I just read this terrible news about the death of Bobby Palkovich of Merlin Music Systems. He was a great guy and this is very, very sad. Rest in peace, Bobby.
I am emphathetic to the concerns of Redfan, Ssandl1 and Bluebull. This is a very sensitive area in light of what has happened but in NO way do I think that these gentlemen are unreasonable in their concerns. The timing of their comments, well, we each can draw our own conclusions. As to Bluebull's last comment about Bobby being honest about what was going on, having personally dealt with similar circumstances totally unrelated to Merlin Music and Bobby I would only say that he just couldn't accept the fact that he couldn't deliver what he promised, too much out not enough in. In addition something to consider, Bobby would NEVER compromise his product or dilute it to satisfy a customer's concern regarding delivery, it just took a little longer. It seems he may have run out of time on delivering and there wasn't enough money coming in to offset what was going out. It is unimaginable how this must have preyed on his psyche along with other unknown personal problems.
The one overriding thing that is acknowledged by all is that this man gave his all up to the time he felt he had nothing left. Bluebull, he was honest in that respect. His model of business, the time spent with his customers, the extra mile well beyond what was expected became unsustainable most likely. The acknowledgement of all the positive comments above are a testament to the integrity and decency of the man. The truly sad thing is that he felt he could no longer deal with these and other personal issues and there was no other way out.
In 2011 we(A friend ,on my recommendation, and myself) waited more than 18 months for our VSM MXrs to be delivered.We were always met with excuses on enquiry.At the end we had to threaten to get the goods delivered.By that time the newest of the new model had already appeared. This year,again,because of the quality of the product,I again supported Bobby and ordered TSM Black Magics with Master RC networks.I was met with wide eyes when I told my hi fi friends I am going to order Merlins again.I was one of Bobby's biggest supporters since 2004.I imported the very first VSMs into the country in 2004.Many numerous posts on forums prove this.The quality of the product is beyond any criticism.I have the right to be upset.All I needed was honesty ...my friend Chris,I cannot deliver.That's all I needed.
Swampwalker, there is no reason to draw attention to the posts and call me out. I had the nicest of things to say about Bobby. And I still have nothing but positive feelings for Bobby and Merlin Music Systems. I have been a Merlin owner since I was 19 years old, and I have never owned any other "audiophile" speaker. I am loyal to my VSMs and I don't want to own any different speaker. I was only making a quick statement in hopes of someone connected to Merlin to reach out to me and let me know that my situation is acknowledged and will be taken care of in due time. I already had been left in the dark for the last 2.5 months and I was already worried about Bobby and his health during that time. I am heartbroken and saddened by his passing. He will be very much missed throughout the audio community. I never spoken to anyone with more passion or concern for the satisfaction of owners of his speakers.
Swampwalker, your certainly entitled to your opinion but I think the post here including redsfan and my own we're in no way disrespectful or out of line. As a matter of fact, considering the amount of money some of his customers might be losing I think people have shown amazing restraint and respect for the situation in their comments.
Your last comment is stupid, out of line and does nothing but show ignorance on your part. If you had a few thousand dollars involved you might feel a little different. I am fully prepared and have accepted the fact that I have lost my payment. I will never say a bad word about Bobby as a person or his speakers. I intend to keep these speakers for life and be proud to say I own one of his creations.
Redsfan and Ssandl- "A bit disconcerting" is way more classy anf generous than your posts. Maybe you should hire a process server to drop papers on Bobby's wife at the funeral?
I find it a bit disconcerting to find criticism of Bobby Palkovic on a thread that should, according to how I see things, be dedicated to his memory. I understand the problems some folks are now facing. Serious problems. But I feel this is not the time and the place. This could be talked about on a dedicated thread and by contacting the family after allowing them appropriate time to grieve. IMHO.
I am in South Africa...legal recourse will be very complicated and expensive for me.I really cant afford to lose the money paid or spend more money in chasing that may already and most likely be lost for me....If in the States, I would have done everything possible to get either the speakers,which I doubt was even started with, or get my money back.Mr Palkovich was Merlin.Merlin does not exist anymore in a production capacity,but perhaps still as a legal entity.
I had a paid up order for a set of Master RC's that Bobby said he would ship 2 weeks ago and it didn't happen.
I just placed a claim with PayPal but that could be a lost cause as well. While my possible loss of $385 is a lot to me that's small potatoes compared to some of the other posts of pending and unfulfilled orders.
It's really a sad situation all the way around. I have sent emails and left voice messages but so far have seen or heard nothing back.
I don't know the setup of Bobby's company but have to assume it was only him and a couple of other employees.
My wife works in a wills and estate law office and she told me I can place a claim against the estate but this will take years to work itself out....the whole thing is very sad.
I can only hope that somehow Bobbys remaining staff can pick up the pieces and complete the remaining orders before things have to shut down for good.
Beside my speakers I bought a lot of Cardas cables from Bobby. While never the fastest on shipping stuff out (my speakers took 4 months) Bobby always answered emails or phone calls and was very honest on what was going on.
I can only hope that all of us who love Bobbys speakers can get some closure so our ongoing memories of him are nothing but positive.
Do the fully paid up buyers have any legal recourse (directed at any lawyers in this forum), other than wait for maybe years for the estate executor to complete his job? (See Bluebulls post)
This news was certainly a bit of a shock. I can't say I knew Bobby well but I chatted with him several times in the Merlin/Joule Electra room at the CES over the years. My impression was for his dedication - to his speakers, to his customers, and to music.
In 2011 we waited 18 months for our VSM-MXr/SuperBAM speakers to arrive ..a friend and I ordered at the same time.He decided he wanted Merlins after hearing my VSM-MM SurperBAM.I sold my VSM-MMs this year to a very happy new owner and decided a few weeks ago to order.Let me ad this was the first Merlins in my country.Every other Merlin was bought after friends listened to my system. In spite of being very unhappy about waiting 18 months in 2011,I LOVE their sound.I decided a few weeks ago to order TSM Studio Black Black Magics for my second system.Bobby promised it would take only 4 weeks this time ....I am still waiting and will now most likely never get them.It was fully paid and I really cant afford to lose the money too.I am very concerned.
I had the please of working with Bob and Hoop for a few years. These are and were among the finest people I have had the pleasure to know. I recently (very recently) rekindled my love of fine sound. Bobby took the time, with great patience, to help me fall back in love with Merlin and fondly remember the years I spent with them as 'the kid'. Rest in peace, my friend, and know that you made a significant impact on me and I recall my time with you fondly and regret we will not share more.
Thank you my friend, for the mentorship and knowledge you bestowed upon me.
I imported the first Merlins to South Africa in 2004.VSM-MM Then again in 2011.VSM-MXr/MasterBAM which I still love and own I also ordered TSM Black Magics now ...dont know what will happen now ..... Very sad news indeed.Bobby made speakers that is absolutely my favourite brand of speakers. Condolences to family and friends.
One reason people loved Bobby P. had to do with the way he treated customers.
Shortly after taking delivery of my TSM-mmi's, I'd written to Bobby asking him about break-in procedure. This is what he wrote back (I still have all of our emails because I'm bad about cleaning out my inbox):
"steve, play them with your best sounding music and at normal listening levels. and you are in my family now, i will take care of you with pleasure, indefinitely. ok? b"
I'll also say that even though I eventually moved on from the TSM's, they were as lovingly made (and packed!) as any product I've ever purchased. Bobby listened to and signed off on every pair that left the factory - they were "his babies." And for a completely handmade product, they were absolutely flawless.
Living pretty close to the Merlin factory it was enjoyable to drop by and speak to Bobby and Bill...Absolutely love the beautiful VSM's they made for me and will treasure them...Sorry for the loss we all share
this is still too terrible, too tragic to believe. all our conversations over the years, all the emails, all the innumerable hours spent in front of my own merlins ... thank you bobby, thank you. deepest condolences to his family, and to all the extended merlin family. RIP Bobby Palkovich
this is still too terrible, too tragic to believe. all our conversations over the years, all the emails, all the innumerable hours spent in front of my own merlins ... thank you bobby, thank you. deepest condolences to his family, and to all the extended merlin family. RIP Bobby Palkovich
Bobby was an amazing guy when he was feeling well. He had been a huge help in perfecting my system throughout the last year. It's too bad his health had to effect his business and his mind the way it did. He will be missed, and all his helpful information to enjoying his speakers will be forever saved away. Unfortunately now I am completely stuck for that Bobby had a huge amount of my money wrapped up in him helping me acquire Cardas cable for my entire system. I have paid him close to $6K starting in February, and I have absolutely nothing to show for it. I know he meant well, and obviously he wasn't in the right mind and health to follow through with this. If anyone has any contact to Bill at Merlin or ect., please PM me. I've been upset with this entire situation for the last 3 months. And I don't know what to do now. Not trying to be insensitive cause I love Bobby. What an awesome guy!!! But just want to be taken care of as he promised he would have as of last week.
His speakers provided me with thousands of hours of listening pleasure. His work will live on. Deepest condolences to family and loved ones. RIP, Bobby.
So surreal, I am away on a business trip and my wife calls to tell me that a box arrived today from Merlin Music. This was the master RC's and replacement woofer I had been waiting on. Bobby sent them right before he passed away, wow.
I was fully accepting that this was something that I was not getting and had to move on to something new
I am so grateful to get this package and have my speakers up and running again. To think with all the pain he was in that he took the time to prepare and fill my order is truly amazing.
I will forever think of Bobby knowing I have one of the few last pairs of speakers that he ever produced.
Sad for his passing. He was among the best of the cottage industry builders who spanned the full arc of the high-end segment since the '80s. Unfortunately that business model is becoming harder to sustain. RIP Bobby.
I had been dealing with him on and off since I bought my VSMs almost 20 years ago. He always had that enthusiasm and zeal for his product that defined him for so many people here. Sad that he's gone.
That someone so fine could be in such emotional pain is devastating. I was a customer of his for a couple of years and loved talking to him on the phone. Once you bought his products you were family to him. Such a loss!
My condolences go out to his wife Karen, family, business partners, and friends. I knew Bobby well and upon hearing about his passing my heart dropped. He was a great asset to the high end audio community and will always be remembered.
OMG, I feel horrible. I've had a pair of TSM's on order since May. Bobby and I had been going back and forth via email regarding the delays and I have to admit that my gut was telling me that something was going on over at Merlin. His last email to me was 2 days before his death, saying he was at home with extremely high blood pressure and to please give him a few more days and he'd get back to me. RIP, Bobby. I'm truly sorry for whatever stress I added to your life.
Very sad news for me also. I own a pair of Bobby's VSM-MXe's and had always hoped to meet him face to face and tell him how much I enjoy them. I know I'll think of him every time I listen to my system. I'm sure he's up there with Pubul57 who was also a big supporter of Bobby's work.
I did not know Bobby, my only interaction with him was at audio shows but he is a highly respected member of the audio community and I feel great sorrow for his family.
I am shocked to hear the news of Bobby's passing. I owned his Merlins for quite a while and we became internet friends over the years. My sincere condolences to his family.
Oh my. How very very sad. Loved to talk to him at shows, loved his passion, loved the music he turned me on to. What a loss! My heart goes out to his family.
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