I can testify that the Merlin TSM will do well near the front wall. In a second system, I have a pair placed 10 inches into a huge room (16x25), resting on their sides in a large, open-sided wall unit, driven by a Manley Stingray II with a Marantz SA-11s2 SACD source and a small, sealed Von Schweikert sub. In your room the sub would likely be unnecessary. Naturally, they'd image better on stands four feet into the room but they do quite well in this compromised arrangement.
Paraneer gives good advice about avoiding rear ports so near the front wall. The TSM has a sealed cabinet, as you probably know. I have a pair of front-ported Omega Grande 8R's, which also work well there, but the Merlins are quite a bit better.
Paraneer gives good advice about avoiding rear ports so near the front wall. The TSM has a sealed cabinet, as you probably know. I have a pair of front-ported Omega Grande 8R's, which also work well there, but the Merlins are quite a bit better.