Merlin vsm with BAM between pre and power

On the subject of BAMs, I recently received the MasterBAM RC Networks.

I've already commented elsewhere on the VSMs in general so I won't rant about how good I think these speakers are. I will say this regarding the Master BAM, just when you think a speaker can't get better, the MBAM indeed brings worthwhile improvements to the already superb MXe. Besides what appears to me to be quieter background and therefore more transparent soundstage and intrument localization, which are worthwhile in their own right (mind you I always use the BAM in AC mode) the MBAM really shows its stuff on acoustic bass, take a song like Autumn Leaves by Patricia Barber with very well recorded bass, the MBAM creates a clearer sense of bass presence and bloom and articulateness. I'm sure there are improvements from top to bottom, but I've focused on the bass because it was so noticeable, and given that this is, after all, a smallish monitor with an integrated stand, the bass is truly first-rate, at least for acoustic instruments and I really don't think the idea of adding a subwoofer at this point would make any sense - the speaker simply sounds natural and balanced and better than ever.

If you own the VSMs, upgrading to the Master BAM is simply a no brainer, you will get improved performance equal to or greater than making changes to sources or electronics. The key to this speaker has always been its approach to producing good bass from a two-way speaker, and the key to that has been the use of the BAM to produce that bass without having to move to a multiple-driver approach with a bigger box and woofer. By making the BAM better than ever at producing bass, it is simply the next step in getting the most from a speaker that might just the most well sorted speaker in the world from years of focus on the basic design and wringing the most that design can give. To say the least I am impressed, and this with my small (summer months) Music Reference RM10s, next up will be the Atma-sphere M60s and Music Reference RM9 Special Edition, both of which are better amps.....

Placement? between source and pre (single source - EMM Labs CDSA SE)

The Master BAM/RC upgrade would be well worth it for your MMe.

Oakleys, I have used many tube amps (CAT JL2,QSV4, Music Reference RM9SE and 10s and Ars Sonum, etc) and several First Watt and Pass XA.5 SS amps with the Merlins, I too have found no better amp than the Atma-sphere M60s, I suppose the Joules would be right up there too with a bit of a different flavor. All personal preference, but OTLs and Merlins are about as good as it gets, but as Bobby says, and I'm sure you know, the Merlins are great speakers with any high quality amp.

I bet the MA1 are a step up, but I'm not sure I could stay in the same room with it in the summer:)

More on the Master BAM. Maybe I have 20 hours on it. Don't know if it is getting better, proabably is, but truth is I was looking for it to do that - was great "out of the box". Today, 3-4 Lucinda Williams albums. Not sure how the Master BAM does it, but all the signal is going through it from the source (EMM Labs)and the best way I can describe it, and when you hear it you knwo what I am talking about, is that it simply seems like there is less between the recording and what I am hearing. Less noise, less compression, less coloration, less flattening out of dynamics, in a word, less of the obvious sonic signature of electronics (a sure case of less is more), why I say the upgrade is every bit as noticeable as an upgrade to a preamp or amp. Does this make the Super BAM obsolete? Heck no; it was and is still part of a great sounding Merlin-based system. Yet, if you were heare the SuperBAM and then the MasterBAM and asked which you wanted to keep, I think your choice would be easy. Now the fact that the Deuland upgrade is not cheap, might cause you pause, it is alot of money, but, if you have it, and want more from your Merlins, it is well worth the money IMHO.