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Merlin VSM MXr vs Thiel 2.4 vs Dynaudio C1

Hi, I got a lot of good recommendations from viewers of my other thread "Best speaker under $3K". I wonder if I stretch my budget to around $4K- used, what would be the choice?

A few people mentioned the Dynaudio Confidence C1, Merlin, Thiel, etc. Anyone have experience with these fine speakers? How would you differ them?

FYI, I listen to a variety of musics - orchestra, chamber, vocals(female and male), jazz, pop songs,etc and prefer natural, accurate, musical sound with smooth treble and good bass as well as excellent sound stage and imaging.

I had experience listening the Vandersteen 5A and was very impressed by the dynamics and details it rendered. But it's way beyond my reach.

Realistically, I would consider the few candidates mentioned above and maybe the Reference 3A Veneer. My listening room is about 13 x 15 x 9.

Thanks for your help.
r0817
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
OP, you say you loved the VS 5As, were you able to hear the 3A Signatures as
well? I get the sense that most listeners gravitate to either Thiel or
Vandersteen, but generally not both, as the sound signatures are quite
different. The VS 3As would certainly be in your price range and I understand
that some of the drivers from the 5 have trickled down to the 3As.
r0817 OP
55 posts
 
Hi guys,

Thanks a lot for your suggestion.

I just bought a pair of Harbeth C7 ES-3 in Cherry finish. What a beauty! Now I'm searching a pair of stands and pre/power amp for them (please see my other threads).
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
Lovely speakers. How much in your budget for an pre/power amp? Harbeth owners seem to like the LFD integrated.
tabl10s's avatar
tabl10s
1,090 posts
 
Stringreen,

Are you going to upgrade to the Carbon's@$7-9k for original purchaser's?
r0817 OP
55 posts
 
Pubu157,

What's a LFD integrated amp? How about a tube amp?

Budget depends on what I'll get: for integrated $2K; for pre/power, $4K; new or used will be considered.
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