Merlin Music Systems has elevated the critically acclaimed performance of its VSM loudspeakers to a new level, the Merlin VSM-MM and VSM-MX. The VSM MM's & MX’s use the same rigid cabinets, state-of-the-art drivers, proprietary wire harness, specially designed "Z" feet, and high-quality internal parts as in previous versions of the VSM. The VSM MM & MX continue to use our proprietary ultra low loss Hovland inductors and the Merlin Bass Augmentation Module (BAM) that was developed for the VSM-M. New to the VSM-MM & MX is the further improvement of crossover components which takes the speaker performance to the next level.

Inductor Technology: The proprietary inductors that we use in the VSM MM & MX were jointly developed by Hovland and Merlin over a three-year period. The inductors have very low ESR (equivalent series resistance), high power handling, and extremely linear operation. As implemented in the VSM crossover, the inductors help the speakers achieve a clearer, more organic sound with vastly lower distortion.

Bass Optimization Technology: The Merlin BAM improves the already impressive bass capabilities of the VSM loudspeaker, adding new levels of low-end weight and depth. The BAM effectively extends the low-frequency response of the VSM in a phase and amplitude correct manner to –4 dB at 30Hz with no alteration to the rest of the speaker’s exceptionally flat frequency response or musical characteristics. The BAM has the same exceptional internal parts found in the VSMs themselves, further ensuring that the qualities of the VSM will not be harmed in any way. It also includes a battery based power supply, which removes the last vestiges of any electronic signature from the BAM’s performance. The BAM is easily inserted in the signal path between preamp and power amp or in any suitable tape loop.

Footer Technology: Developed for the VSM-M, the VSM MM & MX both continue to use the "Z" foot. Developed for damped, high Q, speakers systems, the "Z" foot’s enhanced dynamic coupling allows the speakers to produce a fuller, clearer, and relaxed sound.

VSM-MM & VSM-MX Developments: Merlin has received extraordinary feedback from reviewers, show goers, and owners who have heard the MX series speakers since their introduction at the January 2004 International CES. MX and MM versions of the VSM incorporate revolutionary improvements to the construction of certain crossover components used in their dividing networks and in the BAM. These changes result in a number of significant sonic improvements over our standard Millennium series. The improvements were clearly audible to the attendees resulting in exciting commentary during the show. The MM & MX series features:

• Greater resolution without any negative side effects - The VSM’s resolving ability is bumped-up another notch or two without effecting the natural tonal presentation of the speakers.  The speakers sound bigger, more room filling, fleshed out and more direct than ever before.

• Greater macro & micro Dynamics - The speakers now play effortlessly right up to their limits without strain or congestion. Nuances that were slightly obscured (at all SPLs) are now clearly audible.

• Even lower self noise than before - There is no doubt that the treble of the Millennium series was pristine and grain free. But a slight haze that was overriding the treble (which was not apparent) has been eliminated. Cymbals and brushwork now take on an incredibly lifelike and dimensional quality. Additionally, the separation of players and the sense of space within the sound stage is more apparent and correct.

• Greater weight and presence - Complex large scale music (i.e large orchestral works) are conveyed with a greater sense of weight, authority, and presence.

For VSM specifications, please see below.  Visit any of the pages listed below to learn more about the VSM and related products:

• NEW! - Click here to download/view our new VSM color literature PDF!
• Visit our Millennium Series White Paper page to learn more about the Merlin Millennium Series speakers.
• Visit The Evolution of the Merlin VSM Loudspeaker page to learn more about the story of the VSM speaker system.
• Visit the Merlin BAM page to learn about our Bass Augmentation Module (BAM) and the new Battery BAM option for the VSM speaker system.
• Visit the VSM White Paper for a complete, detailed account of the VSM loudspeaker design.
• Visit the Product Pricing page to learn about the pricing for VSM-SE speaker system in all available configurations and finishes.
• Visit the Dealers page to find the nearest Merlin Music Systems dealer near you.

Read what the experts say!

VSM System Specifications

• Vented (front) and tuned to 37 Hz
• Super strong glued Pan Fiber construction
• 1 1/2"  thick front baffle
• Mass loaded
• Internal and external resonance damping
• Floor standing with dynamic coupling feet
• Low diffraction
• High durability three step textured black finish standard on VSM-MM
• Premium high-gloss color finishes standard on VSM-MX
• Brass tuning rods on front and top of cabinet
• Hand-crafted speaker grills included

Woofer:

• 6.5 inch paper carbon-fiber cone
• Cast aluminum basket
• Low diffraction rubber surround
• Large motor, rear vented
• Specifically manufactured for Merlin Music Systems by ScanSpeak

Tweeter:

• 1 inch soft dome
• Dynaudio Esotar D330/A

Crossover:

• Highly optimized 12 dB per octave
• Crossover point at 2200 Hz
• Both drivers wired in electrical phase
• Fixed output (no level controls)
• Impedance corrected
• Electronic circuit damping
• Proprietary ultra-low loss inductors by Hovland
• Hovland Aluminum foil and polypropylene capacitors
• Caddock Micronox® Film resistors
• Wired with Cardas wire
• Bi-wireable via Cardas "low stress" binding posts
• Removable outboard RC Networks
• EMI/RFI filtering networks
• Point-to-point hand wired
• Easily removable for upgrades/repairs

Bass Augmentation Module (BAM):

• 5.2dB of boost at 35 Hz
• Subsonic bass roll-off below 27Hz
• Outboard power supply
• Optional rechargeable battery power supply
• Single ended (RCA) or fully balanced (XLR) models available
• Cardas Cross internal wiring
• Caddock Micronox® Film resistors
• Hovland Aluminum foil and polypropylene capacitors
• Input impedance: 40k ohms
• Output impedance: 100 ohms
• THD: < 0.005%
• Maximum output voltage: 9.5Vrms
• Power requirements: 50/60Hz 110VAC to 117VAC

• 33-22 kHz +/- 2dB, 1 meter on axis
• 4dB down at 30Hz with BAM in circuit
• 36-20kHz +/- 1.75 dB, 1 meter on axis
• 36-20kHz +/- 1.5 dB at 10° off axis (optimum listening axis)

Acoustic phase shift:

• Less than 10°

Impedance:

• 8 ohms nominal
• 6.5 ohms minimum
• 15.6 ohms at crossover point

Sensitivity:

• 89 dB, 1W/1M (2.83V)
• Excellent tube amplifier compatibility

Power Handling:

• 200 watts (program)
• Maximum output 111 dB (program)

Power requirements suggested:

• 17 watts minimum (tube)
• 25 watts minimum (solid state)
• 200 watts maximum

Dimensions and Weight:

• Speakers: 8-5/8 inches wide by 10-1/2 inches deep by 42-7/8 inches high
• 84.5 lbs. each
• BAM: 6-3/4 inches wide by 8-3/4 inches deep by 2-1/4 inches high
• 195 lbs. in packaging (one pair in carton with BAM)

Warranty:

• 10 years parts and labor

Options:

• Fully balanced (XLR input/output) Battery BAM. Includes a self contained, rechargeable battery power supply.
• Single ended/Balanced BAM unit with self contained rechargeable power supply available.
• Premium high-gloss finishes include: Piano Black, Ruby Heart Red, Ice Black Blue. Moss Green, and Eggplant.
• Custom color high-gloss premium finishes are also available.

Pricing:

• Please visit our Product Pricing page for a list of all available options, finishes, and pricing.