The original VSM models were introduced at the Chicago CES in 1994 and have since undergone many small improvements. However, the special edition VSMs are practically new models, although they resemble "standard" VSMs. The standard versions enjoy popularity with audiophiles in over fourteen countries and are still available along with the company's only other model, the TSM. Now on to the special editions.

Appearance:

Even those familiar with the original VSM design will not be able to distinguish the SE version from the original VSM enclosures as the changes in the design have been subtly implemented. Thus, the model SEs are slim floor-standing enclosures, with brass tuning rods on front and top of the cabinets; our samples came finished in textured black-their basic version. Other finishes are available and include premium high-gloss finishes of Ruby Heart Red, Hunter Green, Piano Black, Black Ice Blue, or Pearl White at an additional cost.

Each enclosure is 8 5/8 inches wide by 10 1/2 inches deep by 42 7/8 inches high. Each cabinet weighs 84.5 lbs. The BAM measures 6 3/4 inches wide by 8 3/4 inches deep by 2 1/4 inches high. Including the packaging (pair in one carton) and the BAM, the total weight is a hefty 195 lbs.

Technology:

As in the regular VSM models, the cabinet base material is MDF constructed and glued to yield a 1.5 inch thick baffle. The cabinet is mass loaded and sports thin stripes which help control resonances.

The system employs an optimized 12 dB per octave crossover network dividing frequencies at 2200Hz with both drivers wired in electrical phase. Each tweeter employs an impedance corrected electronic circuit damping system and premium parts such as proprietary ultra low loss inductors by Hovland, Hovland aluminum foil and polypropylene capacitors, Caddock Micronox film resistors wired with Cardas Cross, bi-wirable via Cardas "low stress" binding posts. For those who wish to optimize loudspeaker performance in a given acoustic environment, Merlin offers removable outboard RC networks. Components are point-to-point hand wired with consideration for easy upgrades or repairs.

Considered an option, but an integral part of this design's ultimate sonic performance, Merlin offers the BAM - A Bass Augmentation Module. It provides a 5.2dB boost at 35Hz with a subsonic bass roll-off below 27Hz. The unit has an external power supply which features Cardas Cross internal wiring, Caddock Micronox film resistors, Hovland aluminum foil and polypropylene capacitors. Its input impedance is 40k ohms: its output impedance is 100 ohms; it's THD is < 0.005%, at a maximum output voltage of 9.5Vrms. Power requirements: 50/60 Hz 110 VAC to 117 VAC.

Frequency response is quoted from 33Hz to 22kHz (+/-2dB, 1 meter on axis), 4.5dB down at 30Hz with BAM in circuit); 36Hz to 20kHz (+/-1.75 dB, 1 meter on axis), 36Hz to 20kHz (+/-1.5 dB at 10 degrees off axis [optimum listening axis]). Here is a rarely quoted measurement, namely-acoustic phase shift: it's less than 10 degrees; system impedance is 8 ohms nominal, 6.5 ohms minimum and 15.6 ohms at crossover point. Sensitivity is 89dB, 1W/lM (2.83V) - which makes the SEs suitable for use with vacuum tube amplifiers, although they can easily handle 200 watts (program) with a maximum output of 111dB (program).

Here are a few of the technical parameters that makes the special edition loudspeakers different from the conventional VSM version.

The crossover point was moved up. The woofer went up 50Hz and the tweeter 65Hz. The new crossover point is 2,200Hz. The original design had woofer and tweeter inductors of the same gauge. In this model the woofer inductor's larger gauge reduces ESR (resistance) and the tweeter inductor's smaller gauge increases ESR in the high-pass. This is said to cause a change in spectral balance to the fuller side with increased output in the bass as well as decreased output and increased damping in the treble.

The fibrous MDF was changed to a new, chipped version that is much more resistant to humidity and swelling. It is more consistent in density and has a lower resonant frequency. Polyurethane water activated adhesives are used to glue the cabinets together. These adhesives are much stronger than latex types and do not get as hard when cured. The enclosures are much stronger and better damped at the joints, reducing ringing at critical areas. New super alloy (low profile) screws-machined with tiny pan/torx heads-fasten the woofer to the cabinet. The smaller profile is said to reduce lip and edge diffraction from the woofer. A new port was designed to achieve a 60% reduction of port resonance and turbulences critical area in the vocal (mid) range.

The woofer is a proprietary version of the Scanspeak 8545. Its number, Merlin 8545-06, indicates a change in damping material and cone mass. It is considerably shinier than standard units and has a more centered sound with much better high frequency damping. Low frequency energy is also more evident even though the fundamental of 27Hz has not changed. More Dacron fiber fill was added to the tweeter chamber around the crossover assembly. This minimizes wall bounce and reduces eeking noises that could be transmitted through the sensitive baffle of the tweeter.

Electronic circuit damping has been added to the HF networks in the VSM (both standard and SE). This series resistance changes the Q of the network and diminishes the amount of resonance to a tiny part of a decibel, resulting in much less distortion, higher resolution and smoother sound.

The last and probably most important change is the Hovland inductor kit. These parts are hand-made by Hovland to Merlin specifications and feature a very large, laminated steel core (conventional inductors are made of transformer wire or ribbon). The core material is so powerful that almost no wire is used for the windings. In fact ESR levels dropped 80% from the original kit.

The design is still based on a front vented two-way system featuring the aforementioned customized ScanSpeak 6.5 inch woofer with a paper carbon fiber cone suspended in a cast aluminum basket; and a 1-inch soft-dome tweeter made by DynAudio (model Esotar D330/A). A low diffraction rubber surround complements the large, rear vented motor assembly. The system is vented at the front and tuned to 37Hz. To simplify placement and appropriate mechanical interaction with the listening room, a new cone (foot) made of aluminum was developed for use as a coupler. It better matches the resonance requirements of the enclosure. Merlin offers options such as aluminum or Bull Dog Cones at no charge.

The Sound:

Prior to our receiving the models under review, they had been at the Canadian Consumer Electronics Exposition held in Toronto at the end of September, 1998. Although they were almost fully burned in, we added another 100 hours of playing time before we went to work.

For our serious auditions, we connected the SEs to three of our in-house power amplifiers-the Topaz (single-ended tube), the OCM 800 (reviewed in Vol.10, #4) and the Bryston 8B (strapped to deliver 400W/channel). The Wyetech Lab Opal preamplifier was used with all the power amps. A Celeste Moon integrated amplifier (60W/channel) was also used to determine the Merlins' sonic characteristics and their compatibility with a larger scope of electronics. Our source components included the Roksan and the Primare CD players, both reviewed in this issue, and an in-house Elite LD player with Audio Alchemy DTI Pro and DAC. The systems were connected with Nordost Flatline SPM and Red Dawn speaker cables and interconnects.

The most noticeable improvement over the standard VSM was the bass performance. Regular readers who read our earlier review of the VSMs will have noticed that we mentioned the slight lack of deep bass. In the SE version, bass energy has improved significantly while still offering the utmost resolving quality. Of course, some amplifiers illustrated this better than others. The Topaz amplifier communicated the sweetest highs and greater inner detail than all other amps while it generated resolution across the audible frequency band and controlled the VSM-SEs bass with an iron grip. However, the amp didn't deliver the optimum body in the bottom registers. This is where the OCM 800 outperformed the other amplifiers. The OCM managed rich liquid bottom notes, not as controlled as with the Topaz, but utterly musical. Inner detail diminished somewhat while the top frequencies remained clear and explicit, comparable to the Topaz amp. The Bryston 8B-ST offered resolving dexterity in line with the Topaz, while the highs were a touch harder and the bass, although well controlled, didn't quite reach to pedal note depth. The lower-powered Celeste Moon integrated amplifier did a wonderful job, delivering superb resolution, exemplary detail but rather cut and dry bass.

In our collective opinions, all amplifiers complemented the Merlins' sonic makeup and all delivered what we perceive as an elevated degree of musical performance. The SE version of the VSMs can and will allow listeners to hear their back-up components, which puts the ultimate musical accomplishment into the hands of the listener. Some folks may like a little more body-that's achievable with a change of interconnects and speaker cables. Some listeners may be quite happy with the VSM-SEs without the (optional) BAM - A couple of our panelists liked this. And still others may prefer dynamics to "sweetness" - and that's done by choosing a powerful solid state amplifier. As our Editor always states: listen with your ears and cater to your preference. The Editor likes the VSM-SEs with the BAM in, connected with a mean single ended amp, such as the Topaz. He added that the essence of music is best accomplished with an amplifier - any amplifier - that offers musical sophistication rather than astounding specifications. Some of the above mentioned technical changes have also been implemented in the standard VSMs. According to Merlin, this nearly microscopic attention to detail has resulted in about a 30% all-round improvement over earlier models.

Synopsis & Commentary:

The VSM special edition loudspeakers exemplify what can be achieved by simply using better components, tightening part tolerances, effective resonance control and hours of diligent listening, adjusting, listening again and so on.

The payoff is a sophisticated, rather complex design which, at first glance, does not reveal more than a simple two-way loudspeaker. However, the proof of a great loudspeaker is in its sound rather than its appearance and, when we take this as the guideline, the Merlins sound much better than they look.