Will Merlins be too much

lindisfarne, what model tsm did you have?
and how many years ago did you have it.
newer models can be used with a much wider variety of associated gear.
yes there is a reason why joule is used at shows and it is not because it is the antithesis of the merlin sound.
a lot has happened with the newer models.
bobby@merlin

Yeah, I have a pair of vsm-mms, and let me tell you, they are ANYTHING but sterile. They play any type of music I throw at them with amazing realism and "rightness."

Jason

I've been using my Merlin TSM-MX's in a 13x19 room with Arcam AV gear. I can assure you they are very musical, not at all sterile even with these modestly priced electronics and cabling. I also have Joules in my other 2-channel room, and yes, the TSM's with those amps are outrageously good (musically rich, but still tonally very neutral).

In a 10x12 room you could probably go on the diagonal if it makes sense from a furnishings standpoint. That would get you back a little further from them and maybe help the bass.

BP- I had your TSM model 10+ years ago. I understand Merlins are more "friendly" these days. I have even contemplated giving them another shot. I just could not get into them on any kind of musical level that matters to me. Layering, soundstage, front-to-back illusions are hifi BS to me. A "test-instrument" is not what I want when exploring the joys of music. I want to hear and feel the intent of the artist. I want to cry if the piece is worthy. I just never felt any more goosebumps when your speaker settled into my system. I've tried lots of stuff over the years and I keep coming back to certain brit and single-driver systems. The brit marks I enjoy are generally musical, fun, and engaging. The single-driver gig, with all of its baggage, at least does the coherence thing better than anything else I've explored. You've got a long list of happy customers and have a lot to be proud of.

hi lindisfarne,
thank you but i am more proud of how far the merlin product has come in its potential to convery exactly what you are looking for. these may still not be your cup of tea but they have become more relaxed, tonally right and complete sounding, at least to my ears. if you ever have a chance to listen to the tsm mm or mx, please let me know.
regards,
bobby at merlin