Help me get the most out of my Merlin TSM MX


I have had these incredible monitors for over a year and I am still enamoured with there balance and refinement. I am going to sell off my second system that doesn't get used anymore and I want to put the funds into the Merlin system. I should have $1000 to spend.
My current system is as follows: Merlin TSM MX on Skylan stands,DIY parts express sub with Behringer feedback destroyer for room eq, speaker wire is Monster M-series CX2( Paul Speltz Anti-Cables on the way), Cayin A 50-T 35watt el34 integratedwith a Virtual Dynamics power cord, Harmonic Technology Truthlink ic,Macbook Pro,Apogee Duet Dac. I use this in conjunction with a HT setup so I can control the sub via Ht remote from the B&K AVR 202.
I am not sure which direction to go. Do I get the "e" upgrade done by Bobby? Do I replace the Cayin with another integrated in the $1700 range Or get into separates? There is nothing that I don't like about my current system. I just want to take it to the next level of performance. I am not interested in a cd player. These monitors are capable in reference systems and that is why I bought them to build my system around. I might move up to the VSM one day so I want my components to be in place if/when that day comes.
Thank you for your opinions!
Bob
rrboogie

Showing 5 responses by rrboogie

Thank you for the responses. The anti cables that I have coming are a double run (not bi-wired). Apparently this helps with frequencies from the mid-range down or so the seller says. They are worth a try for the money. I see other merlin users with them in their system so I'll see if they float my boat. If not, I will try the Cardas Golden Reference speaker cables and ic's. I had a great listening session last night and walked away with nothing but smiles, but you know the audiophile thing-- How can I improve on the sound? I might just wait awhile until I have the funds for a top tier integrated like the Ars Sonum for instance. Keep the suggestions coming!
I have a couple of months this summer where I could live without the speakers. I will call Bobby to discuss the details of the upgrade and lead times/turn around times. Until then I am going to buy some recommended speaker cables to have on hand and at that point decide which ones are the keepers after the "e" upgrade.
So, what other speaker cables can you recommend?
I can probably only afford one set of cables over $700 and a couple of pairs in the $200 to $400 range. I already have the Monster cable,Anti cable and some Audioquest live wire.
I have replaced the tubes in the Cayin to Mullard and GE five stars with excellent results.
Thanks for the suggestions everyone. Keep 'em coming!
I have had the pleasure of listening to the Atma gear at my local shop. It has always been out of my budget but maybe one day.
Bobby, once I do the upgrade how long is the break in period? Do you have any recommendations on the break in process?
Cheers,Bob
I have had a pair of Cardas Golden Reference IC's between my DAC and integrated for three days now. My initial impressions are that I have added low level detail from the Harmonic Technology Truthlink. The sound is a little more open. Vocals have more presence. I have also added the Anti cables speaker wire and they perform as expected from the reviews. Words that come to mind are fast,neutral,live,dynamic,detailed. The combination of the Golden Ref and the Anti cables may be too much of a good thing for my tastes. I swapped the Golden Ref. for the Truthlink which brought better balance to the treble ( not as crisp ). My wife and I listened for 4 hours. Her comment was "I am there"( as if at a live performance) which we have seen over 200 live performances. I was impressed with the Anti cables although they may be a bit hot in the treble for a relaxing listening session. The mids didn't have that body that I am looking for but with the right IC up front I can probably find a balance. I have a pair of Anti cables IC's on the way. We'll see if there is synergy between them. I am also interested in the Acoustic Zen Satori speaker cables.
I am tempted by the Jadis. Are there any other recommendations in the under $2000 (used) tube integrated market? With that being said, this Cayin is a real winner for the price. My only point of reference in my system was the Cary SLI 80 that I owned previously. The Cayin doesn't give up anything to the Cary.
Thanks for the suggestions.
Cheers,Bob
I have noticed a change in the sound after running the system continuously for the last three days. The cables must have settled in. The sound is absolutely stunning. My Father and I just marveled at the expansive soundstage and detail that the cable changes made. Earlier I mentioned that there was a crispness to the sound but that is not the case anymore. The music just flows. I am looking for a pair of 10' Cardas Golden Reference speaker cables to have on hand when the speakers are returned after they get the 'e' upgrade.