Focal Mini Utopia vs Merlin MXe

Sstalwar,

I've owned Merlin TSM speakers and loved them for jazz but not so much for orchestral music. I switched to Silverline SR17.5's and am very pleased with how they handle both genres. The more current Silverline model is the Silverline SR17 Supreme which lists for $6000. That's more than the Merlin TSM's, but less than the Micro Utopia - if I am thinking of the correct Focal speaker. If the Silverline is available in your area, you might want to add them to your audition list.

Also, my amplifiers are Rogue Audio M180 monoblocks which I run in triode. I am very happy Silverline/Rogue combination.

Sstalwar,

I wanted to add that the reason I suggested Silverline is that in an earlier post someone had suggested Dynaudio speakers to you, and Silverline makes excellent use of Dynaudio drivers.

Sstalwar: One more thing: Upon reading your original post again, I realized that you were not clear if you were interested in Merlin TSM or VSM speakers. I had assumed that you were interested in the TSM speaker since you were considering the smaller Focal speakers. If you are indeed considering the Merlin VSM speakers, I have no experience with them but would certainly think they would be fine for orchestral music. So, please take my earlier comment about the TSM to be strictly limited to that speaker.

If I were considering speakers in the VSM price category, then I would certainly put the Silverline Bolero Supreme on my audition list.

Bought the Merlin VSM MXe speakers... Not received yet but very excited about the purchase. Firstly would like to thank all the members who guided me make the decision. Also, want to thank Bobby @ Merlin for spending time with me about related equipment matching etc. Picked up used Audio Aero Prima MK II CDP mainly at Bobby's rec. Would like to pair a TVC passive preamplifier (Bent Audio Tap X comes to mind) and an OTL amp (Atma or Transcendent sound). Other option is ARS integrated as we all know is also highly recommended by Bobby. Chime in with your thoughts....while I wait to set these up..

Love Bent-TAP, but not with Atma-sphere, the amp is not sensitive enough for a passive IMHO. What does work really well is a passive with the Music Reference RM10MKII ($1950 new, to $1,000 used). I had CAT JL2, Ars Sonum, Quicksilver, Music Reference RM9 & 10, and Pass XA30.5 and Aleph J with the MXe. To my ears, nothing beats the Atma-sphere M60s with the Atma-pre, but for a lot less money the RM10MKII is one hell of a great amp and it drives the Merlins beautifully with its 35 watts. If cash is no problem, Atma-sphere M60s with the MP3 is a world class combo with the Merlins (some prefer the Joule, but I think that is a matter of preference, and quite a bit more expensive than the Atma-sphere combo - though I do use a Joule LA150MKI Signature with my MR RM9s.