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

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klonopin
All you guys sound like you have found the Holy Grail - any commentary regarding the MMI's ability to play at lower, late night volume levels?
I listen late at night on weekends, with some TSMXe speakers. Sounds good to me.
r9, this comment is more about the tsm mmm than the earlier mmi. imho, the cardas clear geometry cable makes the speaker sound more coherent, more continuous from top to bottom and resolved making it superior for low level listening. the bigger sound that klonopin heard is due to its more continous and more open sounding nature.
jmtc.
bobby at merlin