Who stay with Merlin longest time

I agree. And I don"t think I ever had a room that would really be optimal for large, multi-driver speakers - though of course they could "work" - it just seems large speakers really need large rooms to sound coherent across the spectrum like the Merlins and Quad 57/63 electrostatics do - in an odd way, they seem more alike than you would think given how different they are in "driver" technology.

imho, what works well/sounds right in a more normal living environment (up to 4000 cubic feet) is very different than what works well in much large rooms at greater listening distances. merlin speaker systems are designed to be very qualitative and dynamic for smaller/more normal sized rooms. they are also very linear with great axial dispersion. not for everyone but that is why we have a substantial following and people tend to stick with them. what also helps is the upgrade potential rather than being forced to buy new with each model change.
again not for everyone but for those that want to follow developments more closely, they have the opportunity at a reduced cost.
regards,
b@merlin

Aside from Merlin's, the most relaxing speaker I've ever heard was the four-piece Audio Artistry "Beethoven" back in '96 that requires a large room.

Can't help but wonder what our national economy and overall corporate status would be like if everyone had Bobby's passion for his work and desire to provide a quality product at a fair price (along with the upgrade path). Of course smaller companies like Merlin have the ability to be more engaging with their customers, but that's hardly the norm...

It does feel good to support an "local" craftsman with excellent products, customer service, and a pretty genuine concern for his customers - all the ingredients for success - and Richard Vandersteen and Ralph Karsten are also in that camp.