Monitor Shootout

You should consider adding Merlin TSM-MX's to this list. I own a pair and love them. But first,...

Revel M22 is a very good speaker. The only reason I can't call it great is because I've never heard it image well. I've listened to it extensively (2 hrs.) in one showroom on multiple occasions, and briefly (5 songs) at another dealer. It has excellent frequency response, bass extension for its size, is smooth and not shrill, and try as one might, it's difficult to find a weakness. No suckouts, gaps or exaggerations. But the puzzling thing to my ear is it just doesn't seem to throw up a soundstage.

The Paradigm S2 is also a very good speaker. I did a head to head comparison with it, the S4 and the M22. I was initially bowled over by the S4 and S2's, but after extended listening, it became plain as day to me that the M22 had the better midrange. It was more articulate and detailed. Male vocals were more distinct. The Paradigms image better than the M22, and have more bass extension, but I preferred the uniformity of the M22, and its versatility for all kinds of music.

Haven't heard the Dynaudio, or the B&W 805 Signature, but I have heard the new 805S which is supposed to be close to the Signatures. In my opinion, both the Paradigm and the Revel are better choices.

The Merlin TSM-MX's... they are smooth, uniform, have no frequency suckouts, gaps or anything like that, AND they image like crazy. They sound three dimensional like 2 channel stereo is supposed to do. I don't have enough technical background to elaborate in objective terms, but I'm telling you, they make me want to listen to music more and more. I never felt that way with my previous set of speakers (B&W CDM1NT's). They teach you quickly what you're best recordings are and which are lousy, then they make you want to listen again and again to all your good stuff, and then buy more good stuff and listen to it. They aren't perfect and they aren't for everybody, but in my opinion anybody looking at the other monitors you mentioned should consider the TSM's. You should email their manufacturer, Bobby Palkovic, and let him help you see if they'd be a good fit.

S7Horton,

I bought mine without having heard them first, something I thought I'd never do. "Bluebull" on this website convinced me to research the TSM's, and so I read nearly everything online I could find about them. At audioreview.com, you can follow the personal owner reviews as the speaker has evolved into its present TSM-MX and TSM-MM versions. I regarded reviews for those two as nearly equivalent for my purposes. The evidence convinced me to give them a try.

When I first got them, they were not what I expected. What set me to speaker shopping was lack of bass extension and dynamics in my CDM1NT's. I suppose I was looking for thumpety-thump. If that's what you want, go Paradigm. I quickly learned that's not what the Merlin TSM-MX is, although as they broke in, their bass got more extended. Instead, they reproduce accurately 97% of the music (everything but the lowest bass) of 99% of my eclectic collection. We listen to a lot of female vocals around here, but I like everything from Led Zeppelin to Johnny Cash, classical and church hymns. These speakers shine on everything, and just let me relax and enjoy my music. On the other hand, they tell you quickly what your bad recordings are. After some post-purchase comparison, I've learned I can trust them as a reference. Now, I have a thirst to buy more good music and to listen again and again to what I already have.

You need to talk with Bobby Palkovic at the merlinmusic.com website. He can tell you where you may be able to audition his speakers in your area, and where there may be a dealer.