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 5 responses by springbok10

Spencer, the inter-speaker distance, too, is unfortunately fixed by a credenza. 6 foot plus, between them, holding the electronics and tt. So, which alternative speaker do you suggest:)?
Some good points, Monk. I certainly discussed the location of the Merlins prior to buying them. Nuff said. The credenza is 30 inches high - speaker stands 28 inches high.
I have moved the speakers in front of the Credenza and closer together - moved other furniture to accomplish this. I take your point about the Ferrari - firstly, the speakers are on 8 hours a day - 4 of those hours with just me and at high volume, so the analogy (sad-funny as it is), with a 2 mile drive downtown is wrong. Maybe a 75 mile drive downtown.....secondly, I'm sure Bobby Palkovic will burst with pride to hear he made a Ferrari...........too bad I bought the wrong car, huh?
Didn't work - couldn't keep them moved- got in everyone's way- so back to against the wall, 7 foot. Unacceptable.
So anybody want a mint pair of dark blue TSM-MXes?
Hey, Monk, seriously, since I cant get an answer on this forum (I've posed the question elsewhere, too)please give me your suggestions for specific models that can go almost flush against the wall, separated by 7 feet? Appreciate it!
>>Honestly, I cant recommend anything right against the wall<< (SBank)

How about 12-18", then?:) Some have recommended Linn/Naim, but cant find anything suitable used or within budget or requirements. Bobby has recommended wall treatments or change in SCs - wall treatments are not feasible - this is a professional (supposedly) consulting room, already looking like a high-end stereo show-room, with a huge TT and int amp exposed, so not aesthetically/professionaly feasible. But the music is important enough to me to not give up and use the PC, as suggested by others. Anybody tried GMA Callisto's closer to the wall than the recommended 24-52"?