Not sure what thin means. Is this related to frequency balance, or image density? In the latter case, tubes are not "thin", SS... |
I wonder how the TSM might compare to the Magico monitor. Quite a difference in price, but I do find it hard to see how much better you could get than the Merlins, especially the VSMs which are essentially bookshelf/monitors with "integrated" stands. After many years of looking, I still have not found a speaker I prefer to the Merlins. |
Bobby, can you explain what the role of the RC Network is? Is it a filter to keep out very high frequecies? |
Ok, so you mean no bottom heft. It seems like the great speakers always have a mid-band and highs in balance with their bass output, however deep that bass might be. One thing Bobby gets right as that balance,which is why both the TSMs and VSMs, with considerably different bass outputs sound so natural, and never thinned out, which seems to be a problem of balance and not actual bass depth, and why I agree that a subwoofer, while it might help, is a difficult thing to pull-off well, when it is not part of the overall design of the speaker - but I guess it can be done, just not easy. |
If you look at the reviews, by owners of Merlin speakers, at audioreview.com, I would say it is a pretty large cult:) Bobby is either a great designer, or a great hypnotist - looking for another speaker just never crosses my mind at this point and I have heard an awful lot of speakers in my life. |
Robbob, I took the cult idea as intended. The hardest thing to believe is that (and it is the VSM with which I am most familiar) a small two-way speaker would be able to compete with the mega$$$$, large, multi-driver speakers with a claim to being among the best. The truth this "humble" speaker is state-of-the-art for what it is, and in most real world rooms it should be at least considered, no matter how much you can, or are willing, to spend for speakers. They are not for everyone, but for many they are the core around which they can build a long-term system. The fact that they work especially well with tube amps, and that 30-60 watts is more than enough to drive them is all the better.
I once saw a thread question the evolution of the VSM and questioning the cost increases over the years, it was clear this fella did not actually listen to the VSMs over time. I for one have always appreciated that Bobby continued to find ways to improve what had already been a very good speaker right from the start. |
Bobby, in an 18x11 size room, what placement would you recommend for the TSM, VSM - same for both? |
On short wall, 2 open windows in center, bass traps in rear corners, and acoustic panels to the sides in front of speakers. Currently have them 5 feet from back wall and 6 feet apart center to center, or 2 1/2' tweeter center to side walls - toed in to listening position with alignment tool. |
So, I measured. The tweeter is 5"6" from the rear wall. The tweeters are 6' apart and 2'6" from the side wall. And I my head is 9'6" from the plane of the speakers. And it sounds great. Not exactly "Cardas" but close:). By the way, you were right about the Dueland capacitors for the BAM and RC Network. Thanks for the guidance. |
Will try the small move, might dial them in even more than they are now. How do TSM and VSM placement recommedations differ? I assume you look for a bit more bass reinforcement with the TSMs. |
Hi Bobby. What is it about the design philosophy that makes sense? |
Next to your 12lb power cords that will blow you away.... |
You are suffering from temporary sanity. |
