Merlin owners,any thoughts.......

Usblues,
So we all stay sane, let's just assume that someday you'll upgrade to the Audience AU24.
For $200, assuming you mean for just speaker cables, you could look into Audiences newer lower priced models, not sure if that is cheap enough. Older Cardas is an option. The best budget cable I've heard is Signal Cable. It's definitely in your price range. Didn't hear them on VSMs, but they are solid product for their price...
Cheers, Spencer

To Tvad&Sbank,good news,I will contact those people/places as I have 8 weeks to get things started and I like the idea of changing/trying till that ship comes in....thank you,Bob

Another low price/high performance speaker cable is the $180 eight foot pair from Audiogon member, Greggstraley, which replaced my already excellent value Alpha Core Goertz MI-3, and AG-1 speaker cables.
Currently use with ribbon tweeter/transmission line bass Clements Rt-7, driven by either Aronov LS960I, or Cary SLA70Sig tube amp. When paired with dynamic speakers from Duntech, Spendor, and Platinum Audio, these cables always sound natural, detailed, and full range.
The bargain price of a direct seller gives no hint just how superb is the performance, and the money back trial offer eliminates buyer remorse.