Anyone using Duelund VSF capacitor in Merlin VSM

hey all, i thought i would jump back in and give my impressions on the newest merlin iteration, the VSM-MXr. by way of introduction, this all started for me about 5 years ago. i originally owned the VSM-MX for about 3 years. i sent them back to bobby for the "lead-free" upgrade, and upgraded the BAM batteries. with this upgrade, i found the sound to be even more continuous, more dynamic, and more energetic. i have a largish room with vaulted ceilings, and i found the upgraded VSM-MXe's to be more room filling. a little while after that, i got the itch and decided to sell my upgraded lead free VSM-MXe's to a friend locally, who was willing to wait for me to get the new pair of fully lead free VSM-MXe's, with a lead free BAM.

after a wait, bobby surprised me with a pair of VSM-MXr's. full disclosure--simultaneously i also upgraded my digital front end from an audio aero prima to the AA capitole classic SE; AND, i bought a two level critical mass direct coupling rack for my filarmonia and the cap classic. my reference analog front end is unchanged--VPI TNT 6 hotrod.

i've got about 500 hours on the VSM-MXr's, and about 300 hours on the critical mass system. just like all the prior merlin upgrades, this one too gives you MORE of what's so special about the merlins to begin with. the speakers are now more continuous form top to bottom, more articulate and more authoritative in the low end, and the top end is even more precise and natural. the stage is more expansive. they're still tonally neutral, they still disappear completely from the room. but the sense of realism is heightened, so the sound is even more "life-like," less like a recording. in that way, the speakers are even more emotive.

i'm waiting for my turn on the master BAM and RC parts upgrade, which i'm hoping will make the speakers even more authoritative in the low end, which i want since i'm trying to energize such a large spatial volume.

as is, IMO, the new VSM-MX's do justify their "r" designation. they sound to my ear clearly better than my prior merlins, a different animal.

Nmanuel,

Thanks for the listening impressions. The new MXR sounds like another large step forward in the pursuit of 2 way excellence.

Hi!
I´ve now reached listening period for Mundorf S/O in X-over
of Merlin VSMX, more than 800 hours for mid/bass and tweeter more. Still find them improving, you have to be patient to find peak point of burnt-in. Compared from start they definitely opened up. Sound is more lush with powerful distinct bass and pronounced overtones. Midrange/treble wonderful relaxed with no sign of edginess whatsoever. You can listen very loud for hours and hours without fatigue. I´m sensitive to trumpets and clarinets especially on high level, with Mundorfs no problem. Listening to Herbie Hancock-Quartet, Putte Wickman-Wickman in Wonderland, Wynton Marsalis-Black Codes, Jazz At The Pawnshop is a sheer joy and sensation of live performance. Due to more powerful bass (than Hovlands) I find soundstage improving, it sounds bigger.
The sound is so relaxed but yet powerful and detailed with a darker background.
The brush stroking over the drum in Lady Be Good-Jazz At...
sounds more pronounced and real. I can go on and on of improvements that I hear.
It was definitely worth the cost of $1100.
I also use S/O in BAM, across tweeter terminal with Duelund resistor and also in phono stage. Wether al this contributes or not, I suspect it does.
Spacing these giant capacitors inside cabinet wasn´t easy and should be wisely considered before. Unfortunately i missed taking fotos before assembling X-over back onto cabinet. I used fast drying glue sticks that are melted through a gun look-alike heater for adhere capacitors against X-over board and secured extra with plastic straps around capacitor and through board. Glue is partly to take up vibrations apart from adhering.

Bear in mind!
This is my opinion/impression and should not be taken as granted.
Many thanks and hope this can be useful for those who considered taking the step.