The Merlins are as transparent a speaker as I have ever heard and seem to completely disappear the music seems to come magically from the air rather than the speaker boxes. I instantly heard things in the recording I had never heard before. While I may be exaggerating somewhat, there is NO comparison between the two. The image, soundstage, and sense of air made the PSB Gold i’s sound almost like a boombox. My immediate observation was the unbelieveable imaging produced by the VSM-MMs. Within the first 15 seconds, my jaw LITERALLY dropped. I put in the CD “Randy Travis Live at Last.” While not an audiophile recording, it is a good one, and I thoroughly enjoy Randy’s voice. After unpacking them, I installed each with the 3 spike configuration, single RC network, and set the bam to full AC power, as I had not had a chance to charge its battery. The speakers/b-bam arrived in two boxes, very well packaged. Speaker Cables: Cardas SE-9 single ended. Interconnects: all Cardas golden reference interconnects Bobby was so incredibly courteous I decided to purchase a pair of speakers with battery bam from him.Ĭurrent audio system (Home theater components not listed):ĬD transport/SACD: Sony SCD-777es (modified by Richard Kern) Bobby spent almost and hour on the phone with me explaining the design philosophy of his speakers, component matching, and answered all of my many questions. Most any other salesman, much less the owner of a speaker company, would not have given me more than a few moments of his time. Bobby enthusiastically greeted me, and I clearly explained to him that I was going to buy a used pair of his speakers (and consequently not a pair from him) as well as the fact I was a 23 year old. I called Bobby Palkovic at Merlin Music to be sure the Merlins would be reasonably synergistic with my current system. After each session, I happily went home to my comparatively modest audio system.Īfter much research, I decided to purchase a used pair of Merlin VSM-M’s off of audiogon. I found these bright and was generally unimpressed, as I felt my Gold’s compared highly favorably, especially considering the 801s were well over SIX times the price I paid for the PSBs. I have listened to every B&W Nautilus model except the 800s and have spent several hours with the 801s. Luckily, when I moved to town to begin medical school I moved very close to a B&W dealer. I listened to the Paradigm reference series and most of the NHT models, but was not at all impressed enough to replace my PSBs with any of these models. The highs can be somewhat harsh, the bass a bit loose, and the imagining lacking the last bit of refinement.ĭeciding to upgrade I began looking for a speaker that could offer that last degree of refinement and musicality. However, over the course of 2 years, I began noticing some sonic flaws in them. I view the Gold i’s as fantastic speakers and an incredible value to boot. I’m a 23 year old medical student whose audio system evolved from an aiwa mini stereo system to a pair of PSB Stratus Gold i’s in the course of about 7 years. Before I get started, I think it is worth giving a little background info on myself, as I feel it demonstrates Bobby Palkovic’s dedication and willingness to help potential buyers, or just those curious about his speakers. As with all reviews, this is just one reviewer’s opinion your milage may vary. I've had my Merlin VSM-MMs with B-Bam well over a month, and I thought I should share my thoughts on them.
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