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.
So LEXMARK…you think MERLIN are over priced? WELL last month, November 22nd 2022 in NYC I DID an audition, a pair of speakers, USA made that are a 3 way design and almost identical in dimensions to the MERLIN VSM and retail at 27,500.00 and sounded terrific and using the identical music I came straight home and my VSM blew them away, in every category, that is how good the VSM are. YES I was ready to buy but could not do it because I just simply had a better speaker hands down due to BOBBY’s dedication to detail, and creating a 2 way that is just still to today in another league. Having said that it took work to get where I am with my sound that can rival anything out there at any price. The only speaker that is close to MERLIN going into 2023 is the CHARNEY COMPANIONS but if I only had one audio room which I don’t I have 3 I would stay MERLIN all the way but it was not cheap to get me where I am today.
Damn, have been out of the loop for many years and literally just stumbled on this news on Rich's site. So sad.
I bought a pair of TSM many years ago (15?) and went through every upgrade I could over the following 10 years or so. I think we shipped the speakers back and forth, in the original (and awesome) cartons four times. This involved many a conversation with Bobby, which also led to my purchase of a Filarmonia as well. Every conversation with Bobby was an adventure, he was such a character, but I've never met a vendor with such a love for his product AND his customers. He ALWAYS had time for us, and to this day I am enjoying the TSM/Filarmonia combo as my primary music system.
Bobby was, as they say, sui generis - after they made him, they broke the mold. Passionate, eccentric, a bit of a curmudgeon (the good kind!), but dedicated to his craft and his customers. What a sad loss for us all.
@leemark, I think you and Jafant ought to get together! You have no idea what was going on with Bobby when he took his own life do you? Also, at the same time, I’m not sure someone about to take their own life feels like it’s a “luxury “. Ignorance knows no bounds does it? Idiocy even more so.
His “speakers were grossly overpriced “...Compared to what? Your Bose?
I spoke to Bobby many times. I don't think there is anything inappropriate about being concerned about a lot of money. My 21 year old son lost his life on that same day. Not by his own hand but by freak accident. Bobby made a choice to take his own life. Many people don't get that luxary. These people have every right to be upset about losing their money. The speakers were grossly over priced anyway. I always told him that.
Horrible news. Bobby and I go way back. I have had many of his speakers over the years. He always referred to me as the Krell Cowboy because of my knack for blowing speakers. May he rest in peace.
I have just started a group on Facebook for folks who own or have enjoyed in the past Merlin speakers. The URL is https://www.facebook.com/groups/1712629472383990/ or just search for Merlin Music Systems Speakers Owners/Fans group. Hopefully I set it up right so that people can click or message me their request to join the group. I will be postings pics and various info and it can also be a place for VSM and TSM honors to share their merlin systems or questions.
Yes, I will be offering upgrades... while I am up to speed and can do all Merlin BAM related work (I built/upgraded/repaired BAMs for Merlin from around 2013 on) and things like Master RCs, jumpers - I'm not doing Black Magic upgrades yet.... I had hoped to be, but this past year I have just been up to my eyeballs with other work (service and upgrade work on Joule Electra and Ars Sonum gear - the latter of which I now am the USA dealer/distributor for), consignment sale work (many boomers who are aging are changing up their systems as they move, retires etc - some of the gear like the Joule stuff needs a little fixing/testing/TLC to make sure its 100% before going up for sale too which takes time), and then there is all the minutiae of being a 1 man show running his own full time retail HiFi business!
Anyway, this all my way of saying to the folks looking to do Black Magic upgrades on TSMs and VSMs to PLEASE hang in there... I am getting closer to getting that going. Things like getting a customers amp repaired, or BAM fixed, consignment piece prepped for sale etc however take priority right now. I have spent several thousand on parts, drivers, test equipment, etc during the past 6 months so I can do the upgrade work and make sure it is done to Bobby's standards/specs. I have pretty much everything I need here to service Merlin TSM and VSM speakers. Now if speaker gets dropped and a cabinet gets busted, I can't fix that and there are no spares for something as disastrous as that happening to a speaker (I am not a cabinet maker / wood worker - Just a EE).
BTW, there are no more new Merlins to be had... at then end when Bobby passed there where NO completed (or even partially completed) pairs of speakers at the plant. The state the company has left in (it was Bobby alone too at the end) was very sad to see.
I think Rich posted that he planned to offer Merlin upgrades. This would be a good thing and a fitting legacy, as Bobby had been refreshing the older models in this manner for many years-- perhaps too long for the good of his company.
You should have no problem with purchasing a used pair. I believe the OEM drivers are still available, and BBAM is a simple device. It has just one active component to replace(an AD744 op amp) outside of the power supply. Also, in the used marketplace Merlins are inexpensive and have very little depreciation left to be concerned about.
@ihmeyers Well, floorstanding speakers of any kind are going to be a PITA to fix if you have to ship them off but I understand what you're saying. I'm from your generation and I also agree about Gen X. My daughter is a music therapist, plays the piano, guitar, ukulele, and harp but most of her music listening is done on youtube. Go figure.
I found that old listing that you mentioned and it may very well be true but I would get it straight from Rich first. That said, since I already own a set of VSM-MXe's, I haven't really been in the market. However, I would love to add a set of TSMs and would have no hesitation in buying on the second hand market. Dick
Thanks very much for the response. I felt kind of bad even asking but these things (high-end companies going under not Bobby’s tragic circumstances) are a fact of life. I can list probably a dozen companies that went under while I have owned a piece of their equipment. Some of them I sold before they ever needed repair, some unfortunately not. Latest is an AV123 sub that is kind of a PITA to fix. Company long gone (fraud).
As far as handling distribution, I recently read on the web that there aren’t any more Merlins to be had. Even Rich’s website post is date March 2012. From a classified for Merlin VSM MME on Audiogon
"These are the last of the new Merlin speakers. These speakers were purchased by my customer BRAND NEW SEALED from Signature Sound 6 weeks ago. "
That comment jibes with what I heard. Maybe that’s not true though. I am 54 years old and worry that the generation behind us, Gen X will be the last to embrace high-end home audio. The Millennials and Gen Z have much less interest in room-sized audio than we do. My son is 18 and if he can’t carry it with him he’s not interested in using it to play music. All of his friends are the same. When I was 18 I was already on my 3rd receiver and 4th pair of speakers...
Again, very sad circumstances about Bobby. May he rest in peace.
@ihmeyers Rich Brkich at Signature Sound (http://wp.sigsound.com/product-lines/merlin-music-systems/) is now handling distribution and service for Merlin products. Rich and Bobby go way back and Rich has an outstanding reputation in the industry. I don't think you have anything to worry about. Dick
Does anyone know how/if any of the outstanding orders were resolved? I
have interest in purchasing a pair of Merlins on the secondary market
but I am always spooked about owning a unique design when a manufacturer
goes out of business. Having been down that road with other speakers in
the past, good luck getting things fixed at a reasonable cost (if at
all) if the manufacturer isn't around.
I am shocked to hear this news. I just got my VSMs upgraded by Bobby to the Black Magic edition this year. He was so passionate about his speakers and the improvement of the upgrade, and so generous with his time. I can't remember how many times he talked my ear off about the upgrade and what it would do to the sound, and how his speakers had evolved over the years. I had hoped to meet him in person at RMAF some year, and am very sad that will never happen. I will play my magical Merlins tonight while sipping my very best scotch in his honor.
Just found this out and i'm in shock. I was thinking of selling my VSM MXM so I sent him an email yesterday and the email bounced back. Thinking nothing of it, I logged onto the site and saw the headline.
I can't say that we were 'friends' but we had exchanged hundreds of emails over the course of the past 10+ yrs. I've owned VSM's, TSM, etc... He put me in contact with well respected individuals in the industry to help achieve my audio nirvana with nothing to gain from his side. Just an introduction from Bobby was all it took, he was that respected. He was always a true gentleman and always went above and beyond for me.
It sounds silly but the sound from his creation was pure joy for me and helped get me through some tough times. I always felt an emotional connection and thankfulness to him for that and now can't bare the thought of parting with the speakers. And now I can't even bring myself to turn my system on with the knowledge of how much he must have suffered.
RIP Bobby, you will be fondly remembered by many and countless smiles have crossed faces due to your passion and dedication.
Wow I can't believe what I just found out that B is gone. I've been out of these forums for the longest time and just found out by browsing B's website to my disbelief. RIP - bobby. You made me the best one of a kind TSM MMM BME ever. My late condolences to his family and close friends.
I am very saddened to hear about the loss. I Met him and had good time when he visited us in Florida last year to help setup my system. I remember him as a passionate, bright and lively person. My heart goes out to his family at this difficult time.
An authoritative source posted about the circumstances on AA. If true, this makes Bobby's tragic passing even more tragic. It looks like he was putting on a very brave face while suffering terrible anguish behind the smile. I feel especially bad for his loved ones.
i had lots and lots of email conversations with Bobby, brought VSM & Fila to India... cant believe he died... true gentelman.... RIP.. ( return if possible)
Sonist survived the passing of Randy Bankert, and Sonist had a considerably smaller following than Merlin does. Merlin has earned a lot of name recognition, credibility, and respect over a lot of years, and I would be surprised if no one takes advantage of that and puts Merlin back in the game.
I, too, am shocked and deeply saddened by this. Over the course of the last 15 years, I had no fewer than 25 phone conversations with Bobby nand this lead to:
1. Thew purchase of my first pair of Merlin VSM-Ms 2. Purchase of a David Berning Z-270 amp 3. Purchase of my second pair of VSM-SEs 4. Purchase of an ARS Sonum Filarmonia
I sold all the gear about 5 years ago when I had to move my gear into a smaller room so that the kids have a bigger rec room. I always believed that I would return to a pair of VSMs in their latest iteration once the kids finished school and I could reclaim the basement once again.
Bobby and I also spent much time discussing golf and various courses we have played. I can't believe that we never met in person.
I fell off the audio merry-go-round "cold turkey" about 7 years ago and haven't even looked at any audio sites for almost as long. This morning while surfing the internet, for no particular reason I stopped off at the Merlin Music website just thinking about the great VSM-MX that I bought directly from Bobby 10 years ago (I live a 3 hour drive away and have visited him and Bill 2-3 times). I read the headline on the website and it took my breath away. I am a bit in shock over this. Bobby was such a passionate and larger than life guy. He made me feel that even I was part of the process when he would play some music over his new speaker system in his plant (he had changed something or other) and would proceed to ask me how it sounded and then he would describe what he was hearing... Always trying to make something outstanding that much better. After the purchase of the VSM-MX, he was tremendously helpful in suggesting the equipment that sounded the best with it. Again, with his recommendation, I bought from him the little ARS integrated amp and it sounded and still sounds great as I continue to have both the speakers and the integrated. The VSM was so good I also bought the TSM-MM from him for another system. The idea that I now can't get the latest upgrade for my VSM-MX or purchase a new VSM speaker system, or just the knowledge that if I got back into the foray of high-end audio, that I can't just drive the 3 hours to the lovely little town of Hemlock to see my buddy again makes me very sad. I know that I would be welcomed back with a wide grin and open arms. I am glad that I at least got to meet and interact with such a bright light. You are sorely missed.
I received two emails from somebody at Merlin yesterday about an order I have pending. I was told the company is in "lock down" and until they can work throught the legalities of control of the company no orders are being processed. They did not address my payment in the response and I didn't push the issue figuring nothing can be done until this works its way throught the legal system and the estate gets settled.
Thank you, Peter. I've tried all of the methods and was able to pull out the dent w a vacuum cleaner. U unfortunately, there is a little "crease" at the point where the fabric dome meets the ??surround??. Maybe 1/8" - 3/16" long. I'll get in touch w you off-line.
I can supply you with a set of replacement tweeters, although a dent in one of them should not affect the performance if you can get it "un dented" theres several ways of doing this, its been discussed several times on this site.
Swampwalker, If you are unable to source the Esotar tweeter from Merlin, I believe it is still available from Dynaudio distributors on an exchange basis.
This is very sad news. I'm still enjoying my TSM-M's that I purchased used over 10 years ago. When I first received them, I contact Merlin, and Bobby was quick to respond and offer advice. He was very helpful (despite the fact that I didn't buy directly from him) and really made an impression on me. He will be missed.
However, I am inclusive with several others to the tune of over 10K vested and now apparently lost. I would venture to say those critical of our observations have no skin in the game.
Wrong you are, Celtic66. I've got a pair of VSM MMEs that need a pair of tweeters (my bad, I dented one). However, a sense of decency and sensitivity for his family, friends, and business partner requires that you keep economic concerns to yourself for at least a little while longer.
Always a great resource for me, Bobby's VSM's were the center of our lives and living room for 15 years. He was helpful with upgrades, and suggestions, and his products were a great value and received nothing but compliments at our house. Suicide is a shame and a mystery, but death rarely comes as a surprise. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord. RIP.
I new Booby since 1980 and we been in contact and getting together at least at 30 CES shows, our mutual business relationship become also great friends, I loved bobby I will miss him all my life. My deepest condolences to his family and entire staff of Merlin.
May Bobby RIP and his remaining family find some solace in the future.
I've read through the bulk of these posts and weighed the tenor of them. I enjoy Bobby's incredible product and found the several communiques, personal phone calls and emails with him, pleasant in nature.
However, I am inclusive with several others to the tune of over 10K vested and now apparently lost. I would venture to say those critical of our observations have no skin in the game.
I personally hope his company continues, prospers and is able to distribute product to those owed and that someone pays the highest tribute to him by carrying on his philosophies of sound reproduction which are certainly some of the most impressive I've encountered in my 4 decades of exposure to this most wonderful hobby.
The audiophile community needs far more Bobbies and less of the other ilk. I hope this response strikes the intended balance.
I am remarkably saddened by this. I have a pair of VSMs that I love and had wanted to upgrade. I spoke with Bobby several times and his honesty and conviction clearly came through. He made a product of which he was proud and did not come out with new models just for the marketing. He continually improved his product and made upgrades available at reasonable cost. He was a gentleman. This is a loss for all of us. My thoughts and wishes go out to his family.
I had many correspondences with Bobby via email, and he was always quick to respond to any technical questions I had concerning my TSM MME's. He was so patient with my novice inquiries, and always a gentleman. And all this, despite the fact that he knew I had bought my speakers used, and not from him. I am so saddened by his passing, and by the thought of what he must have gone through leading up to it. R.I.P. Bobby. You were clearly a good man.
So saddened to hear this. I had nothing but fantastic experience with my VSM-MXe's, thanks to the loving care with which he designed and built them, and the ever present ongoing support. We had many conversations on the phone, as well as in person, on how to get the most out of them, equipment changes, tuning, etc. Somehow, he always had time for those conversations and I enjoyed them immensely. Rest in peace and I pray for comfort for his family at this tragic loss.
I understand your concerns. I'm a sole proprietor of a consulting business. I get bankruptcy notices from client's business entities all of the time. I'm an unsecured creditor as will you be if Merlin goes under. I've waited for months for deliveries of product from Bobby and several other small shops. I've gotten burned sometimes. It can also happen with much larger companies. When Tweeter went under, many of their customers who had product or even repairs in the pipeline got burned. It sucks but it happens.
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.
But the place to do that is not in an "In memorium" thread; and the time is not within a few days of Bobby's death. His family and friends are trying to deal the premature death (by suicide no less)of a loved one. Can you imagine how much you would add to their pain if they were to see this? Remember, it's not like this is a private conversation; the internet is forever. We can't even point them to this thread for some comfort as to how much his skill and passion has enriched other's lives.
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