Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Merlin Music Inc. VSM-M Speakers by vtvu

The VSM-Millennium is the third VSM generation I have owned, starting with the Gen. 3, then the SE. But the Millennium is a BIG step up!!!. I wrote a previous review on audioreview.com under the VSM-SE heading but that was before I got the new cones and the battery BAM, both of which made a huge difference. I must admit I was skeptical about the concept of the BAM. I understand the idea, outlined on the Merlin site (www.merlinmusic.com), but did not think I'd need it as I have a smallish room (15x12) and was satisfied with the bass. But then Bobby convinced me to try the BAM out, and I am glad I did.
I would summarize the effects of the BAM in three aspects: speed, weight, and depth.
The first thing I noticed was speed. The notes have faster attack, the instruments cleaner, and there is a sense of ease in the music. I find that I get the same impact and clarity at lower volume, which I think probably is due to a darker background.
This has a positive side effect, as I listen at night when the family is in bed and I cannot play it too loud. This way, I get the full dose of music at lower level.
The second is weight. Of course, the bass is deeper and more. In fact, in my small room, it is actually too much at loud level. Good thing I get the first benefit, as I get the full impact of the bass at lower level.
The third is depth. I set the system along the long wall (15ft) and sit in a near field position, about 5-6 feet from the speakers. The VSM are positioned in the room based on Bobby's recommended method, but I can only have it 1/4 way from the back wall (which is OK as I don't need bass reinforcement). There was depth before but now I hear sounds from BEHIND the back wall. This is AMAZING. The speakers also just completely disappear.
The theory behind the BAM is that, besides increasing the bass at around 35Hz, it also cuts off any signals under 28 Hz, eliminating the need to the amp to put out energy unusable by the Scanspeak woofers. The end effect is a cleaner sound against a darker background in the mids and highs. I think the darker background probably plays a big role, as I hear sound I did not before.
With the BAM, I liken it to drinking tab water before and Perrier now. The feel is airier, cleaner, more crystaline, especially piano sounds.
My audiophile friends, who are familiar to my system prior to the BAM, also noticed the same effects.
The VSM has been the cornerstone of my audio system for 5 years and I continue to feel that I own one of the best speakers out there at any price. That is very unusual, as I have changed out every other component in those 5 years. Call me a very satisfied Merlin customer. Bravo, Bobby!!!!

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