Gallo 3.5 vs Merlin VSM-MXe

"why does it seem like you prefer to spout your opinions more in merlin threads"

Because that is the topic you happen to be monitoring maybe?

I offer opinions and observations on many topics of interest to me based on what I learn over time from various sources, including others whose opinions I respect.

IS that a problem too?

In general, I try to keep discussions positive and sometimes humorous. I seldom get into threads about topics or products I do not like and would not consider buying myself or recommending to others. The exception is when I suspect people may be making a flat out mistake or throwing their money away for no good reason.

If I start talking about MErlin less, you can take that as a bad indicator and a negative trend, FWIW.

If the OP is still out there and cares, after reading through things further, and getting past all the noise, I realize that you are comparing used versus new at a particular price point. That's important.

Used MErlin VSM-MXes at a good used price will probably not depreciate as much as new anythings.

Given that, I personally would be even more hard pressed to go for new Gallos over floor standing MErlins with Bamm.

This is just my opinion of course. I have never heard MErlins but would feel confident trying them in your situation if it were me.

A sub can always be added later if needed, but the benefits would likely be marginal as indicated and only with some recordings/music types in a smaller 12X12 room.

Of course, some people feel more comfortable buying new, all other things aside. Only you as the buyer can make that judgement.

m, "A sub can always be added later if needed, but the benefits would likely be marginal as indicated and only with some recordings/music types in a smaller 12X12 room."
was that so hard? thank you!
b

Is the OP's room 12x12? If this is the case, that's too small for either the Merlin floorstanders or the Gallos. Not to mention identical dimensions that will cause havok in your end result...

The TSM or the Gallo Strada with a small sub would be far better matched to the room size IMHO.

Goatwuss, I disagree that the Merlin VSMs will not work in a 12' X 12' room. I use a pair in my second system, with tube amplification, in a 15' X 13' room - not far off from those dimensions.

The caveat I've found with this room is that speaker placement has proven far more critical than in the 26' X 17' room that houses my main system. But, with care, the end result can still be incredibly good.