9rw, you jump in with both feet and say a bunch of nonsense pertaining to a situation you had with a 4th geneation discontinued product (from 10 years ago) and make it appear like it still has bearing today. this is both dishonest and confusing to those who read this forum.
then when i try to tell marty in an understated manner what the history is, you start to lose your cool and said mean spirited things. the one person who could have explained the difference bewteen the se and the mxe (marty) you blew off like a pompous know it all. well, 9rw, you are not the only musician who comes here, you are not the only one who has heard 100s of systems, read tecnical journals or even worked in recording venues. some of us even have a very significant technical understanding of this sound thing. we just use these experiences and knowledge differently than you appear to. sound is not a contact sport, it is about the joy of music and the effects on your heart and soul.
lets just say we agree to disagee and leave it at that because you are so closed minded you won't even allow yourself to see another way or learn something. one concept does not fit all.
i can hear you rationizing how different can the sound be with so many things looking so similar? the proof is in the listening and then, with first hand knowledge you can say your peace.
to many, the arc pres are known to have a recessive mid band. think about their reference speaker of years gone by. in a situation where the speaker is as linear as the vsm is, this would tend to stratify the treble and bass as your friend found. you called it garbadge, not i.
and your room may be damped pefectly for your vrs and sub but it is way over done for the merlins. i have been through this with you before, have you forgotten?
best, b