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Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Merlin Music Inc. VSM-MM Speakers by Gene Fama

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REVIEW: Merlin Music Inc. VSM-MM Speakers

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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 Gene Fama ( A ) on September 20, 2005 at 08:56:49
IP Address: 4.38.40.254
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for the VSM-MM


This is a review of the latest Merlin BAM upgrade (Merlin designer Bobby Palkovic sometimes calls it a "SuperBAM"). I'll follow with a general review of the speakers themselves but for those who already know about them and wonder what the BAM upgrade is like, here are some early impressions.

A lot has been made of the BAM as a bass-booster or equalizer of mid-bass frequencies, adding bottom weight to the Merlin sound. This impression is reasonable considering that "BAM" stands for "Bass Augmentation Module" and that it was originally sold as a separate option with the Merlin VSMs. But focusing on bass alone shortchanges the device and risks scaring off purists that disdain equalizers or assume any such component necessarily degrades the signal. The BAM is far more than an equalizer and it actually refines, rather than degrades, the Merlin sound.

The bottom weight the BAM adds is only a small part of its charm. The device adds proportion and clarity to the entire range, not least in the upper frequencies. There's a delicacy and realism to the upper-mids and highs that a BAM-less system sorely misses. I felt this lack all too well for the few days my BAM was with Bobby and Joe of JPS getting its steroid injection (thanks for the quick turnaround, guys!). Now that it's back, the harsher, pushier sound of the BAM-less speakers that temporarily forced me to crank up my REL subwoofer is fading into memory. New subtleties and dynamics emerge from what was already a lovely speaker system.

My initial feeling on hearing about the upgrade was that maybe Merlin redesigned the BAM to expand market share, particularly overseas. Having a powered component like the BAM in the system restricted use to countries with our voltage standard, a limitation the company seems to have rectified with the new version. But my limited knowledge of his philosophy tells me Bobby wouldn't do something for marketing reasons alone; he usually strives to get closer and closer to his audio ideal. Broadening the BAM's power rating to include Australian voltage comes with big improvements in performance.

I've been through every upgrade offered for my 1998 VSMs and have developed a sense for what Bobby is striving for. With each change the system becomes more present and palpable. The upgrade from SE to Millenium was striking. The upgrade from Millenium to MM was even more dramatic and valuable. Amazingly, this little BAM upgrade, at least to my ears, is every bit as pronounced as either of these previous changes. I have to admit to challenging my speakers with what are comparatively crass solid state upstream components and, prior to this BAM upgrade, the speakers let me know it. My sound was always good, but maybe a bit pushed and insistent, and not as clear as I wanted. This led me to favor delicate and recessed recordings and steered me clear of some of the loud rock and brassy classical I loved so much on my college JBL L40s. Sometimes I'd have a glass or two of wine in front of the speakers and wind up passed out before the record ended. The new BAM somehow, at least in these early days, creates more synergy between me and the system. I'm way more interested in what's playing, more broad in what I choose to play, more attracted to the sweet-spot, and less inclined to read or browse the internet during listening sessions. The new BAM is a crucial step toward something more "right." Everything emerges from a pure black silence and seems more organized, better delineated, and more effortless.

I can only imagine how all this would sound if I had an Audio Aero and Joule system instead of an Apple AirPort Express and a Classe processor. But here's the rub: I don't crave those notorious upstream electronics as much as I did before the upgrade. My drive to replace amps and sources will probably still exist as it will for many who have sensed the Merlins' potential and are struggling with solid state. But gear upgrades seem less pressing now. I may even save money by not rebuying every cd "remaster." Best of all, my Apple AirPort won't be going anywhere (I can't stand messing with disks and jewel cases but had worried that the little router wasn't up to rest of the system, until now). These are the things that make Merlin upgrades pay for themselves.

The BAM as a design concept surely presents some minor hassles other systems don't have: it's a powered component that needs a battery replacement every couple of years and requires you to stay on top of charging. But with this mod the unit's outboard status becomes an attribute: it allowed me to send it in conveniently (shipping heavy speakers is a bear), get it back quickly, and enjoy an upgrade that's well worth the comparatively modest cost.

To summarize: the BAM change makes the system more effortless and "right" without sacrificing its basic character--something Bobby's upgrades do in general. The change is both subtle enough not to ruin a good thing and strong enough to advance things significantly and make for happier listening. On a related note, I'm not sure I'd have the same impressions of the BAM upgrade had I not done the MM upgrade. Merlin upgrades seem best taken in sequence: each upgrade builds on the last. Owners who haven't should probably do the MM or MX upgrade before the BAM upgrade (Bobby may or may not concur--it's just my guess as a rank amateur and music lover).

Right now I'm sitting on the plane listening to an iPod through a Bose Noise Canceling headset, missing my home system and waiting to get back to the new BAM. I haven't broken in the new batteries completely so further revelations may be in store. If so I'll try to post again, if I'm not too sunk into a Bach mass or a Bill Frisell solo--that is, if I remember to use my computer for something other than streaming tunes.


Product Weakness: Occasional battery replacements not serviceable by user.
Product Strengths: Easy and quick upgrade at a reasonable cost strongly improves an already terrific performer.


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: Coda 10.5
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Classe SSP-75
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Apple AirPort Express, digital connection
Speakers: Merlin VSM-MM
Cables/Interconnects: Audience Au24
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Every imaginable genre
Room Size (LxWxH): 14 x 20 x 18
Time Period/Length of Audition: Short, but early results are great.
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: Merlin Music Inc. VSM-MM Speakers - Gene Fama 08:56:49 09/20/05 ( 2)