I'm not anti-sub, used Vandersteen with 3A Sigs and (2) 2wq subs for many years (that worked very well indeed), but what the Merlin does exceptionally well is resolution and coherence, if that is what you value, I would take the VSM route over the sub-route, unless (perhaps) I was interested in the deepest-bass electronic music or HT rolling thunder. Given the need for a very high quality sub to blend with the exceptional TSMs, I would also think it would make more financial sense to sell the TSMs and trade up to a pair of VSMs - but, enjoying the Mahi-Mahis for a while comes before that for at least a while:) To my ears the VSMs (now with the Master BAM) has wonderful bass quality and depth, that provide coherence not possible with more drivers and disparate cabinets -IMHO I think the Merlin design philosophy is about nimble, articulate bass the blends perfectly with the midrange and highs - a challenge for most [any?] subwoofer[s] with this speaker. It is that very magical coherence that explains Merlin's decision to use two-drivers with a BAM for bass augementation, rather than a 3rd (or 4th)- large driver to provide dynamic bass into the low 30s with the VSMs, along with point source imaging, and electrostatic coherence - that is not going to happen with Subwoofers and the TSMs.
But anyway, this is about the Mahi-Mahi, and in my view a solid yes with the TSMs, and VSMs as well.
