like it, warts and all.

The midrange and treble is incredible in its transparency and lack of coloration. When listening to well recorded vocals such as Patricia Barber (the beat goes on), Diana Krall(peel me a grape) or Jane Monheit, there is a presence felt that is lush as well as complete with nuance. Its like they are right there in the room. Quite background noises are more apparent to me. I hear numerous things in recordings that I didn’t realize where there before. The musical detail resolution seems to have improved without getting too analytical. The transient attacks are quick and clean without overhang or smearing, providing a real jump factor when the recording calls for it. The midrange-to-bass range articulation and weight also seams fuller. In summary they provide high resolution with natural ease.

I recall reading in other reviews that these speakers are optimized as much as any racing equipment to push the boundaries of what is possible with their components. They will really strut their stuff when given good upstream signals sources and reveal the warts of substandard gear. Garbage in, garbage out. I recall reading once that you shouldn’t be driving a Ferrari if you can’t afford to put tires on it. I can relate. I suffered through all this the past months until finally getting a sacd source in place. It made a incredible difference and I can really hear now the improvements that dsd/sacd are capable of.

Imho, the new VSM-Millenniums have been very positive and a great revelation for me. I am now confident these speakers will never be a weak link in the chain of my music system and I will be content with them for a very long time. I can really sit back now and enjoy the music.

Kudos to Bobby! Excellent job!

Thanks,
Ken Mersereau


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Topic - REVIEW: Merlin Music Inc. VSM-M Speakers Review by Kenreau at Audio Asylum - Kenreau 00:06:27 01/17/01 ( 6)