Speakers Like Merlin VSM?

"I'm not real sure I could amass a system like that again but I was wondering..... Who's the new Merlin?"

Not exactly sure from your post what you mean but if you are asking if there is another speaker like the Merlin or one that might be a good alternative in a similar package offering the same virtues, in the same price range well, I am not familiar with this "New Merlin". This is a special product in its price range in that it offers certain performance parameters that cut the edge of what can be had at any price, IMO. Others will disagree but if they didn't, those of us in the market for 10K speakers would all be buying Merlins, right? ;^)

I have used a zh270 with the Merlins for over 4 years.

"Good amp to use if you are debugging a speaker problem."

Yes, Bombaywalla, the Berning is on the neutral side of things and I don't mean to go off on a tangent but one of the absolute most musical systems, that is systems that I can count on one hand as being the closest to the event I have heard had a prototype Berning using the same design topology as the zh270 in the mix, in other words, there was no mistaking the design. Unfortunately my system doesn't measure up to that standard for a number of reasons, least of all the Berning/VSM combo. I respect your choices but I would suggest folks viewing this thread might heed what Bobby is saying. In a system with these two components in the mix it is imperative that it be matched with the proper balance of components. This is not to say at the end of the day there may be other preferences.

My comments are pertaining specifically to the Berning. I have heard this amp with numerous speakers with fine results in ALL cases. I don't know exactly what you heard Bombaywalla but my guess is that something might have been out of kilter somewhere along the chain. I hate p....g contests and don't want this to turn into one, it isn't my point or intent. What is is that I have broad experience with both products and know what is possible.

"I've heard this exact combination (VSM-MM with the ZH-270) & I cannot say anything good about it!!
All I can say is that it had good sound but zero music."

Bombaywalla this comment is what elicited Bobby's response and mine as well. Read it once read it twice. You wrote the same thing before in another thread with similar responses from myself and others. The thing about "good sound" vs "zero music" is the thing that jumps right off the page. Your comments are not measured, they do not provide any further information or insight as to what may have been the problem with what you were hearing. What type of music, the room, the set-up etc.

"Zero music" read it Bombaywalla, what do you mean when you write this? It sounds like some audiophile way of offering the ultimate insult to get across your message that you didn't like the combo in no uncertain terms without any other considerations as to why. This aside from the fact that it still may not be your particular cup of tea. It is absolute in its context, there is no redemption possible, it is contrary to the experience of many others.

As far as immaturity goes, I think that maybe YOU might look at your own comments overall. It seems you relish being absolute in your assessments without offering a bit of insight which seems arrogant to me. My rebuttal to your comments are not to change your mind but to make others that are reading yours to realize that there are other perspectives with deeper experience with these products. One that knows that a system with either of these calipre components requires careful balancing to bring it all together. This was Bobby's point clearly. A highly resolving component matched with the wrong component can make things much worse in a given system than would be noticed in a more forgiving system. Fiddler's post points this out clearly. Things ARE NOT always as black and white as you have painted it.

So far as the GMA's go, I heard a pair years ago mated with VAC electronics and it was a very engaging system.

Aktchi

I have enjoyed reading your posts in this thread. You have made some valid points concerning manufacturer's and their roles in participating in a thread. Having said that, I don't know too many that put their heart and soul into their products the way Bobby does.

To compare David Berning's demeanor based on Bobby's description as an example of how Bobby might behave himself is kind of like asking a parrot to act like a dove, they're two different animals. Bobby will give you the time of day any time any day. That is, if you call him he is always accessible regardless of whether you own his product or not. Yes, he does engage in threads more than many manufacturers but in most cases to set the record straight or clarify issues.

In this case it seems he was quite offended by the comments of Bombaywalla clearly for the reasons he gave. Think about it, someone invites you over for a listen and you then publicly insult the system in a very obtuse manner. It reminds me of all the "Bose sucks" threads, very smug with nary anything of value. Yes, I'm sure most of the readers of the thread can read between the lines and come to their own conclusions but this is clearly not always true. Many audiophiles, audiophiles in particular, are influenced by what others think especially when it is written down for all to see. I see nothing wrong with a manufacturer interjecting when he sees a foul. You can see from many of the posters in this thread that there is a loyalty here. It isn't just about the product it is about the man. I doubt you know Bobby but I do believe you would have a different conclusion if you called him and discovered what you are missing here. He is a man of strong passion in what he is doing, one who clearly has an interest in the satisfaction of the end user of his products. But he is also realistic in knowing that not everyone will like it and end up with something different, thats ok too he'll help you towards that end.

"Who is going to decide what is black, white, has substance or lacks it, if not everyone for themselves? OTOH you seem to know just what is what and whoever sees it differently is a baffoon? (To those who have rushed to talk about your graciousness, I can only suggest that a little explanation is called for.)"

Very unfortunate Aktchi, you are continuing the argument without acknowledging the offensive comment. It seems your true intent has been confirmed. I thought you were initially trying to be fair minded but it really seems you are just intent on further provocation for whatever reasons you may have. I suggested you give Bobby a call and you MIGHT come to a different conclusion but no, it seems you want to keep the barrage going calling into question AGAIN, his motivations and graciousness. I'm really disappointed in you!

Thanks Sburton for adding the insight. It offers much value for those that would be interested after all.