Merlin VSM MXr vs Thiel 2.4 vs Dynaudio C1


Hi, I got a lot of good recommendations from viewers of my other thread "Best speaker under $3K". I wonder if I stretch my budget to around $4K- used, what would be the choice?

A few people mentioned the Dynaudio Confidence C1, Merlin, Thiel, etc. Anyone have experience with these fine speakers? How would you differ them?

FYI, I listen to a variety of musics - orchestra, chamber, vocals(female and male), jazz, pop songs,etc and prefer natural, accurate, musical sound with smooth treble and good bass as well as excellent sound stage and imaging.

I had experience listening the Vandersteen 5A and was very impressed by the dynamics and details it rendered. But it's way beyond my reach.

Realistically, I would consider the few candidates mentioned above and maybe the Reference 3A Veneer. My listening room is about 13 x 15 x 9.

Thanks for your help.
r0817
Lovely speakers. How much in your budget for an pre/power amp? Harbeth owners seem to like the LFD integrated.
Stringreen,

Are you going to upgrade to the Carbon's@$7-9k for original purchaser's?
Pubu157,

What's a LFD integrated amp? How about a tube amp?

Budget depends on what I'll get: for integrated $2K; for pre/power, $4K; new or used will be considered.
A google search will get a few reviews on the British LFD, Telling reviewed the
MKIII version I think, he claimed it was the best integrated he has heard, but
that is one person's view, but you will also find many fans in the Harbeth Forum
that like it too, they also tend to be fans of SS gear for matching with Harbeth,
of course I heard them with the MAC 2275 tube integrated and they sounded
superb. You should probably start a thread specifically on amplification for
Harbeth, I think there are quite a few users on Audiogon.

P.S. There is an LFD MKIII up for sale right now - $2,000.
Let us know how you like the new Harbeth 7es3 compared to the Thiel or Dynaudio.