Phil I still find it remarkable that a dealer would carry a product he doesn't believe in. There are certainly other speakers that can be driven by tubes that he likes, right? I cant believe that he only carries tube electronics. Indeed he is a poor businessman and if he were so honest as you say, he wouldnt carry a product he doesnt like, that isn't honest it is stupid. He sounds like the most obsequious dealer I have ever heard of, cant say no and cant say yes. Well you still haven't offered me specific criticisms. Your remarks are interesting to me since I have NEVER heard those characterizations of the Merlins. I have heard too accurate, too much detail, ruthlessly revealing, but mediocre and HI-FI? especially for a system that has been so widely regarded by reviewers and won so many Best of Show awards. I can't possibly believe that you heard the same speakers I currently own and am amazed by every time I listen even though I know my system is far from optimum, the speakers reveal that fact. These speakers are the antithesis of Hi-Fi more like music. I just think they get closer to the truth of the recording without adding the artifacts so typical in virtually all speakers I have heard. In any event Tbonephile listen with your own ears, and read the reviews, the Merlins are exceptional speakers to this listener.
