2. speakers
  3. 1145202749

Merlin owners, AC or battery for BAM?

I recently purchased Merlin VSM-MM's with the Super Bam, simply wonderful speakers! However, I am experiencing a rather unexpected result in preferred modes of Super Bam operation. I find myself much preferring the full AC mode to full Battery mode (PC unplugged). In battery mode the sound is simply too dark, warm, resonant and lacking in dynamics, the sound is simply blah! In AC mode the sound is much punchier and involving; greater dynamics, more presence and tighter bass. There is also absolutely no loss in refinement, the noise floor seems to be just as low, no issues with grit or grain.
I am simply stunned by these results having heard so many good things about the battery BAM vs. the AC BAM. I can only surmise that all the work I've done with my AC is responsible. This includes dedicated, seperate AC lines for both digital and analog, dedicated grounds and power conditioners; BPT 3.5 Sig. for analog (I plug Super BAM into this) Shunyata Hydra 4 for digital, VH Audio AirSines, Shunyata Cobra and Python VX and Purist Audio Dominus power cords. I'm thinking that my AC noise floor is competitive with Battery mode, and the negative things I'm hearing with the Battery mode are symptomatic of this mode of power.
I recall reading a number of reviews over the years in which battery powered equipment has been criticized for some of the symptoms I'm experiencing, could this criticism be legitimate in this instance? I have also personally experienced some of these same symptoms with a N.E.W. DCA 66 amp I own which further reinforces my thoughts on this.
I'm just wondering if any other Merlin owners have experienced these symptoms, or whether it could be some lack of synergy in my system that is causing this?
I also experimented with different power cords on the Super Bam and this further changed things, ie. I'm thinking a real nice PC here will further improve things, any thoughts?
Equipment:
Perp. Tech. P1A, P3A, Monolithic PS, Modwright Signature mods, Revelation Audio cables, P3A chassis out of case (case adds capacitance)
Audio Logic 24mxl
Proceed CDD
Joule Electra LA 100 Mk. III
Art Audio Carissa Signature
IC's-Cardas Golden Ref., Purist Audio Venustas and Dominus, Ridge Street Poiema
Speaker-Synergistic Resolution Ref FX X2 biwired
Also full room treatments-Echobusters, Doublebusters, RPG Pro Foam and Skylines, DIY 16" tube traps
sns
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
Bobby, I think they are pretty darn convincing a large scale music, but there is something to be said for a 12" woofer, or two 8s - then again, they can't do what a 6 1/2" can do augmented with a BAM. I knwo a 3-way will do somethings, but it would not be worth it if you lost the magic of cohesiveness that makes the VSMs so special.
bobbyapalkovic
729 posts
 
you are right paul. the first thing for all listeners to consider is the size of their sound room and purchase a product suited to the room's needs.
the vsm cannot fill grand central station with sound but then again a speaker that can, will sound terrible in a room that the vsm thrives in. and if bass quantity and extention is the issue, they work well with subs. then you can go larger in room size again.
best, b
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
So one day there will a VSS - that is what the world needs, a very scary subwoofer:)
bobbyapalkovic
729 posts
 
i think you already know the answer to that one.
cool name...
:-)
b
turboglo
110 posts
 
I don't know the answer. Is it yes or no?
More to discover