clarity, soundstaging,

resolves timbral detail in way that is "cerebral"

This is a great speaker in that it has a way of presenting a holographic soundstage that imitates reality. Its bass is tuneful and articulate. Its bass doesnt move oodles of air but it is articulate and you will be able to easily follow it since it does "monitor" well. I owned the speaker for a year. I have heard it with a vintage marantz 2325 receiver, a manley stingray, some solid state class A amplification and some top notch blue circle gear. It has its own brand or concept of warmth. One thing i never could get to like about this speaker was the way it presented the inner nuances of timbral detail. It did in fact present those details but the way they came off to these ears were "cerebral" not heart warming or human. I am not looking for a warm colored speaker but something that hits me in a human way. This is what eventually made me decide to look elsewhere for a speaker. When i was listening to them with the blue circle gear we switched in some little harbeth 3's and i was blown away by how much better the harbeths sounded. (Some might find this hard to believe). I also own some classic spendor bc1's. Switching these into my system, i found these to be much more natural. Where someone might argue that the bc1's are warm, i would argue the merlins are neutral to the point of being not cold but "cool" My results might be attributed to some degree to gear but i did have all the manufacturer's recommended matching gear but still found the same caveats to be present. Ultimately it must come down to taste. Everyone hears differently and looks for different cues as a criteria for what is in their mind "good sound" Again a great acheivement and a great speaker. There are obviously more virtues that this speaker posesses but to be short I havent listed them. In the end i recommend you give them a listen and decide if they're for you. They very well might be. There are speakers that didnt earn a perfect score on this site that i liked better than these. That doesnt seem fair. This speaker is great in some areas to be sure but its not perfect. After spending countless hours switching from long wall set up to short wall set up, to moving speakers forward, back, tilting forward, back, toe in toe out, speakers closer together, further apart I found nothing to correct what i didnt want to hear. To sum things up. An interesting speaker. Excels at its virtues but perhaps not everyones cup of tea. Only you can decide.

Similar Products Used:

Owned: nautilus line

Heard extensively: harbeth line

Own : spendor bc1, reference 3a royal virtuoso, proac 1sc

clarity, low self noise, imaging, soundstage specificy,

a little lean, renders detail in "cerebral" manner

This is a great speaker in that it has a way of presenting a holographic soundstage that imitates reality. Its bass is tuneful and articulate. Its bass doesnt move oodles of air but it is articulate and you will be able to easily follow it since it does "monitor" well. I owned the speaker for a year. I have heard it with a vintage marantz 2325 receiver, a manley stingray, some solid state class A amplification and some top notch blue circle gear. It has its own brand or concept of warmth. One thing i never could get to like about this speaker was the way it presented the inner nuances of timbral detail. It did in fact present those details but the way they came off to these ears were "cerebral" not heart warming or human. I am not looking for a warm colored speaker but something that hits me in a human way. This is what eventually made me decide to look elsewhere for a speaker. When i was listening to them with the blue circle gear we switched in some little harbeth 3's and i was blown away by how much better the harbeths sounded. (Some might find this hard to believe). I also own some classic spendor bc1's. Switching these into my system, i found these to be much more natural. Where someone might argue that the bc1's are warm, i would argue the merlins are neutral to the point of being not cold but "cool" My results might be attributed to some degree to gear but i did have all the manufacturer's recommended matching gear but still found the same caveats to be present. Ultimately it must come down to taste. Everyone hears differently and looks for different cues as a criteria for what is in their mind "good sound" Again a great acheivement and a great speaker. There are obviously more virtues that this speaker posesses but to be short I havent listed them. In the end i recommend you give them a listen and decide if they're for you. They very well might be. There are speakers that didnt earn a perfect score on this site that i liked better than these. That doesnt seem fair. This speaker is great in some areas to be sure but its not perfect. After spending countless hours switching from long wall set up to short wall set up, to moving speakers forward, back, tilting forward, back, toe in toe out, speakers closer together, further apart I found nothing to correct what i didnt want to hear. To sum things up. An interesting speaker. Excels at its virtues but perhaps not everyones cup of tea. Only you can decide.

Similar Products Used:

Owned: nautilus line, sansui

Heard extensively: entire harbeth line

Own:Spendor bc1

Easy to drive with most amps (I use a Music REF RM9=100 watts per channel)Very easy to relax with and listen to for extended periods of time. I listen to all types of music>classical, jazz, blues, some rock and country(real country) and bluegrass. Small enough not to dominate your room . Solid build, great reputation, customer service beyond reproach..Soundstage is very wide even though you set them up approx 6 ft apart yet my 14 ft wide room its wall to wall sound. The soundstage is very deep with each musician/instrument separate in its space with such clarity it recreates a very good imitation of the recording venue. I just like them alot...

To get all the way down to 30Hz you need a sub>fast and tuneful you don't want to muck up that Midrange. I use a sealed sub to compliment the Merlins which are sealed. Need to purchase quality stands>I use the Osiris stands. I wish it did not cost so much more to get the fancy cabinets (MX version) although these have a finish that appear almost indestructible.

I have been using monitor type speakers in my system for many years (Seas Odin design MTM) and with some of the best know drivers in the world I had been quite happy. But I began to desire a change in sound and so I began a search for a monitor that had great transparency-detail , musical/emotional aspect coming thru and yet something I could afford. I had been keeping an eye on the Merlin TSM-MM for over a yr. and had talked with the manufacturer and emailed numerous times. When I discovered his newest version the MME (lead free) and had another talk I decided to try a pair. Having no dealer nearby to audition them I went out on a limb and bought them> mostly on reviews and what he told me I would be getting with these speakers. After about 150hrs of breakin time and finally setting them as per directions I had them dialed in and sounding very nice. They do not do deep bass due to sealed design and a 6 inch midwoof driver(thats for the sub) but everything else is to my satisfaction. Crystal clear liquid highs, MIDRANGE with vocals is so natural as well as acoustic instruments the timbre is just right . The bass that is present is fast, tight and punchy and unbloated. The sound is unfatiguing and the musical emotion is allowed thru for your listening pleasure!

Customer Service

EXCELLENT=what good is a product if you have a question or problem and there is nobody to call?? Bobby P. @ Merlin always emailed me back promptly even when he was a show with his products. Always returned my calls or answered the phone himself when I needed to bug him with something. I am a satisfied customer and he gave every impression that this was his goal.

Similar Products Used:

Seas Odin MTM designed DIY speakers

Absolutely clear and "you are there" presentation.
Non fatiguing (could listen to them for hours and then want more.)
Incredibly huge sound stage.
Sound great with inexpensive ancillary components. (very important to me).
Sweet highs.
Unparalleled mids.
Strong, fast, realistic bass for a monitor. (I feel no need for a sub).

Time seems to fly in my listening room. Other than that, none to my ears.

This is a review of the new TSM MMe`s. First I`d like to give a little background history and what initially led me to purchase these incredible monitors. Sixteen years ago a buddy had me over to listen to his system. The system consisted of Merlin signature 4`s...Tandburg pre/amp and a Denon 1420 cdp. Up to that time I had never heard a system with that kind of resolution and portrayal of a realistic sound stage. It was literally a jaw dropping experience for me and I ended up a few months later buying his whole rig. I enjoyed this system for about a year before I ended up selling it and moving out of state. I knew that if I ever got back into the audio hobby I would buy Merlin speakers and build a system around them. Well it took a while, but now, 16 years later, I put together a system consisting of the Merlin TSM MMe`s...Audio Aero Prima mki int. amp and the old reliable Denon 1420 cdp.

Here`s the breakdown cost excluding speakers....

AA Prima int. amp....$590 purchased used on a`gon.

Denon 1420 cdp..... $61 purchased used.

Reality cables..... $450 purchased new. (speaker cables and ic`s)

Osiris stands.... $275 purchased used on a`gon.

Initial total gear cost excluding the TSM`s....$1376.00.

Pretty short money by audiophile standards I`d say.

Now let`s move on to what I heard with this initial rig. I thought that my old Merlin sig. 4`s were pretty special, and they were but these speakers performed beyond my wildest imagination. The clarity, naturalness, sound stage presentation, natural instrument timbre and just plain ol` toe tap`n musicality literally thrilled me. Vocals in particular were so realistic that if I were listening at night with my eyes closed I felt like I had to close my robe to keep Eva Cassidy from getting a big thrill. Well...ok... a medium thrill. :)... I wondered if it could get any better than this. Well it has....

A few weeks ago I upgraded my cdp to an Audio Aero Prima mkii, implemented isolation stands and various microphonic vibration control tweaks from Herbie`s Audio lab. I now feel that my audio journey is complete. My listening room is 14'x17' and the sound stage not only spans the 14' width but on some recordings seemingly expands beyond. Truly a wonder to me. The depth is also incredible. Herbie`s tweaks have damped out vibrations without affecting dynamics and I highly recommend them. The sound stage is now realistically layered (air between instruments) and gives an honest "you are there" feeling. There have been times that I literally had to kick out friends, neighbors and family so that I could get some sleep. That`s how appealing my system has become. I`m not really capable of audiophile or tech speak so I tried to portray my honest impressions in layman terms. IMHO these speakers are world class and will be my final speaker purchase.

In summation, I think what I`m trying to get across is that to really enjoy music through these "newest incarnation" Merlins you don`t have to spend a lot of money. They seem to have evolved into a very forgiving transducer. They are indeed wonderful and I`m honored to own them.

Lastly, I`d like to thank Bobby P. of Merlin fame for patiently answering all of my questions. He truly is a good guy and an asset to the audio community.

If you, the reader, feels that I have left anything out, just read all the positive reviews prior to this one. It seems that this newest model has earned all of the accolades of the older models and that they`ve become even more refined. Find a way to give them a listen, I think you`ll really like them. Got to go now, Eva calls. ;)

Dick Myers

Customer Service

Top notch.

Similar Products Used:

Various dealer and friend`s systems auditioned.

"soul"
musicality, both finesse and "clout"
speed
high frequency that is untiring to listen to over hours
low frequency control-amazing
detail is phenomenal
they sound better and better as their source and amplification is upgraded
cope effortlessly with big picture music

I have used ESL 57"s, LS35a's, spendorBC1's, magnificent modern electrostatics hand-made in Perth, and best of all my made in Perth esotar/focal standmounts, but this pair of made in the USA speakers are more and more revealing themselves to be a gift to music

I'm a doctor in Australia working a lot of extended hours, and my relaxation is music of all types, my neurosis is upgrading the three systems I have in various parts of my home. I use valve amplification mainly, with a variety of cd transports and dacs. I have both six foot electrostatics and esotar/focal standmounts with external crossovers. I wanted a compact very aesthetically acceptable standmount for our family room, so that I would not, in my long suffering wife's eye, blight the room the family uses most. In addition I wanted a speaker that would do credit to voice and classical piano. I came across reviews, spoke to Bobby Palkovich, and 4 months later received them, piano finish taped and boxed with the greatest care. I've had them now for coming on to 4 months, and they sound as beautiful as they look. They have given me the greatest pleasure, and give a wonderful window into popular and classical music at low and loud(er) levels. I find the way they let one hear piano phenomenal, Madeline Peyroux , Anna Netrebko, Katherine Jenkins or Gigli float into the room with amazing micro-dynamics and emotion

Customer Service

Bobby has been an unbelievable supplier, emailing to inform time on arrival, following up to check on satisfaction, setup advice, and displaying a genuine wish to have a satisfied customer who is enjoying his magnificent product. When I compare his attitude to British suppliers I have dealt with, I understand why the USA is a shopper's paradise.

Similar Products Used:

esl 57
spendor bc1
linn kan (1980's)
sound dynamic 300ti
ls35a
rob mackinlay's magnificent "acorn" made in Perth electrostatics
clifford D' souza's superb final iteration of his made in Perth "charmaine" esotar/focal /external crossover standmounts

Overall tonal balance, Excellent top end, but non-fatiguing and I can listen for hours. Classy appearance, especially with Osiris stands (I was lucky enough to find a pair). Customer service is top-notch. Imaging- it sounds like your listening to music, not the speakers. Integrated well with subwoofer (M&K MX 350)

New speakers are pricey, but obviously the research and customer service factors into this. Purchasing used worked for me.
They don't go real low, but that's what you expect out of a bookshelf speaker. The upgrades to the TSM-M are supposed to be better. Make sure you use the jumpers!

I've been upgrading my system consistently for the past 10 years or so, and the Merlin TSM-M's have been the latest addition, which was about a year ago. After reading all the positive reviews, I decided to purchase them used, figuring that if I didn't like them I could resell them without taking a major hit. I previously had Paradigm Studio 60's along with other Paradigm Studio's in the surround system and I really wasn't sure how these would integrate into my system. I use them with a B&K Reference pre-amp along with a Rotel 100W amp. My system is a combination 2-channel/HT system.

The speakers were incredibly packed in their original boxes and this first gave me a good impression as to their quality. I hooked them up, and at first was dissapointed. They sounded OK, but "thin". I didn't expect a deep bottom end, but something sounded a little off. After a few days, I contacted Bobby at Merlin for help. I wondered if it was my electronics, but he thought it might be that I didn't have the jumpers in the system. I didn't think that would make much of a difference, but once he explained it to me it made sense. So I ordered the $48 jumpers, and I couldn't believe the difference. The speakers have sounded phenomenal ever since. Bobby suggested upgrading to the TSM-MM which I have strongly considered, but frankly, I don't want to be without my speakers. I've even considered buying a second set on the used market so I can send one set to get upgraded. Still debating this...

Customer Service

Bobby Palkovic is one of the best in the business. I purchased used and he was still extremely helpful.

Similar Products Used:

Paradigm Studio 60's which these replaced, and still have the Studio 20's (for rears). I've done a direct comparison to the Studio 20 V.2's and there is really no comparison. They integrate into my HT system OK, but clearly shine compared to the Paradigms.

sound stage
vocals-
detail--
bass--for a monitor

none=make sure you give them enough break in time

Let me start by saying I have been into audio most my life-have owned many brands-I have been a B&W fan for at least the past 20 years.I was nervous about the tsm's--had heard them on a small tube system-they were okay--I have ss power-my system is a surround system-with cdm1-se-B&W. I spoke with Bobby at merlin at length-he felt the tsm's were a significant upgrade.My true love is 2 channel stereo.I use a velodyne sub-so lower frequencies are not a problem.
Upon recieving I installed them to the specs-merlin recommends-distance from walls-toe in-etc.At first I felt they sounded good--not great--good.The manual states that they need at least 120 hours of break-in--so I basically turned them on-let them play for hours--many hours.Well. the difference after total break-in was
astounding----sound stage--huge---vocals---superior to what I had--even the bass notes were impressive--when listening at low volumes--I turn the sub off- hey are that good.I have bought/sold many speakers--these I will keep for many years.

Similar Products Used:

B&W-cdm1se/601/303/802-series 80-sold the 802's-own the rest still
Klipsch--heresy's--ok.Lascala's--gross
AR3A-still have my original ones

Accuracy of musical presentation
Overall "Tone"
Transparency
Imaging
Build Quality
Value
Customer Service (Bobby Palkovic)

None.

This is a review for the Merlin TSM-MX version of the speakers. Equipment: Eastsound E-5 CD Player; Audiopax Model 88; Melody SHW1688 II; Audience Au 24 cables;Custom made interconnects.
In short, the Merlin's are fantastic and by far the most accurate, involving, transparent speakers I have ever had the benefit of listening to. I still remember when I listened to them for the first time and it was a jaw-dropping experience. They offer an unrivalled level of detail which at the same time has a live quality to it. You lose track of time on every listening session and are completely absorbed in the music they are producing. I also agree with many other reviews which say that the Merlins almost disappear when playing music - "it is the air surrounding them that sounds and not the speakers". So all in all a fantastic product.
One final word on Bobby Palkovic - the company president and chief designer is a true gent and offers unrivalled levels of customer service - I cannot say enough good things about Bobby. The only other speaker I MAY consider buying in the future is the VSM - Merlin of course!

Customer Service

Outstanding. By far the best customer service I have ever experienced. Bobby is available 24/7 to answer any questions and is a true 'gent' and this level of service does not change post-sale (as unfortunately is often the case).

seamless presentation , musicality , imaging . balance
great solid build , excellent Cardas connectors
wife likes them !

none

I have lived with the TSM MM's for almost a year now and it is quite amazing in that time I think I have changed everything else in the racks ( source , DAC , sub , cables ) at least twice, in the case of the amp / pre ...four times!
however these speakers are keepers !
they are the most balanced of all speakers I have owned and this is a lot ...
they are seemingly seamless in the frequency exchange ...there is absolutely no 'hole' from top to bottom , put em on a good pair of stands and they image extremely well , disappearing in fact ...getting out of the way of the music , they can throw a huge soundstage
I like low level detail and these speakers can present detail in spades , but it is never too much , never analytical , in my mind just what is on the recording
there are speakers out there that probably go deeper and others that go higher ...but for all around "believable musical presentation " they are in a class of their own .. everyone that hears them at my home remarks ...how amazing those little speakers can sound so lifelike !
support is as good as it gets ...Bobby Palkovic the founder of Merlin is the kind of CEO that is rarely found anymore , he is completely driven by his passion ...music !
he is very accessible and in my expereince has bent over backwards to offer any knowledgeable assistance he can , just a pleasure dealing with him !
I have absolutely no hesitation recommending the Merlin TSM MM speakers ...however as others have remarked they do need to be paired with quality components , do this and they will NEVER be the weak link
not sure about SS but I know they really like tubes !

Customer Service

very good !

Similar Products Used:

B & W , Spendor , Polk , Dynaudio

Value (should be more for what you get) but don't raise the price on my account
Detail
Packaging
My total happiness with these speakers

None that I can find they just keep getting better and better!!!

WOW!!!! where do I start. The Merlin TSM-MM speakers are some of the best speakers I have had in my system since I started this hobby. I have been searching for many years for what I would call the perfect speaker. I like detail and accuracy. I try many speakers and talked with many people and I was always steered to the Merlins. As a matter of fact one of the dealers I deal with highly recommended the Merlins for what I was looking for and he does not even sell Merlin. So found a dealer in Pennsylvania on ordered a set. They arrived and what an awesome packing job these thing could withstand a 10 or 20 foot UPS drop (if you know what I mean) with this kind of attention to detail in the packaging you know the speakers have to have even more detail and they do. I have had them for 4 months now and every time I go to my stereo room I stay longer and longer. I am going to add a tube amp to them now and I hear this will take them to another level I can't imagine them getting any better but I know they will. I have over six hundred Cd's and nothing to listen too. Now with the Merlins I have six hundred NEW Cd's to listen to. I hear thing I have never heard before in Cd's I have listened to all my life. The customers service is outstanding also. I have called about questions I have and there is someone that can answer and make me feel like I am important as there customer. I just wanted to let all of you people out there that are interested in an AWESOME monitor speaker put the Merlin TSM-MM on the very top of your list. After you listen to the Merlin's you will not have to listen to you other chooses because the Merlin's will be the speaker you are looking for.

Customer Service

As I stated above the customer service is AWESOME this is how all high end company should treat everyone that makes a purchase from them and they would have many more return customers.

Similar Products Used:

Joseph Audio rm 7 mk2
B&W 805s
To many to type