Dunlavy SC IV or Merlin VSM M

How can anyone be so sure about the OP's room? You have no idea of how the system will be oriented. Is he setting up on the long wall or short wall?

The OP wrote:

Room size is 16 x 23 with a vaulted ceiling and one wall open.

I posted that Merlins sound great in my listening room, which is 15 x 23 with a vaulted ceiling and one wall open. I never said that they'd sound great in his room, only that they sounded great in mine, which, as you can see, is virtually identical to the one described by the OP in every way that he described it.

Sure there are many reasons that the rooms may differ, but it struck me as a relevant note when the issue at hand is suitable room size for this particular speaker. Feel free to take that FWIW, but I thought it worth posting for the benefit of the OP.

Marty

r, its all in the volume and the running length. long wall or short wall will matter little. the room is a virtual golden rule dream.
b

I still think it is difficult to say a given speaker will work in a room based solely on dimensions. To properly answer the question more information is needed. A diagram would be even better.

based on the information i was given and the volume i would say that he has no problems. i have spent over 20 years setting these speakers up in every imagineable scenerio. the vsm m is an older version and i am more concerned about the cables and that he does some upgrades to them down the road. this will make the speakers ultimately more friendly. the proper use of boundary reinforcements will get him in a good position. the room will have minimum reflections. i asked him to call or mail me so i can discuss it with him. now it is up to him.
bobby