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Merlin vsm question

considering speaker upgrade,
currently running von R.vr3, like full sounding speakers,
for medium volume levels,85db
heard good things about Merlin, looking for a more refined sound than the VR3, but don't know witch of the merlins, will suit my needs I'm confused about the vsm,MM,and mxe, super Bam. that's the difference among them,my budget is about $4500 used, and is it really a step up from VR3 to merlin?
running joulet electra 150mk11 preamp and quick silver v4 mono amps,KCI i/c cables, cardas GR spkr cables.
also considering Proac response 3.8

thanks

regards: '
juancgenao
bondmanp
1,792 posts
 
Other than a few impressive auditions at hifi shows, I don't have any long term experience with Merlins, and I have no experience with the VR3. However, you can have all your various version questions answered at the Merlin site, which includes a history of the evolution of the VSM since it was introduced. If you're shopping used, that page is worth book-marking for handy referrence.
martykl
3,578 posts
 
Don't know the VRs at all, but have owned VSMs for app 10yrs. Originally they were late manufacture SE, subsequently upgraded to "near current" status (incl. super BAM) app. 2 years ago. The biggest change is a (slight, but definitely noticeable) increase in energy below 100 or 150 hz. Overall balance is a bit warmer and fuller. IMHO, the new version will sound better than the SE to most folks - in all but the smallest rooms. I don't have enough experience with the intermediate iterations of the VSM to offer any opinion on those.

Good Luck

Marty
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,664 posts
 
Juancgenao, the Merlins are easy to drive and will work fine with your Quicksilvers. They are very revealing and neutral and do not have an excessive footprint. We have a lot of very happy customers using them with our 60-watt amps- I would think you have no worries!
kjo
45 posts
 
You can find mx's in your price range used and they sound excellent. They are efficient and an easy load. I use a berning 70 watts/channel in the Summer and joule vzn 100 (100 watts/channel) in the Winter and they have no problem driving the mx's.
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