Review: Merlin Music Systems TSM-MMI Monitor


Category: Speakers

Merlin, hmmm what a fitting name for some magical speakers. I first acquired a set of the TSM-MMIs about 4-5 weeks ago having never even heard of them and I'm so glad I did. After receiving them and putting them through their paces with my usual trial discs of Steely Dan, some Sade, Over The Rhine, and a few female jazz vocalists I knew they were winners as anyone who has ever heard them will agree. How much a speaker a will retrieve is important to me and with the layers of Steely Dan and Sade, They passed the test. Some of the strengths I hear in the Merlins are their ability to be so articulate. I can hear and understand lyrics in the music whereas I don't always with other speakers.

After doing a little bit of research I soon found out about the upgrades available that Bobby P. will perform and immediately knew I wanted even more of what these speakers had to offer so off they went to undergo the MMM treatment, more of Bobby's magic so to speak. Within a week I had them back. They did take just a while to settle down but it was worth the wait and the cost. They had a new coherency and tightness about them but what really floored me was that they sounded bigger than they are. Believe me or not when I cranked them up just a bit and closed my eyes I could have very easily believed I was hearing floor standers. And of course they still had that same refinement and smooth sound.

I know that most say they sound better with tubes but with my meager set-up I don't believe there much out there under $3000 that can match them. Like I said, magic.

Associated gear
TEAC PD-H600
Plinius 9100
Supra cabling
Shunyata Venom 3

Similar products
PMC DB1i
klonopin
xiek, we have essentially made the vsm and tsm speakers for nearly 20 years. more recently two versions of each. in that time we have sold many thousands of each model so seeing a few up for sale like the 5 pairs combined that are listed on agon currently is really nothing compared to what is in the field. jmtc.
bobby at merlin
So it sounds like you think the master RC networks are worth the $$.

I've got some Cardas Clear here and I've gottat tell you, it really sings with them.
I've also got the Audience, and the 'reference' anti-cables (just a double run), and I've gotta tell you -- for the $$, the anti-cables are unbelievable. They're NOT the Cardas Clear, but they're also a small fraction of the cost. And if you've never heard the Cardas, the anti's sound great.

Has anybody compared the Clear to Golden Cross?
Bobby - my earlier question is moot, as I have decided to go with Clear Light.

Question now . . . to bi-wire, or not to bi-wire?
no just use single wire and the jumpers, speaker wire should be connected at the bottom connector.