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Merlin VSM or Revel Performa F52

I am currently in the market for a set of 5 speakers for my new condo apartment. For my budget, the two main contenders are:

* Merlin VSM-MXe fronts + VSM-CCe center + TSM-MXe surrounds
* Revel Performa F52 fronts + C52 center + M22 surrounds

From the old system I am keeping:
* 2 Martin Logan Depth subwoofers
* Anthem Statement D1 pre/pro
* Anthem Statement A5 amp
* Denon 3910 DVD player
* home made GW12 copper speaker cables, single wire

Which set do you think is best, Merlin or Revel?
Are there any other contenders worth looking at?
Thank you
cristi
tomryan
796 posts
 
My expereince with Merlins (just the TSM MXs) and 4 different amps - they need tubes with beauty and musicality, i.e. Air Tight, Joule Electra, and probably EAR 890 (my current amp). I've heard Revels once, some years ago, and also thought them cool and clinical. But, isn't Revel now advertising the new line as more musical and warm sounding, or am I thinking of someone else?
bobbyapalkovic
729 posts
 
to all,
the e versions of merlin speakers are much fuller and more complete sounding than ever before. many of their owners love their sound on ss amps too. that is why i do not worry about this mans anthem gear and i have heard the anthem and think it sounds wonderful. i recommend it all the time and with his fine stranded copper wires and my jumpers there is no proplem here. the man will also use subs for video and that will fill in the bass to his taste.
regards to all,
bobby
diamonddude184142
36 posts
 
another vote here for Merlins , i have the VSM mm and the big EXL-4 . I love them both. what you put into them is what you get out!
capt369
152 posts
 
I`ve owned the e version of the tsm mm`s for several months and am still in awe of the "realness" of the music, whether it`s jazz, vocals, full orchestra etc.

For me it`s a genuine "you are there" experience. I love `em.

One thing that may be of interest, is that I`m getting this wonderful music through relatively inexpensive components. aa prima int. amp...aa prima cdp...reality cables ic`s and speaker cables.

Have fun.
bhoage
112 posts
 
Yet another vote for the Merlins. They do all the detailed audiophile stuff but their best trait in my opinion is to weave it all into a believable whole. People keep saying, the music just sounds right, real, etc... and I didn't really appreciate what the heck that meant until I bought a pair. Highly recommended and I can only imagine how a 5ch system of them would sound. I'm sure you'd be pleased with the merlins but best of luck whatever your decision.

Bryan
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