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Tyler Signature System versus Merlin VSM-MM

For those who have compared these systems, I would be interested in comments.

Use is two channel, but surround speakers may be added using these as fronts for HT.

Room is 19x33. Listening positon is about 11-13 feet from 19ft wide wall. Total room volume is about 5000 cubic feet.

The room can eat low frequencies (basement with carpet, insulated walls and acoustic ceiling). If I do the HT, I definitely will be looking at a 15" or larger sub.

I have a pair to Tyler Taylo Reference Monitors in a small A/V setup and I like the sound for that purpose. They would be far short of the weight needed in the bigger room and lack the lower bottom end.

Amp is a Plinius 8200p (175 watts) and preamp is 20-year-old PS Audio which will be replaced. Arcam CD.

In the used market, the Merlins are slightly more expensive (roughly 4k vs 3K+). I tend to keep equipment a long time, so the price difference is not important.

I would be interested in comparisons. I'm in the Denver area and can't demo either system. My guess is that I would have to integrate a sub with Merlins based on what I have read.

The system will be on at all times since the the TV sound is run though it.

Thanks in advance.

Jerry
jerrym303

Showing 4 responses by jerrym303

jerrym303 OP
54 posts
 
Yes, the Tyler signatures each have two 7's and two 8's. They are magnesium Seas drivers. The Merlins have single 6.5" carbon fiber Scanspeak drivrs.

I'm not bass-hound, but want the full spectrum if possible. Rich and realsitic voices are most inportant.
jerrym303 OP
54 posts
 
Dave,

Thanks for your extensive observations. I was hoping that someone had heard both.

The easy thing is to go with what is familiar, the Tylers, but I want to make the right choice. I tend to keep key equipment for ten years or more.

If I were not already planning on a sub or two, the Tylers would be the choice since Merlins + sub(s) would cost quite bit more. But, I already planned on a sub for HT purposes, so is not such a big cost difference.

Bobby, I was thinking about a tube preamp to replace the PS Audio if I can get comfortable with the tube replacement cost since the sytem would be on all of the time. Is the Plinius a bad choice with a tube preamp and the Merlins?

Thanks,

Jerry
jerrym303 OP
54 posts
 
Didn't meant to cause a stir.

Most the comparisons I have seen favor the Tylers over Sonatas and VS speakers until you get to the Vr4 sr. In a few years, that might be a good option once some used units start to circlulate. At the same price, I would certainly look. The only drawback is that I would like to put my mains a little closer to the wall and the rear-firing tweet requires some clearance. The front-ported Tylers are supposed to be pretty flexilbe on placement.

Paul, I think that Ty substitutes drivers on request. I know he does on tweets frequently.

Jerry
jerrym303 OP
54 posts
 
Thanks for the comments. I'm going to take some time to decide. Maybe I'll work a deal with Bobby to try some Merlins.

I'm adding Green Mountain to list since I can demo those and many who like these speakers also like the GMA's.

I'm also going to swap the Taylos for the Vandersteens in my main system for a while.

I do plan on at least one sub no matter what I get.
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