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Utopia Micros + Sub vs. Utopia Divas vs. Merlin

Hello,

This is my first post and my first foray into the home audio world. Everything I know about 2 channel systems I've learned in the last two weeks reading hundreds or thousands of posts here. I'm building my first system for a carpeted room that is 13x18 with an 8' ceiling where the speakers have to be placed against the long wall and no farther than 3 feet from the wall behind. I listen to singer songwriter stuff (Jack Johnson), acoustic leaning indie rock (Shins, My Morning Jacket), some pop (the Fray, Corinne Bailey Rae), and a little classical. I only am interested in CDs.

I have a deal working for a McIntosh MC352 and MCD201 cd player, which will also act as a pre-amp.

I can only afford used speakers--Micros and VSM-MMs seem to be in the $4K range; Divas more but the difference is about the same as a sub--looking at the ACI Titan.

Given this approximately $5K-$6K speaker budget, would you recommend the Utopia Micro Be + a sub, the Utopia Divas, or the Merlin VSM-MMs?

Can I even run a sub without a dedicated preamp?

Thank you very much for your input.
conrad_80
Post removed 
ctchen
68 posts
 
In a German audio magazine the Diva bettered the Micro BE + Utopia sub , but do try the Diva at home.
The Diva seems to be very roomdependend ,in the right room it`s very very good.
goatwuss
877 posts
 
Conrad - Have you heard a JM Labs speaker or a Merlin speaker before?
conrad_80 OP
3 posts
 
Goatwuss,

I've heard the Utopia but not the Merlins.
I'm basing my choices a lot on a composite of all the comments and reviews about both.
I know--it's not the best way to go about it but I find listening at dealers almost less helpful and I don't want to put out people that I won't be buying from because of budget constraints.
joeyboynj
621 posts
 
If you use a Rel Sub you will not need pre-amp outputs. This is because the connection is made directly to your amp. I have a Rel Britannia B3 and it blends very smoothly with my JM Lab - Focal Profile 918's. I researched many subs and there are lots of reviews about Rel subs and their connections directly to the amp.
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