How close can Merlin TSM-MX's go?


I have Merlin TSM-MX's in my office and, despite the fantastic accuracy, neutrality and coherence, they do not project or sound-stage as well as my Allison 3's, in the corners against the wall, as they should be, or my Kharmna 3.2s, placed as they should be. (in 2 different rooms at home) The issue is this: They cannot be placed more than 24" from the rear wall for physical and logistic reasons in my office. The dimensions are 14 X 11 feet, ceiling 9 feet, listening point 8.5 feet, 7 feet apart, 18 and 20" from side walls. None of these distances can be changed due to room and furniture configuration. Except they can be moved backwards, against the rear walls - ideal. They are toed in according to the sighter supplied. Am I wasting these beautiful little speakers, and does this room placement negate their potential to such a degree that I need sell them and find a modern equivalent of the Allison Ones, that can stand against a wall (which would be ideal in my room) ? Is there any such speaker - designed like the Allison One, to be placed square against the wall? Does this sound plausible to you, Bobby and does this placement negate their qualities a lot or a little? (System: Nottingham Spacedeck, Spacearm, Shelter 501 II, Mini-Max Phono pre-amp, Jadis DA88 Sig, Cardas GR single-wired SCs, Merlin-supplied resistors, APL Denon 3900)
springbok10

Showing 2 responses by sbank

Can you try a diagonal setup? This has worked well for many Merlin users in smaller rooms, and helps to overcome the limitations that you have placed on yourself.
You certainly aren't taking advantage of the speakers capabilities right now.
Generally you do want more than 2ft behind, and closer to the wall will sound worse, but it is worth experimenting in 6in increments. multiples of 1/3s and 1/4s of the wall length will produce the most dramatic differences. IOW, depending on the wall length, 18in could indeed sound better than 24in from the wall. It doesn't hurt to experiment.
Also, try less than 7ft apart. Try 5.5ft, then 6ft & 6.5ft. This will affect soundstage more than you might have guessed. Cheers,
Spencer
Honestly, I can't recommend anything right against the wall. NHTs are designed for such setup, but they haven't impressed me sonically.
I would try to brainstorm on totally reconfiguring the furnishings of the room, treat behind the speakers or I'd move the stereo elsewhere and use a good pair of headphones in there. Best of luck,
Spencer