Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Merlin Music Inc. VSM-MM Speakers by ldbkphd General speaker questions for audio and home theater.

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Model:	VSM-MM
Category:	Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:	$7700
Description:	Two way floorstanding speaker with Battery-Bam
Manufacturer URL:	Merlin Music Inc.
Model Picture:	View

Review by ldbkphd ( A ) on May 04, 2004 at 20:50:33 IP Address: 64.172.63.194

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This is a review for the Merlin VSM-M Magic Mod upgrade, or the VSM-MM. A few weeks ago I got my speakers back from Bobby for the ‘Magic Mod’ and tweeter replacement. The tweeters had been damaged in an accident. In my opinion the VSM-M was already a great speaker and I wasn't looking for more. But when I called Bobby regarding the tweeters, he mentioned the new upgrade and since I was going to send the speakers back anyway, I decided to have him upgrade the speakers as well. There’s been quite a few reviews of the VSM-M so I’ll concentrate on the Magic Mod itself how it improves on the VSM-M.

The improvements were quite noticeable from the start. With the Magic Mod the speakers sound bigger and clearer, there is a greater sense of space, both in scope and around each performer. The speaker seems more relaxed and confident, as if it’s limits has been extended. At volumes louder than I can bear, the speakers remain clean and clear. Vocals and instruments sound more fleshed out, more of that ‘reach out and touch the singer’ sensation. Bottom end has more weight, Cello’s have an increased presence, body and bloom. Actually Cellos sounded quite real last night as I was listening to Yo-Yo Ma’s Bach Cello suite. The highs are sweet and extended like before though they seem to be a bit more forgiving of poor recordings after the upgrade. Violins played through the upgraded speakers are incredibly moving. Imaging has also improved with better separation of instruments and singers.

Overall the speakers sound more balanced. My typical volume settings have been noticeably lower with the upgraded speakers. This could be due to the greater clarity that I’m hearing now. Compared to before I definitely feel more emotionally connected to the music . Some music that I’ve enjoyed recently to evaluate the upgrade are:

Cowboy Junkies – Bea's Song
Emmylou Harris – various CDs
Yo-Yo Ma – Bach Cello Suite No. 1
U2 – various
Peter Gabriel – Shaking the Tree SACD
Eleanor McEvoy
Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto – Ithzak Pearlman
Gladiator Soundtracks
Secret Garden

The Magic Mod improves on the VSM-M in all areas while keeping all the qualities intact. The end goal of my audio equipment is always my enjoyment of the music. In that respect the Magic Mod is a fantastic upgrade. The speakers sound so complete and even more musical that I consider the Magic Mod a must.

I don’t know how Bobby does it but he certainly is gifted when it comes to speakers!

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Product Weakness:	I don't have enough CDs!
Product Strengths:	Does everything right in presenting music to the listener.

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Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Cary V12
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Sonic Frontier Line 2
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Sony DVP999es, Bel Canto Dac 1.1
Speakers:	Merlin VSM-MM
Cables/Interconnects:	Acoustic Zen, Harmonic Technology
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	various
Room Size (LxWxH):	14 x 20 x 10
Room Comments/Treatments:	Room opens to a study in one direction
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 years
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

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