Harbeth Compact 7 or Merlin TSM

The sonic characteristics of both are well docemented in the discussion
here on agon already. It is a personal judgement call in regard to which
will sound more "musical".

Merlin would be my choice for transparency and detail and overall
versatility. Harbeth could be fun and more distinctive sounding
compared to most good modern designs.

Thanks everybody for your inputs.

MACD: One of my friends used to have a pair of original Harbeth Compact 7and he used a SE300B amp to driver them. From distant memory, the sound was warm and very musical. I still remembered every time when I visit him, I always wanted him to play some music for me. His living room is about the size of my currently listening room.

Bobby: My budget is to look for a pair of used (either brand) in the mid $2k range. It seems like the VSM is better fit my need as they are more sensitive then the TSM. Too bad they are out of my budget.

Also, what is the main difference between the new Master series with the MMr series?

Thanks,
Tuck

I agree with Palkovic. I owned an earlier version of TSM than the "mme" and it was clinical, analytical and "hifi"...all things I hate in a loudspeaker. Get the Harbeth...no contest. You'll never look back.

Bobby-

I owned the VSM-M with a Super BBam so it was an older model...I am sure the newer versions are in a different league. Because of this I should have mentioned the model of VSM I owned.

I think i would lean toward merlin with tube amps for more synergy. I would fear too much midrange warmth with tube amp plus harbeth for my personal taste.